Best 4 Solar Companies in Gulfport, MS

With Gulfport's clear skies and little rainfall, it's a perfect area for homeowners and businesses seeking to harness the extra sunlight by purchasing panels from one of the best solar companies. While going solar comes with upfront costs, local homeowners could ultimately save $1,100 per kilowatt on their electric bills. A professional technician can help you select the best panels to maximize your savings. Discover Gulfport's best solar companies and learn essential decision-making advice on this page.

Ranking Methodology

Our team has meticulously studied dozens of solar providers near Gulfport, emphasizing the following criteria:

• Panel quality and brand offerings: The leading solar companies stay up-to-date with new technology, providing equipment from innovative, dependable manufacturers.
• Certifications and licenses: Each company on our list meets state and city licensing requirements and stays up to date with industry best practices. Many of them have been a part of the Gulfport community for more than a decade.
• Educational approach and support: Solar technicians must be good teachers. They should utilize their years of experience answer your questions on how to maintain your system and improve its performance.
• Customer feedback and reviews: Most Gulfport solar providers have both favorable and unfavorable reviews. However, a good review ratio indicates a company's trustworthiness and responsiveness to issues.
• Warranty and service offerings: Solar contractors should stand behind their systems and services with warranties. We evaluated how each provider responds to issues and warranty claims, focusing on timeliness and customer satisfaction.

Benefits of Solar Energy

Solar energy offers multiple benefits. Let's look at a few of them.

• Better energy independence: Solar panel systems can keep your home running through emergencies and blackouts. You can use your solar energy anytime with an optional battery backup system.
• Lowered energy bills: You can dodge the expensive cost of grid-tied power by generating some electricity at home. Plus, many states offer net metering which can allow you to sell your unused energy back for credits on your bill.
• Reduced carbon footprint: Solar is the universe's most abundant clean energy source, meaning you can lower or beat your home's dependence on "traditional" sources.

What Solar Incentives Are Available to Gulfport Homeowners?

Mississippi's public agencies and power companies offer numerous solar incentives to help lower your solar system costs. Check out a breakdown of available solar programs where you live.

How To Choose the Best Solar Company in Gulfport

The price and performance of solar panels often depend on which company mounted them. Make your choice based on the following crucial aspects.

Licensing and Training

Mississippi requires solar installers to have a Solar and Wind Construction classification on a per-job basis. Jobs valued at under $50,000 may be exempt from licensure requirements. A contractor may also need a plumbing or electrical certification if either portion of related work is valued at more than $50,000. You should also visit a company's website to learn about its private certifications. Two of the most respected are the Solar Heating Installer and PV Installation Professional certificates, backed by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP). Some companies don't publish this information online, so you should also ask your estimator about them.

Cost of Solar Panels in Gulfport

The type of solar panels you select dictates how much power you can produce. Monocrystalline panels and high-quality and cost more but give you the best performance. Polycrystalline panels work with a tried-and-true mechanism and cost less, but produce less power. Thin-film panels aren't the best for large residential installations, but they are excellent accessories for non-traditional roofs.

You can also add electric vehicle (EV) chargers and battery backup systems. These will increase your total installation cost, but they can maximize your solar system's performance. Not all solar companies provide these extras, so look for a contractor that installs them if it's a priority for you.

Most Gulfport homeowners select solar systems rated for five kilowatts (kW) of electrical capacity. These systems run about $15,700 to set up, considering both materials and labor. You can see more specific solar cost information in the table.

Financing Solar Energy in Gulfport

Choosing the ideal financing plan will affect your overall solar system cost and possible savings. Common payment options include power purchase agreements, loans, cash payments, and leases. Most solar experts recommend a cash payment or using a solar loan. Cash payments demand a large up-front sum, but they help you avoid paying interest, grant you system ownership, and qualify you for cost-saving solar incentives. Solar loans have the same benefits, though you'll pay more in total due to interest and fees. Like a home or car loan, you'll pay a set monthly rate with potentially $0 down. Solar leases allow you to pay a monthly fee to rent your panels, while a power purchase agreement lets you pay a variable rate based on only the energy you use. We generally don't recommend these options since you won't own your system and are disqualified from solar incentives, but they might be appropriate in certain circumstances. Look for companies that offer multiple payment plans to find the right fit for your budget.

The table below lists the average payback periods for different capacities of solar systems in Gulfport.

You are eligible for a 26% federal solar tax credit for new solar power systems until the year 2032. City and state officials and utility companies might also offer rebates, discounts, and specialized financing options that could save you more.

Sources

• U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
• National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL)
• U.S. Department of Energy