In Mississippi, a 7.5-kW system for an average home costs about $17,129 after incentives in 2026, saves about $1,031 in the first year and pays back in 14.1 years.
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Solar, 7.48 kW × $2.29/W | $17,129 |
| Federal credit (0%) | $0 |
| Net cost | $17,129 |
| Scenario | Net cost | Year-1 savings | Payback | 25-yr net |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| State averages (above) | $17,129 | $1,031 | 14.1 yr | $18,019 |
| Rates rise 5.6%/yr (2020–25 pace) | $17,129 | $1,031 | 12.4 yr | $32,228 |
| Rates stay flat | $17,129 | $1,031 | 17.3 yr | $7,157 |
| Survey price $3.6/W (LBNL) | $26,928 | $1,031 | 20.4 yr | $8,220 |
| Add 13.5-kWh battery | $34,990 | $1,365 | 19.9 yr | $12,333 |
| Size to 100% of use instead | $24,182 | $1,456 | 14.1 yr | $25,438 |
Verdict: at average Mississippi numbers, solar is a marginal investment in 2026 — payback takes 14.1 years, leaving you $18,019 ahead after 25 years. The main reasons: export credits below retail (exports earn ~45% of retail), so only the solar you use yourself earns full value. Get at least three quotes: every $0.25/W you shave off the price moves payback by roughly a year or more here.
Net metering and exports in Mississippi: Net billing buyback: exports at avoided cost + 2.0¢/kWh (~half retail or less).
Battery: a 13.5-kWh battery at the Mississippi average of $1,323/kWh adds $17,861 and shifts about 4,435 kWh a year from low-paid exports to your own use; payback becomes 19.9 years.
EnergySage's Mississippi page lists a 17.8-year payback. Its method is not fully published; ours uses EIA's Jan–Aug 2026 price, 40% self-use and the state's export credit, 3%/yr rate growth and 0.5%/yr panel aging, with no federal credit.
The full method, material data and tips are on the main solar payback calculator page.