Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
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Written By David Cusick
Last Updated February 2024
A solar panel array could give you a renewable power source that will pay for itself in time. Solar power can reduce your energy costs and shrink your carbon footprint. However, it's important to select a trustworthy solar installer. Luckily, we've done the research and compiled a guide to the best and most trustworthy solar installation companies in Canton.
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Free quotes
Services Offered
Informative resources
Free quotes
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Today's Homeowner looks at dozens of datapoints on solar companies to come up with our data-driven rankings. It's not possible for a company to pay for preferential treatment in our rankings. We look at the following key factors in determining who should top our list:
Installing solar panels can reduce your electricity costs and help the environment by reducing your carbon footprint. When deciding if a solar provider is right for you, consider these key factors.
Confirm that your solar installer is properly licensed. This helps ensure that the work is done properly using the most up-to-date installation methods. Mississippi requires that solar contractors carry 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 an electrical or plumbing certification if either portion of related work costs over $50,000
Look at review platforms such as Google Reviews, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), and TrustPilot to find out what previous customers say about local solar installers. Reviews can give you an idea of a company’s reliability and customer service. Be cautious of companies with no reviews or with predominantly negative feedback.
Call 3–5 solar companies for free, itemized quotes. A quote should describe all costs and specify the solar equipment included. Reviewing multiple quotes helps identify the best option that fits your budget.
Top-notch solar installations should have strong workmanship and performance guarantees. A workmanship warranty covers installation issues, such as poor alignment, poor wiring, or cracks in the panels. A performance guarantee ensures a minimum energy output. Comprehensive guarantees indicate that a solar company believes in its work.
Solar energy can help reduce your energy expenses over time. Be sure to weigh these aspects when determining the cost and value of solar panels.
The cost of home solar panels in Canton will depend on several factors, including the size of the system and the type of panels you'll use. Generally speaking, a typical solar energy system will cost $3,140 per kilowatt, not including permit fees, labor, or preliminary work. Most solar systems in Canton are 8.3 kilowatts, and the typical Canton homeowners spends $18,350 after accounting for federal tax refunds. Some homeowners may prefer to lease solar panels and reduce upfront costs.
Generally speaking, a solar photovoltaic (PV) array can be used to power any household appliance or system that uses electricity. In the simplest case, you can use a solar water heating system.
There are a number of benefits to home solar energy. You can save money, reduce emissions, and qualify for tax benefits. With the right storage equipment, solar panels can also offer you further energy independence and offer some protection from power outages.
It depends on your home's location and what type of panels you're installing. With the winter months in Mississippi being very mild, you have a wide time window to install your panels, though they won't hit peak performance until summer arrives.
Your payback period is the time to achieve an ROI on your solar panels. It will vary based on the rate your utility charges per kilowatt of power, their rated capacity, and the average sunlight in your area. Canton has extremely high daily sunlight levels, so you could recoup your investment in as little as 11.7 years per 5 kW of rated capacity.
While solar energy is an ideal option for many, it might not be ideal for homeowners in wet, dark areas. In these cases, you could consider other forms of renewable energy, such as wind or geothermal power, as a primary source. It is also important to speak to a qualified installer to determine if their solar system is compatible with the climate and environment of your area. Even if you choose a different form of renewable energy altogether, you'll still help the environment and could still qualify for distributed generation or other money-saving programs.
The answer will depend on your specific needs and goals. Generally speaking, monocrystalline solar panels are the most efficient for houses in Canton. However, if lowering cost is your top priority, then you may want to consider polycrystalline or thin-film solar panels. When selecting a solar company, make sure to ask about the brand names and models of solar panels a company offers and the benefits and drawbacks of each.
Solar panels are on par with other forms of renewable energy. Their maintenance costs are low and today's systems can work in a variety of conditions.
