Mississippi’s solar market has been growing at a steady rate, helped by the greenlighting of utility-scale projects and incentivizing policies. Now, the residential sector is getting a further boost thanks to an update to the state’s net metering program.
So just how dramatically will the new changes impact solar customers? Will we see more solar panel leads sprout from a rise in demand?
What’s New for Mississippi’s Net Metering
While the base net metering rate hasn’t changed (remaining at 2.5 cents/kWh), the program has been expanded to provide more accessibility to low/middle income (LMI) households. Now, there’s no cap on the amount of LMI customers who are eligible for an extra 2 cents/kWh in compensation. To qualify as LMI customers, households must meet or fall below 250% of the federal poverty line.
Added to the program is a new $3,000 rebate that will be issued upon purchase of solar residential systems ranging from 3-6 kW.
Systems for
commercial facilities and community applications will be subject to a different
set of rules that are still in development. However, this is a high priority
for the Mississippi Public Service Commission (PSC), which aims to stimulate the
community solar market in particular.
Solar Will Become Far More Affordable for Mississippi Homeowners.
It’s been well
established that Mississippi households are among some of the most energy-burdened in America. The average
electricity bill in the region is $138, second only to the Pacific states.
Mississippi’s low electricity rates are offset by lower incomes, less energy-efficient homes, and a climate in which air conditioning is a must. Low-income electricity usage is higher than the national average, putting vulnerable households in a position where they are paying 12-14% of their total income just for power. Even those who have more wealth still experience undue strain when it comes time to pay their utilities.
As such, the expanded net metering and the upfront cash rebate can go a long way toward helping Mississippi's residents secure more affordable energy. Contractors will likely be seeing far more solar panel leads arise as homeowners find it easier to make the investment.
The Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) confirmed this positive forecast in its official statement responding to the program update:
“We commend the Mississippi Public Service Commission for updating its net metering rules and expanding solar access in Mississippi. The net metering program now covers Mississippi households that are 250% of the federal poverty line and below, which will help even more Mississippians experience the cost-saving benefits of solar energy.
While we are disappointed that the Public Service
Commission did not offer the full retail rate for net metering, the order will
move Mississippi’s solar policy forward, and SEIA will continue to advocate for
straightforward and smart policies that grow the solar industry. As we’ve seen
in Arkansas, easy-to-understand net metering programs can encourage rooftop
solar adoption and provide benefits to all ratepayers.”
Make
the Most of Mississippi’s Solar Lead Bump
Contractors who
want to secure their fair share of the new influx of customers can do so by
partnering with Grid Freedom. Our agency supplies exclusive, pre-screened solar
panel leads on an as-needed basis for contractors throughout the United States.
Leads are delivered ready to meet, with buyer qualifications verified and
consultation appointments already scheduled.
