Mississippi is located in the south of the USA. Its geographic coordinates are recorded as 32.35° N and 89.39° W. Due to its geographic location, the solar insolation in Mississippi is quite high. It receives an average of 5 peak sun hours throughout the year. Its peak solar insolation is exceeded by at least one hour when compared to states that are located to its north. This means 25% more electricity can be generated from a solar plant of the same capacity that is installed in Mississippi.
Mississippi was late to utilize its true potential for solar power generation. However, ever since 2016, it has taken multiple steps such as the introduction of solar-friendly regional policies to increase its electricity generation capacity through solar energy. Solar generation increased from 1.1 MW in 2015 to 242.32 MW in 2019.
Mississippi’s rooftop potential for solar generation is enormous. 82% of the roofs are viable for solar energy. If the true potential is tapped, it can result in annual electricity production of 10.4 Million MWh of AC per year. This not only diversifies the energy mix and leads to greater energy independence but has considerable environmental benefits as well. It can offset 6.7 Million metric tons of Carbon Dioxide annually.
Some of the most notable businesses that have opted for solar power in Mississippi include Roberts Electric, Taylor Machine, Spencer Pope Farms, and Mississippi Solar LLC.
Solar Friendly Legislation in Mississippi
Federal Solar Tax Credit
Federal Solar Tax Credit of 26% is applicable for businesses and homeowners alike who opt for solar energy at their premises.
Net Metering
Mississippi is one of the only four US states that does not have a statewide policy on net metering. In Mississippi, the investor-owned utilities determine the rate at which the user is credited for excess energy generation which is fed back into the grid.
The cost of solar panels and other equipment has also reduced drastically in the past decade. Net metering and Federal Solar Tax Credit have contributed to the reduction of the overall capital cost of the system. Currently, the cost of solar panel installation is estimated at $2.64 per watt.
The following facts reveal a clearer picture of the solar industry in Mississippi:
- Solar Installed (MW): 319.6
- Enough Solar Installed to Power: 37,220 homes
- Percentage of State’s Electricity from Solar: 0.67%
- Solar Jobs: 817
- Solar Companies in State: 13 (3 Manufacturers, 4 Installers/Developers, 6 Others)
- Total Solar Investment in State: 356 million
- Prices have fallen 4% over the last 5 years
- Growth Projection and Ranking: 1,002 MW over the next 5 years (ranks 34th)
- Number Of Installations: 598
Need For Solar Panel Disposal Solution
Mississippi is making multiple efforts to tap its true potential for solar generation. Ambitious targets and solar-friendly legislation have put Mississippi on a path of achieving energy sufficiency through the use of solar energy.
However, the rapid proliferation of photovoltaic technology also raises the alarming question about the decommissioning and disposal of end-of-life solar panels. Most experts agree that recycling old solar panels is the most cost-effective and eco-friendly waste disposal option for solar waste.
If you are looking for decommissioning or large-scale solar panel recycling solutions in Mississippi, contact We Recycle Solar. We provide recycling solutions for solar panels, batteries, and other equipment. Our processes are safe, efficient, and compliant with all federal and state laws.
Looking for decommissioning or large-scale Mississippi solar panel recycling solutions?
Unless otherwise noted, all data from SEIA/GTM Research U.S. Solar Market Insight