Solar Panel Cost Guide in Alma, AR (2024 Update)
- Alma Solar Installation Cost: $20,777
- 25-Year Savings: $19,804
- Payback Period: 14.9 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Alma
Find out how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Alma.
The average cost of solar panels in Alma is 3 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Alma is around 8.5 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $20,777 for a solar installation, or $29,711 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll end up paying for solar will differ based on your household energy use, the type of solar system you want to get, your solar contractor and more.Many homeowners find installing solar panels is a solid investment. The average homeowner in Alma can save about $16,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.
To calculate your potential savings and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Alma
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-19,680 |
| 3 years | $-17,486 |
| 5 years | $-15,293 |
| 7 years | $-13,099 |
| 9 years | $-10,905 |
| 11 years | $-8,711 |
| 13 years | $-6,517 |
| 15 years | $-4,323 |
| 17 years | $-2,129 |
| 19 years | $65 |
| 21 years | $2,259 |
| 23 years | $4,453 |
| 25 years | $6,647 |
Top Solar Installers in Alma
When going solar, many homeowners prefer to go with a solar installer since installing solar panels yourself can be a challenging project. Another benefit of utilizing a solar installer is that they can help you make the most of your return of investment by lowering your future costs of repairs and replacements with the help of warranties and informing you of local incentives you can take advantage of.
If you're looking for a solar company in Alma, we've organized a list of our top suggestions here:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
See all of the solar companies in Alma
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Alma
Though the average cost of a solar system in Alma is $20,777, your actual cost may differ. There are many factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to take into consideration.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar panel system you need, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by nearly $3,490. There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you choose also changes the cost. Generally speaking, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also be more expensive. Additionally, the type of equipment you want to install can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be a challenge. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Alma, which can reduce, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.While solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Alma homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you choose to install your solar panels can play a role in determining your pricing. Alma’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. The size of the company sometimes plays the most considerable role in your costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because they have access to more resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger companies.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $3.63 | $15,244 | $9,395 | 15.5 years |
| 8 kW | $3.56 | $19,935 | $12,918 | 15.2 years |
| 10 kW | $3.49 | $24,430 | $16,636 | 14.9 years |
| 12 kW | $3.42 | $28,730 | $20,549 | 14.6 years |
| 14 kW | $3.35 | $32,834 | $24,658 | 14.3 years |
| 16 kW | $3.28 | $36,743 | $28,962 | 14.0 years |
| 18 kW | $3.21 | $40,456 | $33,462 | 13.7 years |
| 20 kW | $3.14 | $43,974 | $38,157 | 13.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the brand of solar panels and the installer you choose considerably impacts your costs and your system’s efficiency, production, and durability, it’s important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Reputation: Solar companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years likely provide high-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their locations and how much efficiency they need. While there are many options for which kind of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to peruse their list of offerings before deciding.
- Warranty: A high-quality company stands out from other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Contract: Even though reading through a contract can be tedious, it’s important to do it fully so you can be sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
EcoWatch's Alma, AR Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Alma?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $17,450 for a 5-kW system and $34,900 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. Conversely, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Alma?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Alma. However, you may still be able to install them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you’d prefer to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Does Alma have a net metering program?
The majority of states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either be compensated for the extra power your system generates or or receive credits to put toward future energy bills. Currently there are just three states that don’t have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you need to know how much energy your home needs and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can typically produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average household will need 20 to 35 panels.
Our goal is to reach as many people as we can with sensible solutions like solar energy. Our team of full-time local researchers collects solar price and installation data for every city in America then compiles it to create these digestible city guides. If you want to read our solar expert's opinion on the top solar companies featured here, follow this link.
Company research was conducted by Melissa Smith and Karsten Neumeister. Local data analysis was conducted by James Savino. See something we missed or could do better? Email the editor.