Solar Panel Cost Guide in Arkadelphia, AR (2024 Update)
- Arkadelphia Solar Installation Cost: $20,378
- 25-Year Savings: $24,960
- Payback Period: 12.8 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Arkadelphia
Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in Arkadelphia.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Arkadelphia it’s 3 per watt.To cover the typical energy usage of the average home in Arkadelphia, most homeowners require a 8.3-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs about $20,378, or $29,141 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll end up paying for solar may vary based on your household energy needs, the type of solar system you want, your solar contractor and more.Many homeowners find going solar is a rewarding investment. The average homeowner in Arkadelphia can save about $18,000 on their power bills over 20 years.
For a customized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Arkadelphia
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-18,922 |
| 3 years | $-16,010 |
| 5 years | $-13,098 |
| 7 years | $-10,186 |
| 9 years | $-7,274 |
| 11 years | $-4,362 |
| 13 years | $-1,449 |
| 15 years | $1,463 |
| 17 years | $4,375 |
| 19 years | $7,287 |
| 21 years | $10,199 |
| 23 years | $13,111 |
| 25 years | $16,023 |
Top Solar Installers in Arkadelphia
Installing solar panels by yourself can be a dangerous project, which is why hiring a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. A solar company can also help save you money in the long run by offering warranties, repairs and part replacements.
There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar system. Here are our suggestions:
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 Arkadelphia
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Arkadelphia
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few key factors that determine your overall cost in Arkadelphia: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll go over each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the main factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with better efficiency or power production require better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,490.There are several different solar panel brands and the one you choose also changes the cost. Typically, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also cost more. Plus, the type of equipment you’re looking 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
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Arkadelphia to be prohibitively steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar company in the area provides financing options. Solar loans substantially decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also result in paying more over time due to interest.When figuring out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you opt for a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The last key cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of clean energy solutions in Arkadelphia, you’ll have many options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment.You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices because of their larger brand name and access to bulk equipment pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those larger 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 | $13,377 | 13.3 years |
| 8 kW | $3.56 | $19,935 | $18,227 | 13.1 years |
| 10 kW | $3.49 | $24,430 | $23,273 | 12.8 years |
| 12 kW | $3.42 | $28,730 | $28,514 | 12.5 years |
| 14 kW | $3.35 | $32,834 | $33,950 | 12.3 years |
| 16 kW | $3.28 | $36,743 | $39,582 | 12.0 years |
| 18 kW | $3.21 | $40,456 | $45,409 | 11.8 years |
| 20 kW | $3.14 | $43,974 | $51,432 | 11.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you pick the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar installer, make sure you read it through carefully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re not sure about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and what services you can expect from them.
- Reputation: Solar system installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years likely provide high-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for panel repairs and maintenance over a couple decades are the best you can get in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one indication of a good company.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their locations and energy needs. Even though there are many options for which brand of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to peruse their list of offerings before deciding.
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 Arkadelphia, AR Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Arkadelphia?
The average cost of solar panels in Arkadelphia is about $17,450 for a 5-kW system and $34,900 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on stuff such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
What other factors should I consider aside from cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is without a doubt one of the most important things to keep in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Can solar panels significantly reduce my electricity bills?
It is possible to eliminate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Arkadelphia, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have roofs that can accommodate that size system, so you’ll want to contact a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you need to know how much energy your home uses and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can generally 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.