Solar Panel Cost Guide in Arkadelphia, AR (Mar 2023)
- Arkadelphia Solar Installation Cost: $14,829
- 25-Year Savings: $24,963
- Payback Period: 9.3 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Arkadelphia
Find out how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Arkadelphia.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Arkadelphia generally cost around 2.54. To account for the typical energy needs of the average home in Arkadelphia, most homeowners require a 8.3-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs around $14,829, or $21,205 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Arkadelphia homeowners. The price of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor. With typical savings of about $18,000 on utility bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Arkadelphia find installing solar panels can be quite rewarding.
To receive a free estimate from a pre-vetted solar installation company in Arkadelphia, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Arkadelphia
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-13,237 |
| 3 years | $-10,054 |
| 5 years | $-6,870 |
| 7 years | $-3,687 |
| 9 years | $-504 |
| 11 years | $2,680 |
| 13 years | $5,863 |
| 15 years | $9,046 |
| 17 years | $12,230 |
| 19 years | $15,413 |
| 21 years | $18,596 |
| 23 years | $21,780 |
| 25 years | $24,963 |
Top Solar Installers in Arkadelphia
Trying to install solar panels yourself can be a difficult task, which is why getting a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Local solar companies can also help you optimize your return on investment by assisting with any local incentives you can take advantage of and by providing warranties and repairs.
You can get a free estimate from a local solar installer on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some in Arkadelphia:
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
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
See all of the solar companies in Arkadelphia
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Arkadelphia
There are a number of factors that can affect your solar panel installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that performs the installation.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of going solar is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more electricity your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend about $2,540 per kilowatt in Arkadelphia. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Arkadelphia, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Arkadelphia to be too costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, nearly every solar company in the area offers financing options. Solar loans remarkably decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also lead to higher prices over time because of interest. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the amount of interest you'll pay over the length of the loan. If you can only get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the original cost. Making a larger down payment or securing a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs considerably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The remaining significant 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 plenty of options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment. Additionally, some companies in Arkadelphia are more knowledgeable about local solar incentives and can help you make good use of additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. Even if they cost more upfront, they could help you save more money in the long run.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $2.64 | $11,095 | $17,527 | 9.7 years |
| 8 kW | $2.59 | $14,508 | $23,654 | 9.5 years |
| 10 kW | $2.54 | $17,780 | $29,923 | 9.3 years |
| 12 kW | $2.49 | $20,909 | $36,334 | 9.1 years |
| 14 kW | $2.44 | $23,896 | $42,888 | 8.9 years |
| 16 kW | $2.39 | $26,741 | $49,584 | 8.8 years |
| 18 kW | $2.34 | $29,444 | $56,422 | 8.6 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,004 | $63,402 | 8.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you pick the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Contract: When looking over your solar installer's contract, ask for clarification about any terms you're not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system part breaking or the company going out of business.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for renewable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a good reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can look into your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Warranty: Many companies offer different types of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Solar Panel Brands: The brand of solar panel you want to get plays a part in which company you should choose, since different companies have access to different panels.
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
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
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 $12,700 for a 5-kW system and $25,400 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on stuff like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Are solar panels free in Arkadelphia?
You can't get solar panels for free in Arkadelphia. However, you may still be able to afford them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you want to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
How much can I save on power bills after installing solar panels?
It is possible to eradicate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Arkadelphia, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes can accommodate that size system, so you'll want to check with 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 how many solar panels you need, you should find out 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.