Solar Panel Cost Guide in Ashdown, AR (2023 Update)
- Ashdown Solar Installation Cost: $14,757
- 25-Year Savings: $22,207
- Payback Period: 10.0 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Ashdown
Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in Ashdown.
In Ashdown, solar panels cost about 2.54 per watt on average. Using this figure, a typical 8.3-kW system would cost about $14,757 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are only estimates, and how much solar costs for you may look different based on your energy needs and what company you go with. But, once you've paid the initial cost of installation, the savings for most homeowners is quite rewarding, with a net average savings of about $17,000 over 20 years on energy bills.
To get a free estimate from a pre-vetted solar installer in Ashdown, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Ashdown
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-13,279 |
| 3 years | $-10,322 |
| 5 years | $-7,365 |
| 7 years | $-4,407 |
| 9 years | $-1,450 |
| 11 years | $1,507 |
| 13 years | $4,464 |
| 15 years | $7,421 |
| 17 years | $10,378 |
| 19 years | $13,335 |
| 21 years | $16,293 |
| 23 years | $19,250 |
| 25 years | $22,207 |
Top Solar Installers in Ashdown
Although it's possible to install solar panels on your own, it requires extra time and know-how. That's why most people choose to hire a solar panel installer. The expertise that solar installers provide can be invaluable as well, especially if you don't quite know what type of solar equipment would be right for your home.
There are various licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. Here are our suggestions:
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
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 Ashdown
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Ashdown
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners wanting to invest in solar. There are a few major factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Ashdown: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the key factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have better efficiency or power production need 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 $2,540. The brand and kind of equipment you choose for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often come at a higher price than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you're opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Plus, if you want additional equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Ashdown to be prohibitively steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, almost every solar company in the area provides financing options. Solar loans greatly decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also lead to paying more over time because of interest. It's wise to factor the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a larger down payment, you can reduce your total costs and how long it'll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you opt for to install your solar system can affect the cost. Ashdown's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Some companies only sell high-efficiency and high-priced products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come with an above-average cost. It's best to do some research and decide on the company that offers the products, warranties and services you want and also is within your budget.
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 | $15,615 | 10.4 years |
| 8 kW | $2.59 | $14,508 | $21,105 | 10.2 years |
| 10 kW | $2.54 | $17,780 | $26,736 | 10.0 years |
| 12 kW | $2.49 | $20,909 | $32,510 | 9.8 years |
| 14 kW | $2.44 | $23,896 | $38,427 | 9.6 years |
| 16 kW | $2.39 | $26,741 | $44,485 | 9.4 years |
| 18 kW | $2.34 | $29,444 | $50,686 | 9.2 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,004 | $57,029 | 9.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of companies available in Ashdown, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Warranty: If you're concerned about the longevity of your solar panel system, making sure your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their locations and how much efficiency they need. Even though there are many options for which kind of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you take a look at their list of options before making your decision.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for renewable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can look into your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Contract: Although reading through a contract can be tedious, it's important to do it carefully so you can be sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and the terms of the warranty.
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
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 Ashdown, AR Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Ashdown?
The average cost of solar panels in Ashdown is about $12,700 for a 5-kW system and $25,400 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on things like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Ashdown?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, because it usually comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside is that you won't be able to save as much. If you lease, you don't own the system, so you can't claim any tax rebates and credits and your home value won't increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to maximize your savings.
How will having solar panels impact the value of my home?
Solar panels can increase the value of your home remarkably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don't opt for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% after installing a solar system."
How long do solar panels last in Ashdown?
Even though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they stop working completely at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can replace them after having them for that long or you can keep using them at a lower efficiency.
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.