Solar Panel Cost Guide in Bella Vista, AR (Mar 2023)
- Bella Vista Solar Installation Cost: $15,237
- 25-Year Savings: $21,163
- Payback Period: 10.5 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Bella Vista
We break down average solar pricing in Bella Vista.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Bella Vista it's 2.54 per watt. Using this figure, a typical 8.6-kW system would cost about $15,237 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are just estimates, and the cost of going solar for you will look different based on your energy needs and what company you want to go with. With average savings of about $16,000 on energy bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Bella Vista find going solar can be quite rewarding.
For a free quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Bella Vista
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-13,781 |
| 3 years | $-10,869 |
| 5 years | $-7,957 |
| 7 years | $-5,045 |
| 9 years | $-2,133 |
| 11 years | $779 |
| 13 years | $3,691 |
| 15 years | $6,603 |
| 17 years | $9,515 |
| 19 years | $12,427 |
| 21 years | $15,339 |
| 23 years | $18,251 |
| 25 years | $21,163 |
Top Solar Installers in Bella Vista
Although it's possible to install solar panels yourself, it takes extra effort and expertise. That's why most homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. Local solar companies can also help you optimize your return on investment by assisting with any local incentives you can benefit from and by providing warranties and repairs.
If you're searching for a solar company in Bella Vista, the EcoWatch team has compiled a list of our top suggestions here:
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 Bella Vista
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Bella Vista
There are many criteria that can affect your total 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
When it comes to estimating the cost of solar panels in Bella Vista, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are largely based on your home's energy consumption, which you can determine by looking at past electricity bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $2,540 for each additional kilowatt you need. The brand of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will significantly influence costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Further, solar equipment consists of more than just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to make decisions about the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It's important to take all of this into consideration when searching for a solar system that's in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Bella Vista offer solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar panels. Though solar loans make going solar more accessible for Bella Vista homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system due to interest. 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 system can influence your pricing. Bella Vista's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. The company's size can sometimes play the most significant role in the installation costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because of greater 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 lower 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 | $2.64 | $11,095 | $14,389 | 10.9 years |
| 8 kW | $2.59 | $14,508 | $19,469 | 10.7 years |
| 10 kW | $2.54 | $17,780 | $24,692 | 10.5 years |
| 12 kW | $2.49 | $20,909 | $30,057 | 10.3 years |
| 14 kW | $2.44 | $23,896 | $35,565 | 10.0 years |
| 16 kW | $2.39 | $26,741 | $41,214 | 9.8 years |
| 18 kW | $2.34 | $29,444 | $47,006 | 9.6 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,004 | $52,940 | 9.4 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 find the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Warranty: Each company may offer different types of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid reputation as a company and have proven expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has positive reviews from past customers.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind has varying levels of quality, longevity and energy efficiency. They will come at different price points as well. The company you choose plays a role in which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar installer, make sure you look it over completely so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're not sure about some of the terms, such as what to do if a component breaks or malfunctions and what services you can expect from them.
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 Bella Vista, AR Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Bella Vista?
The average cost of solar panels in Bella Vista 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 stuff such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Are solar panels free in Bella Vista?
A solar panel system isn't free in Bella Vista, but there are some options that can make getting them more affordable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can further reduce the cost.
Is switching to solar power worth it?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like how much you pay for electricity and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger amount of energy production.
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.