Solar Panel Cost Guide in Bella Vista, AR (2024 Update)
- Bella Vista Solar Installation Cost: $20,937
- 25-Year Savings: $21,162
- Payback Period: 14.4 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Bella Vista
Here’s how much it might cost to switch to solar power in Bella Vista.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Bella Vista, the average cost of a solar system is 3 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 8.6-kW system would cost about $20,937 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 choose, your solar contractor and more.For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar panels is worth paying. On average Bella Vista homeowners see about $16,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
For a free quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Bella Vista
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-19,514 |
| 3 years | $-16,667 |
| 5 years | $-13,820 |
| 7 years | $-10,973 |
| 9 years | $-8,126 |
| 11 years | $-5,279 |
| 13 years | $-2,432 |
| 15 years | $415 |
| 17 years | $3,262 |
| 19 years | $6,109 |
| 21 years | $8,957 |
| 23 years | $11,804 |
| 25 years | $14,651 |
Top Solar Installers in Bella Vista
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners choose to hire a solar installer since DIY solar panel installation can be a difficult project. Some solar installers, particularly local ones, can help you make the most of incentives in Bella Vista, therefore optimizing your ROI.
Working with a licensed solar company can make going solar easier. Here are our recommendations:
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 Bella Vista
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Bella Vista
The cost of installing a solar system in Bella Vista can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The biggest one is your system size, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar panel system you need for your home, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by nearly $3,490. The solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you get the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, higher efficiency could save you more in the long run on your energy bills. In addition, extra products, such as solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Bella Vista average.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels out of pocket is too expensive, solar loans are a popular option because they cut back your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over five to seven years on average.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your overall costs, so it’s crucial to include that in your estimate as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you choose will play a role in your total cost to go solar. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor.You may see national solar installers that have lower prices due to their larger brand name and access to bulk prices, 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 | $10,239 | 15.0 years |
| 8 kW | $3.56 | $19,935 | $14,043 | 14.7 years |
| 10 kW | $3.49 | $24,430 | $18,042 | 14.4 years |
| 12 kW | $3.42 | $28,730 | $22,237 | 14.1 years |
| 14 kW | $3.35 | $32,834 | $26,627 | 13.8 years |
| 16 kW | $3.28 | $36,743 | $31,213 | 13.5 years |
| 18 kW | $3.21 | $40,456 | $35,994 | 13.2 years |
| 20 kW | $3.14 | $43,974 | $40,970 | 12.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because picking a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have demonstrated 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 good reviews from past customers.
- Warranty: A comprehensive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar panel system running for a long time and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the project completion timeline.
- Contract: Even though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it’s important to do it carefully so you can make sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and the terms of the warranty.
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 Bella Vista, AR Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Bella Vista?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many factors. Broadly 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 be more expensive if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. Conversely, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
What other factors should I consider in addition to cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is without a doubt one of the most important factors you should consider when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Can solar panels eliminate my power bills?
It is possible to erase your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout Bella Vista, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have the roof space for 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?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and how much sunlight your roof gets. You can look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to get between 20 and 35 panels to cover their typical energy usage.
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.