Solar Panel Cost Guide in Benton, AR (2024 Update)
- Benton Solar Installation Cost: $20,548
- 25-Year Savings: $21,558
- Payback Period: 14.1 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Benton
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Benton.
The average cost of a solar system in Benton is 3 per watt.Because a 8.4-kW system is needed to cover the energy usage of a typical home in Benton, the average price of going solar will be about $20,548 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
The true cost of your system can go above or below the average in Benton based on a variety of factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire.But, once you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the savings for most homeowners is typically good, with a net average savings of about $16,000 over 20 years on utility bills.
You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar company in Benton for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Benton
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-19,092 |
| 3 years | $-16,179 |
| 5 years | $-13,267 |
| 7 years | $-10,355 |
| 9 years | $-7,443 |
| 11 years | $-4,531 |
| 13 years | $-1,619 |
| 15 years | $1,293 |
| 17 years | $4,205 |
| 19 years | $7,118 |
| 21 years | $10,030 |
| 23 years | $12,942 |
| 25 years | $15,854 |
Top Solar Installers in Benton
Although you can install solar panels on your own, it involves extra effort and know-how. Because of that, almost all homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. Since solar panels are exposed to the elements every day, warranties and repairs from your solar company can help you get the most out of your investment in solar panels by reducing potential costs down the line.
There are various licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. 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 Benton
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Benton
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners considering investing in solar. There are a few major factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Benton: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll discuss each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of going solar. That’s why it’s a priority to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use.The type of solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you opt for the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. On the other hand, higher efficiency could save you more in the long run on your energy bills. Additionally, extra products, such as solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Benton average.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over many years, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many Benton homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable.When considering your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you decide on a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to keep in mind when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Benton is the company you choose to install your solar system. Similar to choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for instance, there’s no shortage of solar installers that provide a range of services at different price points.You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices because of their larger brand name and access to bulk equipment prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those major players.
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 | $10,802 | 14.6 years |
| 8 kW | $3.56 | $19,935 | $14,794 | 14.4 years |
| 10 kW | $3.49 | $24,430 | $18,981 | 14.1 years |
| 12 kW | $3.42 | $28,730 | $23,364 | 13.8 years |
| 14 kW | $3.35 | $32,834 | $27,942 | 13.5 years |
| 16 kW | $3.28 | $36,743 | $32,715 | 13.2 years |
| 18 kW | $3.21 | $40,456 | $37,684 | 12.9 years |
| 20 kW | $3.14 | $43,974 | $42,849 | 12.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are numerous companies to choose from in Benton, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Contract: Review the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand how much it will cost, completion timeline rebates and warranties.
- Warranty: If you’re concerned about the durability of your solar panel system, verifying that your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for clean energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a good reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can research your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be completed and what the project timeline is.
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 Benton, AR Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Benton?
The average cost of solar panels in Benton 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 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 Benton?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, as it often 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 incentives and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to maximize your savings.
Can solar panels completely eradicate my power bills?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on your location and the efficiency of your system. Even if it doesn’t get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $868.23 per year.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and the average daily 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 account for 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.