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.
In Benton, solar panels cost about 3 per watt on average.The average solar panel system size in Benton is around 8.4 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $20,548 for a solar installation, or $29,384 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Benton homeowner. The price of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor.Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a solid investment. The average homeowner in Benton can save around $16,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar installer in Benton that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate 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
Installing solar panels yourself can be a challenging project, which is why getting a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Since solar panels are exposed to rain, snow, hail and wind, depending on the climate, 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.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free quote on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some in Benton:
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 who are considering investing in solar. There are a few key factors that affect your total cost in Benton: 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 some different factors. One of the main factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have greater efficiency or power production use better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,490.There are several different solar panel brands and the one you choose also affects the cost. Typically, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also cost more. Additionally, the type of equipment you choose can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on power bills over time, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many Benton homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable.When estimating your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you opt for a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Benton is the company you get to install your PV system. Similar to choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for example, there are plenty of solar installers that offer a range of services at different costs.You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices because of their larger brand name and access to bulk 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
Since the kind of solar panels and the company you choose significantly influences your costs and your system’s durability and efficiency, it’s important to select the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Contract: When looking over your solar installer’s contract, ask for clarification about any terms you’re not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system component breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Warranty: If you care about the durability of your solar panel system, making sure your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good reputation as a company and have verifiable expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has satisfied reviews from past customers.
- Installation Process: When going solar, it’s essential to maintain an open line of communication with your solar installer. See to it that you understand how the installation process will go and the project completion timeline.
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 type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Benton?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t afford to pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you don’t have access to many solar incentives. Also your property value won’t increase, so you’ll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most bang for your buck from going solar.
How much can I save on electricity bills after switching to solar?
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 consumption 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 buy 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.