Solar Panel Cost Guide in Bentonville, AR (Aug 2022)
- Bentonville Solar Installation Cost: $16,108
- 25-Year Savings: $20,401
- Payback Period: 11.0 Years
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Updated 7/19/2022
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Bentonville
Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in Bentonville.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Bentonville it's $3 per watt. Using this figure, a typical 8.6 would cost about $16,108 before the federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are only averages, and the cost of going solar for you may vary based on factors unique to your home and what company you choose to go with. For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar is worth paying. On average homeowners in Bentonville see about $16,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar installer in Bentonville that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Bentonville
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-14,648 |
| 3 years | $-11,727 |
| 5 years | $-8,806 |
| 7 years | $-5,886 |
| 9 years | $-2,965 |
| 11 years | $-44 |
| 13 years | $2,877 |
| 15 years | $5,797 |
| 17 years | $8,718 |
| 19 years | $11,639 |
| 21 years | $14,560 |
| 23 years | $17,480 |
| 25 years | $20,401 |
Top Solar Installers in Bentonville
Trying to put up solar panels by yourself can be a time-consuming project, which is why hiring a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. The payback period of solar panels will vary depending on factors like your location and energy needs, but working with a solar company can shorten that period. Your provider will be able to help you get the most out of incentives available in your area.
If you'd like to switch to solar energy but still aren't sure which solar installer to go with, here are our suggestions for providers nearby:
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 Bentonville
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Bentonville
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners wanting to invest in solar. There are a few key factors that determine your overall cost in Bentonville: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll go over each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment Size
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the main factors is the system size. Solar power systems that have greater efficiency or power production need 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 $2,540. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Bentonville, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Bentonville to be prohibitively expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, almost every solar installer in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans greatly decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in a higher cost over time due to interest. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the total interest you'll pay over the length of the loan. If you can only get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the principal cost. Making a larger down payment or getting a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you opt for to install your solar panel system can affect your pricing. Bentonville's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. The size of the company sometimes plays the most considerable role in the installation costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices due to more 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 promotion can bring their pricing down 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 | $11,729 | $13,831 | 11.5 years |
| 8 kW | $2.59 | $15,338 | $18,742 | 11.3 years |
| 10 kW | $2.54 | $18,796 | $23,803 | 11.0 years |
| 12 kW | $2.49 | $22,104 | $29,015 | 10.8 years |
| 14 kW | $2.44 | $25,262 | $34,377 | 10.6 years |
| 16 kW | $2.39 | $28,269 | $39,889 | 10.4 years |
| 18 kW | $2.34 | $31,126 | $45,552 | 10.1 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $33,833 | $51,365 | 9.9 years |
Solar Incentives in Bentonville
| Name | ITC |
| Type | Tax Incentive |
| Incentive Amount | 26% of installation cost |
| Website | Visit here |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar company you choose will impact not only your total costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should take into account, including:
- Reputation: Solar panel companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years most likely provide quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Solar Panel Brands: The brand of solar panel you want to install plays a role in which installer you should opt for, since different companies have different panels.
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar company, make sure to look it over completely so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you aren't sure about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and what services you can expect from them.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they know how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the project completion timeline.
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 Bentonville, AR Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Bentonville?
The average cost of solar panels in Bentonville 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 certain factors like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is cost the most important thing to think about when buying solar panels?
Cost is a key factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on why you decided to go solar. In cities where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to keep in mind are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Do solar panels increase how much your home is worth?
Installing solar panels on your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Bentonville is currently $211,257, so you can look forward to a value of about $8,662 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Bentonville is a worthwhile investment.
How long do solar panels last in Bentonville?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher 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.
