Solar Panel Cost Guide in Bentonville, AR (2024 Update)
- Bentonville Solar Installation Cost: $20,937
- 25-Year Savings: $21,271
- Payback Period: 14.3 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Bentonville
Here’s how much it might cost to go solar in Bentonville.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Bentonville, the typical cost of a solar system is 3 per watt.The average Bentonville homeowner needs a 8.6-kilowatt system, which would cost about $20,937 with the federal tax credit, or $29,940 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
These figures are just averages, and the cost of going solar for you will most likely look different based on the amount of energy your home requires and what company you want to go with.With average savings of about $16,000 on utility bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Bentonville find installing solar panels can pay off big.
Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar installer in Bentonville for a personalized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Bentonville
| 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 Bentonville
Although you can install solar panels yourself, it requires extra time and expertise. Because of that, most people choose to go with a solar panel installer. Plus, if you aren’t sure what brand of solar panels and equipment you need, a solar company can help you find the right equipment for you after a site survey and consultation.
If you're searching for a solar company in Bentonville, the EcoWatch team has organized a list of our top suggestions here:
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 Bentonville
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Bentonville
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few key factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Bentonville: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll discuss each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of installing solar panels. Because of that, it’s crucial to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use.Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Bentonville, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, 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
Most solar companies in Bentonville have solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your total costs, so it’s important to include that in your estimate as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you choose to handle your switch to solar energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies operating in Bentonville, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices because of their bigger brand name and access to bulk equipment pricing, 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 | $10,315 | 14.9 years |
| 8 kW | $3.56 | $19,935 | $14,144 | 14.6 years |
| 10 kW | $3.49 | $24,430 | $18,169 | 14.3 years |
| 12 kW | $3.42 | $28,730 | $22,389 | 14.1 years |
| 14 kW | $3.35 | $32,834 | $26,805 | 13.8 years |
| 16 kW | $3.28 | $36,743 | $31,416 | 13.5 years |
| 18 kW | $3.21 | $40,456 | $36,222 | 13.2 years |
| 20 kW | $3.14 | $43,974 | $41,224 | 12.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar system installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because selecting a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Solar Panel Brands: The model of solar panel you want to install plays a role in which company you should go with, since different companies have different panels.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for clean energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to do the job well. Another way you can check your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Installation Process: An important thing to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you should know with your solar company, such as what permits you should acquire and what the project timeline is.
- Warranty: A high-quality company rises above other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
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 Bentonville, AR Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Bentonville?
The average cost of solar panels in Bentonville is about $17,450 for a 5-kW system and $34,900 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on things like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
What other factors should I consider in addition to cost when buying solar panels?
The upfront cost is a key factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on your goals for going solar. In areas where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to think about are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Can solar panels completely eradicate my power bills?
It is possible to erase your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout Bentonville, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes can accommodate that size system, so you’ll want to check with a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you should find out how much energy your home uses and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can usually produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average household will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.