Solar Panel Cost Guide in Bentonville, AR (Sep 2022)
- Bentonville Solar Installation Cost: $15,237
- 25-Year Savings: $21,272
- Payback Period: 10.4 Years
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Updated 9/16/2022
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Bentonville
Let's take a look at the average cost of solar panels in Bentonville.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Bentonville it's $3 per watt. To account for the typical energy usage of the average home in Bentonville, most homeowners require a 8.6-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs about $15,237, or $11,275 after the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll pay for solar may vary based on your household energy consumption, the type of equipment you want to get, your solar contractor and more. For many homeowners, the upfront investment in solar panels is worth paying. On average homeowners in Bentonville see about $16,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
For a personalized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Bentonville
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-13,777 |
| 3 years | $-10,856 |
| 5 years | $-7,936 |
| 7 years | $-5,015 |
| 9 years | $-2,094 |
| 11 years | $827 |
| 13 years | $3,747 |
| 15 years | $6,668 |
| 17 years | $9,589 |
| 19 years | $12,510 |
| 21 years | $15,430 |
| 23 years | $18,351 |
| 25 years | $21,272 |
Top Solar Installers in Bentonville
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Going with a solar panel installer can make your switch to solar power much easier. Plus, if you aren't sure what brand of solar panels and equipment you need, a solar installer can help you figure that out after a site survey and consultation.
If you're looking for a solar installer in Bentonville, we've organized a list of our top suggestions here:
Best Technology
The Green Panel
- 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 major factors that affect your total cost in Bentonville: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment Size
The size of the solar system you need is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by around $2,540. 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 get 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. In addition, extra products, like solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Bentonville average.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system out of pocket is difficult, solar loans are a solid choice because they cut back your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over five to seven years on average. However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your all-in costs, so it's vital to include that in your estimate as well. You can always reduce 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 company you go with to handle your switch to solar energy can play a part in your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating throughout Bentonville, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment. Additionally, some companies in Bentonville know more about local solar incentives and can help you make good use of additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. Even if they cost more upfront, they could end up saving you more money in the long run.
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 | $11,095 | $14,465 | 10.9 years |
| 8 kW | $2.59 | $14,508 | $19,571 | 10.6 years |
| 10 kW | $2.54 | $17,780 | $24,819 | 10.4 years |
| 12 kW | $2.49 | $20,909 | $30,209 | 10.2 years |
| 14 kW | $2.44 | $23,896 | $35,742 | 10.0 years |
| 16 kW | $2.39 | $26,741 | $41,417 | 9.8 years |
| 18 kW | $2.34 | $29,444 | $47,234 | 9.6 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,004 | $53,194 | 9.4 years |
Solar Incentives in Bentonville
| Name | Residential Renewable Energy Tax Credit |
| Website | Visit here |
| More Info | Click here |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the type of solar panels and the company you choose has an impact on your costs and your system's durability and efficiency, it's important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar, it's important to maintain an open line of communication with your solar installer. Make sure you understand how the installation process will go and the project timeline.
- Contract: It's important to look over your solar installer's contract well to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about your solar system's energy production.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind has varying levels of quality, longevity and efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose affects which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Warranty: A comprehensive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar system running for years to come and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
Best Technology
The Green Panel
- 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 things such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Can you get solar panels for free in Bentonville?
A solar panel system isn't free in Bentonville, but there are some options that can make getting them more feasible, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can help lower the cost.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Bentonville?
Each state has some kind of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states allow you to sell power back to the grid, but others just offer you credit toward your future utility bills.
How long do solar panels last in Bentonville?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is 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 larger level 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.
