Solar Panel Cost Guide in Cabot, AR (Mar 2023)
- Cabot Solar Installation Cost: $14,846
- 25-Year Savings: $22,633
- Payback Period: 9.9 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Cabot
Let's take a look at the average cost of solar panels in Cabot.
The average cost of a solar panel system in Cabot is 2.54 per watt. Using this figure, a typical 8.3-kW system would cost about $14,846 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
The true cost of your system can go higher or lower than the average in Cabot based on a variety of factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire. But, after you've paid the initial cost of installation, the payback for most homeowners is quite rewarding, with a net average savings of about $17,000 over 20 years on electricity bills.
Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar installer in Cabot for a customized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Cabot
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-13,347 |
| 3 years | $-10,349 |
| 5 years | $-7,350 |
| 7 years | $-4,352 |
| 9 years | $-1,354 |
| 11 years | $1,645 |
| 13 years | $4,643 |
| 15 years | $7,642 |
| 17 years | $10,640 |
| 19 years | $13,638 |
| 21 years | $16,637 |
| 23 years | $19,635 |
| 25 years | $22,633 |
Top Solar Installers in Cabot
Installing solar panels yourself can be a stressful project, which is why getting a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. A solar company can also help save you money over the lifespan of your system by providing warranties, repairs and part replacements.
There are various licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. Here are our suggestions:
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 Cabot
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Cabot
There are several factors that can affect your solar system installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar panels.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar system in Cabot, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are largely based on your home's energy consumption, which you can figure out by looking at past electricity bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $2,540 for each additional kilowatt you need. The brand and type of equipment you get for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often come at a higher price than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you're opting for high efficiency because you have limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Also, if you want additional equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Cabot have solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar panels. 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 above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or getting a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The remaining significant cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of sustainable energy solutions in Cabot, you'll have plenty of options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment. Some companies only sell high-quality, high-efficiency and high-price products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come with an above-average cost. It's best to do some research and choose a company that has the products, warranties and services you're looking for and also is within your budget.
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 | $15,826 | 10.3 years |
| 8 kW | $2.59 | $14,508 | $21,386 | 10.1 years |
| 10 kW | $2.54 | $17,780 | $27,088 | 9.9 years |
| 12 kW | $2.49 | $20,909 | $32,933 | 9.7 years |
| 14 kW | $2.44 | $23,896 | $38,919 | 9.5 years |
| 16 kW | $2.39 | $26,741 | $45,048 | 9.3 years |
| 18 kW | $2.34 | $29,444 | $51,319 | 9.1 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,004 | $57,733 | 8.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many companies available in Cabot, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have proven expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has good reviews from previous customers.
- Solar Panel Brands: The brand of solar panel you'd like plays a role in which company you should opt for, since different companies have different panels.
- Contract: Read the contract terms closely to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, project timeline incentives and warranties.
- Installation Process: When going solar, it's crucial to maintain an open line of communication with your solar panel installer. Make sure you understand how the installation process works and 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 Cabot, AR Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Cabot?
The average cost of solar panels in Cabot 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 stuff such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
What other factors should I consider apart from cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is a very important factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on your reasons for going 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.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Cabot?
The majority of states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can receive compensation for the extra power your system generates or or receive credits to put toward future energy bills. Currently there are just three states that don't have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you need to know how much energy your home uses and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can typically 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.