Solar Panel Cost Guide in Camden, AR (2024 Update)
- Camden Solar Installation Cost: $20,114
- 25-Year Savings: $26,207
- Payback Period: 12.3 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Camden
See how much it might cost to switch to solar power in Camden.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Camden generally cost about 3.The average solar panel system size in Camden is around 8.2 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $20,114 for a solar installation, or $28,763 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
How much you pay can go above or below the average in Camden depending on a variety of factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire.Many homeowners find installing a solar panel system is a fruitful investment. The average homeowner in Camden can save around $19,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar company in Camden for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Camden
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-18,658 |
| 3 years | $-15,746 |
| 5 years | $-12,834 |
| 7 years | $-9,922 |
| 9 years | $-7,010 |
| 11 years | $-4,098 |
| 13 years | $-1,185 |
| 15 years | $1,727 |
| 17 years | $4,639 |
| 19 years | $7,551 |
| 21 years | $10,463 |
| 23 years | $13,375 |
| 25 years | $16,287 |
Top Solar Installers in Camden
Although it's possible to install solar panels yourself, it requires extra effort and knowledge. Because of that, the majority of homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. The payback period of solar panels will vary based on factors like your location and energy usage, but working with a solar company can shorten it. Your provider will be able to help you identify incentives available in your area.
Working with a professional solar installer can help your solar project go smoothly. Here are our recommendations:
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 Camden
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Camden
The cost of installing a solar system in Camden can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The most significant one is your system size, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar energy system in Camden, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are primarily based on your home’s energy consumption, which you can gauge by looking at past power bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $3,490 for each additional kilowatt you need.The kind of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will greatly influence costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Moreover, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to think about the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when searching for a solar system that’s in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Camden to be too expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, nearly every solar company in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also lead to a higher cost over time due to interest.It’s a good idea to add the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and how long it’ll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installation company you select will play a role in your total cost to go solar. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor.The size of the company can sometimes play the most significant role in the cost. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices due to access to more resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger names.
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 | $14,522 | 12.8 years |
| 8 kW | $3.56 | $19,935 | $19,753 | 12.6 years |
| 10 kW | $3.49 | $24,430 | $25,180 | 12.3 years |
| 12 kW | $3.42 | $28,730 | $30,802 | 12.1 years |
| 14 kW | $3.35 | $32,834 | $36,620 | 11.8 years |
| 16 kW | $3.28 | $36,743 | $42,633 | 11.6 years |
| 18 kW | $3.21 | $40,456 | $48,842 | 11.3 years |
| 20 kW | $3.14 | $43,974 | $55,246 | 11.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the model of solar panels and the installation company you choose has an impact on your costs and your system’s efficiency, production, and durability, it’s important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Warranty: Warranties that cover replacement parts and repairs over a long period of time such as 25 years are the gold standard in the business, and offering such a warranty is one indication of a quality company.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their roof configurations and how much efficiency they need. While there are many options for which type of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to ask for their list of offerings before deciding.
- 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 expectations you should have about your solar system’s energy production.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the project timeline.
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 Camden, AR Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Camden?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $17,450 for a 5-kW system and $34,900 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. On the flip side, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Camden?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you are unable to pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you can’t take advantage of 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 financial benefits from going solar.
How much can I save on electricity bills after installing solar panels?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on where you’re located 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 $992.20 per year.
How long do solar panels last in Camden?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases 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.