Solar Panel Cost Guide in Dardanelle, AR (2023 Update)

  • Dardanelle Solar Installation Cost: $15,061
  • 25-Year Savings: $21,142
  • Payback Period: 10.4 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated September 15, 2023

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We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Dardanelle

Let's have a look at the average cost of solar panels in Dardanelle.

While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Dardanelle typically cost about 2.54. Using this figure, a typical 8.5-kW system would cost about $15,060 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.

These figures are only estimates, and your own solar costs may differ based on your specific situation and what company you choose to go with. Many homeowners find going solar is a fruitful investment. The average homeowner in Dardanelle can save around $16,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.

You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar company in Dardanelle for a quote for your home.

Solar savings over time in Dardanelle

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-14,941
3 years $-14,699
5 years $-14,458
7 years $-14,216
9 years $-13,975
11 years $-13,734
13 years $-13,492
15 years $-13,251
17 years $-13,010
19 years $-12,768
21 years $-12,527
23 years $-12,286
25 years $-12,044

Top Solar Installers in Dardanelle

Installing solar panels on your own can be a dangerous undertaking, which is why using a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. The expertise that solar installers provide can be invaluable as well, particularly if you don't quite know what type of solar equipment would be right for your home.

You can work with a local solar installer to get a free estimate on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some nearby:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • Most efficient panels on the market
  • National coverage
  • Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Expensive
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

Best Warranty Coverage

ADT Solar

★★★★★
4.0

  • Industry-leading warranty coverage
  • Expansive service area
  • Some reported communication issues
  • No leases or PPAs

Best Technology

Tesla Energy

★★★★★
3.2

  • 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 Dardanelle

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Dardanelle

Though the average cost of a solar system in Dardanelle is $15,060, your actual cost may differ. There are quite a few factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to keep in mind.

Solar Equipment

When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar system in Dardanelle, one of the most important 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 energy bills. Your total cost can increase by about $2,540 for each additional kilowatt you need. The solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you choose the most efficient solar panel brands, you'll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, higher efficiency could save you more over time on your energy bills. In addition, add-on products, like solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Dardanelle average.

Solar Financing Terms

Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over time, but they can also be a big investment. That's why many Dardanelle homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs. While solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Dardanelle homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The solar panel installation company you select will play a role in your total cost to make the switch to solar power. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor. Some companies only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — 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 go with the company that offers the products, warranties and services you want and also fits 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 $14,548 10.8 years
8 kW $2.59 $14,508 $19,682 10.6 years
10 kW $2.54 $17,780 $24,958 10.4 years
12 kW $2.49 $20,909 $30,376 10.2 years
14 kW $2.44 $23,896 $35,936 10.0 years
16 kW $2.39 $26,741 $41,639 9.8 years
18 kW $2.34 $29,444 $47,484 9.6 years
20 kW $2.29 $32,004 $53,471 9.4 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

There are a lot of companies available in Dardanelle, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:

  • Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their locations and how much efficiency they need. Even though there are many options for which brand 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 take a look at their list of options before deciding.
  • Reputation: Make sure your solar panel installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking its work history and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
  • Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the project completion timeline.
  • Contract: It's important to read your solar installer's contract well to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the cost.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • Most efficient panels on the market
  • National coverage
  • Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Expensive
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

Best Warranty Coverage

ADT Solar

★★★★★
4.0

  • Industry-leading warranty coverage
  • Expansive service area
  • Some reported communication issues
  • No leases or PPAs

Best Technology

Tesla Energy

★★★★★
3.2

  • 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 Dardanelle, AR Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Dardanelle?

This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $12,700 for a 5-kW system and $25,400 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. Conversely, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.

Can you get solar panels for free in Dardanelle?

Solar panels aren't free in Dardanelle, but there are some options that can make getting them more viable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can help lower the cost.

Do solar panels increase your home value?

Solar panels can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Dardanelle is currently $122,800, which means you can expect a value of about $5,035 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Dardanelle is a worthwhile investment.

How often do you have to replace solar panels?

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 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.

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