Solar Panel Cost Guide in Dardanelle, AR (2024 Update)

  • Dardanelle Solar Installation Cost: $20,694
  • 25-Year Savings: $21,142
  • Payback Period: 14.3 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 03, 2024

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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

Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in Dardanelle.

In Dardanelle, solar panels cost about 3 per watt on average.The average Dardanelle homeowner needs a 8.5-kilowatt system, which would cost about $20,694 with the federal tax credit, or $29,592 before the 0 tax credit is applied.

These figures are just averages, and your own solar costs may look different based on your specific situation and what company you want to go with.With typical savings of about $16,000 on electricity bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Dardanelle find installing solar panels can pay off big.

Click the button below to get connected to a reputable solar panel company in Dardanelle for a customized quote.

Solar savings over time in Dardanelle

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-19,238
3 years $-16,326
5 years $-13,414
7 years $-10,502
9 years $-7,590
11 years $-4,678
13 years $-1,766
15 years $1,146
17 years $4,059
19 years $6,971
21 years $9,883
23 years $12,795
25 years $15,707

Top Solar Installers in Dardanelle

Many homeowners opt for a solar installation company since figuring out how to install solar panels on your own can be time-consuming. Since solar panels are exposed to rain, snow, hail and wind, depending on the climate, warranties and repairs from your solar installer can help you get the most out of your investment in solar panels by avoiding potential costs down the line.

Working with a professional solar company can help your solar project go smoothly. Here are our recommendations:

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 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

The cost of installing a solar system in Dardanelle can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The most significant one is the size of the system your home needs, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar installer you choose.

Solar Equipment

Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of installing solar panels. For that reason, it’s important to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use.The brand and kind of equipment you want for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these are often more expensive 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 more savings over time. Plus, if you want additional equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.

Solar Financing Terms

For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be challenging. Solar loans are available from most installers in Dardanelle, which can reduce, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.Although solar loans make going solar more accessible for Dardanelle homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The solar installer you hire to handle your switch to sustainable energy can play a part in your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies in Dardanelle, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.Companies that 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 at a higher cost. It’s best to do some research and decide on the company that provides 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 $3.63 $15,244 $10,398 14.9 years
8 kW $3.56 $19,935 $14,255 14.6 years
10 kW $3.49 $24,430 $18,308 14.3 years
12 kW $3.42 $28,730 $22,555 14.0 years
14 kW $3.35 $32,834 $26,999 13.7 years
16 kW $3.28 $36,743 $31,638 13.4 years
18 kW $3.21 $40,456 $36,472 13.1 years
20 kW $3.14 $43,974 $41,501 12.9 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

The solar panel company you opt for will influence not only your total costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should keep in mind, such as:

  • Contract: Though reading through a contract can be tedious, it’s important to do it thoroughly so you can be sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers offer the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a considerable role in the company you choose.
  • 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 that kind of warranty is one mark of a good company.
  • Reputation: Solar installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years in most cases provide high-quality solar panel installation and expertise.

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 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

How much does it cost to install solar panels in Dardanelle?

This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Broadly 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 other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. Conversely, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.

Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Dardanelle?

Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t 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.

Do solar panels increase how much your home is worth?

Solar panels can increase the value of your home significantly as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t opt for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% after installing solar panels."

How many solar panels should I get to power my home?

To figure out how many solar panels you need, you should find out how much energy your home requires 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.

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