Solar Panel Cost Guide in Dardanelle, AR (2023 Update)
- Dardanelle Solar Installation Cost: $15,060
- 25-Year Savings: $21,143
- Payback Period: 10.4 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Dardanelle
Find out how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Dardanelle.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Dardanelle it's 2.54 per watt. Using this figure, a typical 8.5-kW system would cost about $15,060 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll end up paying for solar may look quite different based on your household energy consumption, the type of equipment you want, your solar contractor and more. With average savings of about $16,000 on utility bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Dardanelle find going solar can pay off big.
To receive a free quote from a top solar installation company in Dardanelle, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Dardanelle
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-13,612 |
| 3 years | $-10,715 |
| 5 years | $-7,819 |
| 7 years | $-4,923 |
| 9 years | $-2,027 |
| 11 years | $870 |
| 13 years | $3,766 |
| 15 years | $6,662 |
| 17 years | $9,558 |
| 19 years | $12,454 |
| 21 years | $15,351 |
| 23 years | $18,247 |
| 25 years | $21,143 |
Top Solar Installers in Dardanelle
DIY solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can be a pain. Using an installer can make switching to solar power much easier. Companies can also offer access to a large variety of the best solar panels and help you pick which one will be best for your family.
You can get a free quote from a local solar installer on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some near you:
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 Dardanelle
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Dardanelle
For many Dardanelle homeowners, the decision to install solar panels rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Dardanelle, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a number of factors that considerably influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of going solar. For that reason, it's crucial to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use. There are several different solar panel brands and the one you choose also affects the cost. Usually, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also be more expensive. In addition, the type of equipment you choose can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be difficult. Solar loans are available from most installers in Dardanelle, which can bring down, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable. 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're only able to 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 securing a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs considerably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to consider when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Dardanelle is the company you get to install your solar panel system. As with choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for instance, there's no shortage of solar installers that offer a range of services for different budgets. Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional services like electric car charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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
Since the model of solar panels and the company you choose significantly impacts your costs and your system's durability and efficiency, it's important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Solar Panel Brands: The model of solar panel you need to install plays a part in which company you should opt for, since different companies have access to different panels.
- 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 expectations you should have about the project timeline.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for clean energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a good reputation and is qualified to do the job well. Another way you can verify your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the 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 Dardanelle, AR Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Dardanelle?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of 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. You can expect to pay more if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. On the other hand, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Dardanelle?
You can't get solar panels for free in Dardanelle. However, you may still be able to afford them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you'd rather own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Does Dardanelle have a net metering program?
Most states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either be compensated for the extra power your system produces 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 do I need to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and the amount of sunlight your roof gets. You can take a look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to install between 20 and 35 panels to cover their typical energy usage.
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.