Solar Panel Cost Guide in East End, AR (2023 Update)

  • East End Solar Installation Cost: $14,953
  • 25-Year Savings: $22,850
  • Payback Period: 9.9 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated May 04, 2023

Why you can trust EcoWatch

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 East End

We break down average solar pricing in East End.

In East End, solar panels cost about 2.54 per watt on average. The average East End homeowner needs a 8.4-kilowatt system, which would cost about $14,953 with the federal tax credit, or $21,383 before the 30% tax credit is applied.

Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average East End homeowner. The cost of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor. With typical savings of about $17,000 on energy bills over 20 years, many homeowners in East End find installing solar panels has a decent ROI.

For a customized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.

Solar savings over time in East End

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-13,441
3 years $-10,417
5 years $-7,392
7 years $-4,368
9 years $-1,344
11 years $1,680
13 years $4,704
15 years $7,729
17 years $10,753
19 years $13,777
21 years $16,801
23 years $19,826
25 years $22,850

Top Solar Installers in East End

Many homeowners opt for a solar installer since trying to install solar panels by yourself can be a labor-intensive endeavor. A solar installer can also help save you money over the lifespan of your system by providing warranties, repairs and system component replacements.

There are various licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar system. Here are our suggestions:

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

Sunpro 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 East End

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in East End

There are several criteria that can play into your installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that performs the installation.

Solar Equipment

The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the main factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have greater efficiency or power production need better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $2,540. The solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down 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 in the long run on your power bills. Additionally, add-on products, like solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the East End average.

Solar Financing Terms

For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be challenging. Solar loans are provided by most installers in East End, which can lower, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible. However, the interest on solar loans also increases your overall costs, so it's vital to consider that as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by making a larger down payment.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The remaining major cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of renewable energy solutions in East End, you'll have many options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment. Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or extra services like electric vehicle 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 $15,872 10.3 years
8 kW $2.59 $14,508 $21,448 10.1 years
10 kW $2.54 $17,780 $27,165 9.9 years
12 kW $2.49 $20,909 $33,025 9.7 years
14 kW $2.44 $23,896 $39,027 9.5 years
16 kW $2.39 $26,741 $45,171 9.3 years
18 kW $2.34 $29,444 $51,457 9.1 years
20 kW $2.29 $32,004 $57,886 8.9 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 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:

  • Reputation: Solar panel companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years likely provide quality solar panel installation and expertise.
  • Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be done and how long it will take.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will carry different brands and models of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar panel company you're considering has it.
  • Contract: Read the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, project completion timeline incentives and warranties.

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

Sunpro 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 East End, AR Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in East End?

This is a hard 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. You can expect to pay more if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. Conversely, 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 East End?

Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can't pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don't own the system, you don't have access to 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 savings from going solar.

How much can I save on energy bills after installing solar panels?

It is possible to erase your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in East End, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have the roof space for that size system, so you'll want to check with a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.

How long do solar panels last in East End?

Even though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they are completely unusable at that time. What this means is the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can opt to replace them once you've had them for that long or you can keep using them at a lower efficiency.

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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