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

  • East End Solar Installation Cost: $14,954
  • 25-Year Savings: $22,848
  • 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 September 15, 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

Let's take a look at the average cost of solar panels in East End.

Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in East End, the average cost of solar panels is 2.54 per watt. 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.

These figures are just averages, and how much solar costs for you may differ based on your specific situation and what company you go with. But, after you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the return on investment for most homeowners is usually rewarding, with a net average savings of about $17,000 over 20 years on utility bills.

To see your potential savings and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.

Solar savings over time in East End

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-13,498
3 years $-10,586
5 years $-7,674
7 years $-4,762
9 years $-1,850
11 years $1,062
13 years $3,974
15 years $6,886
17 years $9,799
19 years $12,711
21 years $15,623
23 years $18,535
25 years $21,447

Top Solar Installers in East End

Although you can install solar panels yourself, it requires extra time and knowledge. That's one of the reasons almost all homeowners choose a solar panel installer. Plus, if you aren't sure what brand of solar panels and equipment you may need, a solar expert can help you find the right equipment for you after a site survey and consultation.

Working with a professional solar installer 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 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 East End

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in East End

The cost of installing a solar system in East End can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The largest one is your system size, and other factors include equipment choices, 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 affects the overall cost of installing solar panels. Because of that, it's crucial to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use. Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like East End, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, if you have a small roof or you don't have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.

Solar Financing Terms

Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in East End to be too steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, almost every solar installer in the area offers financing options. Solar loans substantially decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in higher prices over time due to interest. However, the interest on solar loans also increases your total costs, so it's important to take that into consideration as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by making a larger down payment.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The solar installer you go with to handle your switch to renewable energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies in East End, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment. Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional 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

The company that does your system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because choosing a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:

  • Contract: It's important to read through your solar installer's contract well to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the installation process.
  • Installation Process: Make sure you're aligned with the installer with regard to how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar panel system is installed, such as repairing your electrical system or roof.
  • Solar Panel Brands: The kind of solar panel you need to get plays a part in which company you should choose, since different companies have access to different panels.
  • Reputation: Make sure your solar panel installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking its number of years in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.

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 East End, AR Solar Cost FAQs

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

The average cost of solar panels in East End is about $12,700 for a 5-kW system and $25,400 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on stuff such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.

What other factors should I consider other than cost when buying solar panels?

The upfront cost is a key factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on your reasons for going solar. In places where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to think about are the quality and durability of your solar panels.

How will solar panels impact my 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 East End is currently $106,712, so you could be looking at a value of about $4,375 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in East End is a rewarding investment.

How often do you have to replace solar panels?

Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of at that time. What this means is their energy production 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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