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

  • Elkins Solar Installation Cost: $20,977
  • 25-Year Savings: $19,812
  • Payback Period: 14.9 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 Elkins

Find out how much it might cost to switch to solar power in Elkins.

In Elkins, solar panels cost about 3 per watt on average.To account for the typical energy needs of the average home in Elkins, most homeowners require a 8.6-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs about $20,977, or $29,997 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.

The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of solar panels. The exact cost of making the switch to solar can vary based on multiple factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what company you go with.With average savings of about $16,000 on energy bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Elkins find installing solar panels can pay off big.

Click the button below to get connected to a top solar installer in Elkins for a personalized estimate.

Solar savings over time in Elkins

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-19,629
3 years $-16,932
5 years $-14,235
7 years $-11,537
9 years $-8,840
11 years $-6,143
13 years $-3,446
15 years $-749
17 years $1,948
19 years $4,645
21 years $7,342
23 years $10,039
25 years $12,736

Top Solar Installers in Elkins

Installing solar panels yourself can be a stressful task, which is why getting a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Another good thing about going with a reliable solar installer is that it'll provide warranties and free repairs, which help protect your solar system over time.

If you’d like to go solar but still aren’t certain which solar installer to go with, here are our suggestions for providers 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 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 Elkins

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Elkins

For many Elkins homeowners, the decision to go solar comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Elkins, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a few factors that greatly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.

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 higher efficiency or power production need better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,490.The type of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will substantially influence costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Plus, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to consider the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when looking into a solar system that’s in your budget.

Solar Financing Terms

Most solar installers in Elkins provide solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar.Even though solar loans make going solar more accessible for Elkins homeowners, they can also raise 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 choose to handle your switch to clean energy can play a role in your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies in Elkins, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.Additionally, some companies in Elkins are more knowledgeable about local solar incentives and can help you make good use of additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could end up saving you more money in the long run.

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 $9,267 15.5 years
8 kW $3.56 $19,935 $12,748 15.2 years
10 kW $3.49 $24,430 $16,423 14.9 years
12 kW $3.42 $28,730 $20,294 14.7 years
14 kW $3.35 $32,834 $24,360 14.4 years
16 kW $3.28 $36,743 $28,622 14.1 years
18 kW $3.21 $40,456 $33,079 13.8 years
20 kW $3.14 $43,974 $37,732 13.5 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you find the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:

  • Solar Panel Brands: Different companies carry various brands and kinds of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar installer you’re considering has it.
  • Warranty: An all-inclusive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar panel system running for a long time and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
  • Contract: Read the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand how much it will cost, project completion timeline rebates and warranties.
  • Installation Process: When making the switch to solar, it’s necessary to maintain an open line of communication with your solar panel company. Confirm that you understand how the installation process will go and the project timeline.

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 Elkins, AR Solar Cost FAQs

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

This is a tough question to answer exactly, 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. It will cost more if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. Conversely, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.

Can you get solar panels for free in Elkins?

You can’t get solar panels for free in Elkins. 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.

How will having 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 Elkins is currently $256,112, which means you can expect a value of about $10,501 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Elkins is a rewarding investment.

What solar power system size is right for my home?

The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and how much 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.

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