Solar Panel Cost Guide in Fordyce, AR (2023 Update)

  • Fordyce Solar Installation Cost: $14,722
  • 25-Year Savings: $26,168
  • Payback Period: 9.0 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated March 14, 2023

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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 Fordyce

Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Fordyce.

In Fordyce, solar panels cost about 2.54 per watt on average. To cover the typical energy usage of the average home in Fordyce, most homeowners require a 8.3-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs around $14,722, or $21,052 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.

Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Fordyce homeowners. The price of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor. For many homeowners, the upfront cost of solar is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $19,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.

Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar installer in your area for a personalized quote.

Solar savings over time in Fordyce

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-13,086
3 years $-9,815
5 years $-6,544
7 years $-3,273
9 years $-2
11 years $3,270
13 years $6,541
15 years $9,812
17 years $13,083
19 years $16,354
21 years $19,625
23 years $22,896
25 years $26,168

Top Solar Installers in Fordyce

Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can be a pain. Hiring an installer can make switching to solar power much easier. Plus, if you're unsure what brand of solar panels and equipment you may need, a solar installer can help you find the right equipment for you after a site survey and consultation.

Working with a vetted solar installer can help you make the most of your investment in solar. 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • 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

★★★★★
4.0

  • Industry-leading warranty coverage
  • Expansive service area
  • Some reported communication issues
  • No leases or PPAs

See all of the solar companies in Fordyce

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Fordyce

There are a number of factors that can affect your total 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

When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar energy system in Fordyce, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are mainly based on your home's energy consumption, which you can figure out by looking at past energy bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $2,540 for each additional kilowatt you need. There are many different solar panel brands and the one you choose also changes the cost. In many cases, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also be more expensive. Plus, the type of equipment you choose can affect your total cost. If you just 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 a solar system out of pocket can be difficult. Solar loans are available from most installers in Fordyce, which can bring down, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable. Though solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Fordyce homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The last key cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of clean energy solutions in Fordyce, you'll have a great number of options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment. Some companies 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 with an above-average cost. It's best to do some research and go with the company that provides the products, warranties and services you want and also fit into 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 $2.64 $11,095 $18,538 9.4 years
8 kW $2.59 $14,508 $25,002 9.2 years
10 kW $2.54 $17,780 $31,608 9.0 years
12 kW $2.49 $20,909 $38,356 8.8 years
14 kW $2.44 $23,896 $45,246 8.6 years
16 kW $2.39 $26,741 $52,279 8.5 years
18 kW $2.34 $29,444 $59,454 8.3 years
20 kW $2.29 $32,004 $66,771 8.1 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

There are a large number of companies to choose from in Fordyce, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:

  • Solar Panel Brands: Different companies offer various brands and kinds of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar panel company you're considering has it.
  • Contract: It's important to look over your solar installer's contract fully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about your solar system's energy production.
  • Warranty: An all-inclusive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar system running smoothly and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
  • Installation Process: Get details from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be done and what the project timeline is.

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

★★★★★
4.5

  • 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

★★★★★
4.0

  • Industry-leading warranty coverage
  • Expansive service area
  • Some reported communication issues
  • No leases or PPAs

EcoWatch's Fordyce, AR Solar Cost FAQs

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

The average cost of solar panels in Fordyce 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 things like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.

Can you get solar panels for free in Fordyce?

You can't get solar panels for free in Fordyce. However, you may still be able to install 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.

Can solar panels eliminate my energy bills?

It is possible to erase your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout Fordyce, 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 often do you have to replace solar panels?

Even though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they stop working completely at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can replace them once you've had them for that long or you can continue to use 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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