Solar Panel Cost Guide in Forrest City, AR (2023 Update)
- Forrest City Solar Installation Cost: $14,917
- 25-Year Savings: $22,401
- Payback Period: 10.0 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Updated May 04, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Forrest City
Let's take a look at the average cost of solar panels in Forrest City.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Forrest City it's 2.54 per watt. The average Forrest City homeowner needs a 8.4-kilowatt system, which would cost about $14,917 with the federal tax credit, or $21,331 before the 30% 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 needs, the type of solar system you want to get, your solar contractor and more. Despite the significant upfront cost, the average Forrest City homeowner can save about $17,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the benefits of solar.
Click the button below to get connected to a reputable solar installer in your area for a custom estimate.
Solar savings over time in Forrest City
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-13,425 |
| 3 years | $-10,439 |
| 5 years | $-7,454 |
| 7 years | $-4,468 |
| 9 years | $-1,483 |
| 11 years | $1,503 |
| 13 years | $4,488 |
| 15 years | $7,474 |
| 17 years | $10,459 |
| 19 years | $13,445 |
| 21 years | $16,430 |
| 23 years | $19,416 |
| 25 years | $22,401 |
Top Solar Installers in Forrest City
When switching to solar energy, many homeowners choose to use a solar company since handling can be a time-consuming project. The expertise that solar installers offer can be useful as well, particularly if you aren't sure what type of solar equipment would be right for your home.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free quote on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some in Forrest City:
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
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
See all of the solar companies in Forrest City
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Forrest City
Though the average cost of a solar system in Forrest City is $14,917, your final cost may differ. There are quite a few factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more important things to consider.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of adopting solar energy is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more electricity your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay about $2,540 per kilowatt in Forrest City. Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Forrest City, where sunlight is 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 more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
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 Forrest City, which can reduce, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the amount of interest you'll pay over the length of the loan. If you can only get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the principal cost. Making a larger down payment or getting a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installer you choose will influence your total cost to make the switch to solar power. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor. You may see national solar installers that have lower prices because of their larger brand name and access to bulk pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those larger companies.
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 | $15,585 | 10.4 years |
| 8 kW | $2.59 | $14,508 | $21,065 | 10.2 years |
| 10 kW | $2.54 | $17,780 | $26,686 | 10.0 years |
| 12 kW | $2.49 | $20,909 | $32,450 | 9.8 years |
| 14 kW | $2.44 | $23,896 | $38,357 | 9.6 years |
| 16 kW | $2.39 | $26,741 | $44,405 | 9.4 years |
| 18 kW | $2.34 | $29,444 | $50,596 | 9.2 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,004 | $56,929 | 9.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you pick the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a substantial role in the company you hire.
- Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be completed and how long it will take.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good reputation as a company and have proven expertise in the field. A couple of ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has satisfied reviews from previous customers.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar installer, make sure to read it through carefully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you aren't sure about some of the terms, such as what to do if a part breaks or malfunctions and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
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
EcoWatch's Forrest City, AR Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Forrest City?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, 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. It will cost more if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Is cost the most important consideration 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 goals for going solar. In cities where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to take into account are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Can solar panels eliminate my power bills?
It is possible to eliminate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout Forrest City, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes can accommodate that size system, so you'll want to contact a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and the average daily 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 buy 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.