Solar Panel Cost Guide in Fort Smith, AR (2024 Update)
- Fort Smith Solar Installation Cost: $20,596
- 25-Year Savings: $19,642
- Payback Period: 14.9 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Fort Smith
See how much it might cost to go solar in Fort Smith.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Fort Smith generally cost around 3.To cover the typical energy usage of the average home in Fort Smith, most homeowners require a 8.4-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs around $20,596, or $29,452 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
The actual price you pay can be above or below the average in Fort Smith depending on several factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire.Even with the significant initial cost, the average Fort Smith homeowner can save about $16,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.
To receive a free estimate from a pre-vetted solar installer in Fort Smith, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Fort Smith
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-19,499 |
| 3 years | $-17,305 |
| 5 years | $-15,111 |
| 7 years | $-12,917 |
| 9 years | $-10,723 |
| 11 years | $-8,529 |
| 13 years | $-6,335 |
| 15 years | $-4,141 |
| 17 years | $-1,947 |
| 19 years | $247 |
| 21 years | $2,441 |
| 23 years | $4,635 |
| 25 years | $6,828 |
Top Solar Installers in Fort Smith
When switching to solar energy, many homeowners decide to go with a solar installer since installing solar panels yourself can be a difficult project. Companies can also have access to quality options of the best solar panels and help you decide which one will be right for your family.
If you’d like to go solar but still aren’t sure which solar installer to go with, here are our suggestions for providers near you:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- 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 Fort Smith
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Fort Smith
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners considering investing in solar. There are a few major factors that affect your total cost in Fort Smith: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll discuss each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar panel system you need, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by nearly $3,490. The type of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost 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 energy bills. Additionally, add-on products, like solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Fort Smith average.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Fort Smith have solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing a solar system.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the total 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 original cost. Making a larger down payment or finding a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Fort Smith is the company you choose to install your solar panel system. As with choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for instance, you’ll have many options for solar installers that offer a range of services for different budgets.The company’s size sometimes plays the most significant role in your costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing due to greater resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger names.
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 | $9,403 | 15.5 years |
| 8 kW | $3.56 | $19,935 | $12,928 | 15.2 years |
| 10 kW | $3.49 | $24,430 | $16,649 | 14.9 years |
| 12 kW | $3.42 | $28,730 | $20,565 | 14.6 years |
| 14 kW | $3.35 | $32,834 | $24,677 | 14.3 years |
| 16 kW | $3.28 | $36,743 | $28,984 | 14.0 years |
| 18 kW | $3.21 | $40,456 | $33,486 | 13.7 years |
| 20 kW | $3.14 | $43,974 | $38,184 | 13.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the kind of solar panels and the installation company you choose has an impact on your costs and your system’s efficiency, production, and durability, it’s important to select the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Warranty: A comprehensive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar system running smoothly and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
- Contract: When looking over your solar company’s contract, ask questions about any terms you’re not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system part breaking or the company going out of business.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re on the same page with the company with regard to how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar panels are installed, such as updating or replacing your electrical system or roof.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model offers varying levels of quality, durability and efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose impacts which solar panel brands you have access to.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- 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 Fort Smith, AR Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Fort Smith?
The average cost of solar panels in Fort Smith is about $17,450 for a 5-kW system and $34,900 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on stuff like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Are solar panels free in Fort Smith?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Fort Smith. 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.
Does Fort Smith have a net metering program?
The majority of states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either receive compensation for the extra power your system generates or or receive credits to put toward future utility bills. Currently there are just three states that don’t have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you should find out how much energy your home uses and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can generally produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average home will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.