Solar Panel Cost Guide in Fort Smith, AR (Jul 2022)
- Fort Smith Solar Installation Cost: $15,845
- 25-Year Savings: $18,786
- Payback Period: 11.4 Years
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Updated 7/19/2022
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Fort Smith
Find out how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Fort Smith.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Fort Smith typically cost around $3. The average Fort Smith homeowner needs an 8.4-kilowatt system, which would cost about $15,845, or $11,725 after the federal solar tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of solar panels. The true cost of making the switch to solar can vary depending on multiple factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy consumption and what installation company you go with. For many homeowners, the upfront investment in solar power is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $16,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
To calculate your potential savings and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Fort Smith
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-14,460 |
| 3 years | $-11,689 |
| 5 years | $-8,919 |
| 7 years | $-6,148 |
| 9 years | $-3,378 |
| 11 years | $-607 |
| 13 years | $2,163 |
| 15 years | $4,934 |
| 17 years | $7,704 |
| 19 years | $10,475 |
| 21 years | $13,245 |
| 23 years | $16,016 |
| 25 years | $18,786 |
Top Solar Installers in Fort Smith
Putting up solar panels by yourself can be a stressful project, which is why getting a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. In addition, if you'd like to maximize your investment in solar energy, using a solar installer can help with that too. Different providers can offer warranties, expertise on how to install solar panels and sometimes even information on local incentives, rebates and net metering programs.
There are various licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. Here are our suggestions:
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
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
See all of the solar companies in Fort Smith
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Fort Smith
For many Fort Smith homeowners, the decision to install solar panels rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Fort Smith, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a number of factors that considerably influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment Size
System size is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of going solar. For that reason, it's crucial to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use. There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you pick also changes the cost. In many cases, the brands that are more efficient tend to also be more expensive. In addition, the type of equipment you want to install can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Fort Smith to be too costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar company in the area offers financing options. Solar loans greatly decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also result in paying more over time because of interest. When figuring out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you decide on a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installer you choose will influence your total cost to adopt solar energy. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor. The size of the company can sometimes play the most considerable role in your total costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because they have more resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount 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 | $2.64 | $11,729 | $12,919 | 11.9 years |
| 8 kW | $2.59 | $15,338 | $17,526 | 11.7 years |
| 10 kW | $2.54 | $18,796 | $22,283 | 11.4 years |
| 12 kW | $2.49 | $22,104 | $27,191 | 11.2 years |
| 14 kW | $2.44 | $25,262 | $32,249 | 11.0 years |
| 16 kW | $2.39 | $28,269 | $37,457 | 10.8 years |
| 18 kW | $2.34 | $31,126 | $42,816 | 10.5 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $33,833 | $48,325 | 10.3 years |
Solar Incentives in Fort Smith
| Name | ITC |
| Type | Tax Incentive |
| Incentive Amount | 26% of installation cost |
| Website | Visit here |
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 find the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you should know with your solar company, such as what permits you should acquire and what the project timeline is.
- Solar Panel Brands: The kind of solar panel you'd like plays a part in which company you should choose, since different companies have different panels.
- Warranty: Warranties that cover panel repairs and maintenance over a couple decades are the best you can get in the business, and offering such a warranty is one sign of a good company.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking its work history and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
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
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
EcoWatch's Fort Smith, AR Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Fort Smith?
The average cost of solar panels in Fort Smith 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 such as the type 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 afford them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you'd prefer to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Is it worth going solar in Fort Smith?
Solar panels can be a beneficial investment for many homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight and/or your electricity bills are already reasonably low, solar panels might not be for you.
How long do solar panels last in Fort Smith?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger level of energy production.
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.
