Solar Panel Cost Guide in Gentry, AR (2024 Update)
- Gentry Solar Installation Cost: $20,937
- 25-Year Savings: $21,279
- Payback Period: 14.3 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Gentry
Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar in Gentry.
In Gentry, solar panels cost about 3 per watt on average.Using this figure, a typical 8.6-kW system would cost about $20,937 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are only averages, and how much solar costs for you will differ based on the amount of energy your home requires and what company you want to go with.With typical savings of about $16,000 on energy bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Gentry find installing solar panels can be quite rewarding.
To calculate your potential ROI and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Gentry
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-19,289 |
| 3 years | $-15,992 |
| 5 years | $-12,695 |
| 7 years | $-9,398 |
| 9 years | $-6,100 |
| 11 years | $-2,803 |
| 13 years | $494 |
| 15 years | $3,791 |
| 17 years | $7,088 |
| 19 years | $10,385 |
| 21 years | $13,682 |
| 23 years | $16,980 |
| 25 years | $20,277 |
Top Solar Installers in Gentry
Although it's possible to install solar panels on your own, it requires extra energy and handiness. That's why most people choose to go with a solar panel installer. Also, companies with an outstanding reputation that are more expensive upfront could actually save you money in the long run due to their warranties, repair services and expert design.
There are various licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar system. Here are our suggestions:
See all of the solar companies in Gentry
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Gentry
There are a number of factors that can determine your total installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar panels.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the notable factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have greater efficiency or power production use better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,490.The brand and kind of equipment you want for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often have a higher price tag than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Also, if you want extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be a challenge. Solar loans are available from most installers in Gentry, which can reduce, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.When estimating your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you opt for a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you pick will play a role in your total cost to go solar. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor.The company’s size sometimes plays the most considerable role in the cost of installation. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices due to 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 companies.
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 | $10,320 | 14.9 years |
| 8 kW | $3.56 | $19,935 | $14,151 | 14.6 years |
| 10 kW | $3.49 | $24,430 | $18,178 | 14.3 years |
| 12 kW | $3.42 | $28,730 | $22,400 | 14.0 years |
| 14 kW | $3.35 | $32,834 | $26,817 | 13.8 years |
| 16 kW | $3.28 | $36,743 | $31,430 | 13.5 years |
| 18 kW | $3.21 | $40,456 | $36,238 | 13.2 years |
| 20 kW | $3.14 | $43,974 | $41,242 | 12.9 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 models and price points. To help you pick the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for renewable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can verify your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Contract: When reading over your solar installer’s contract, ask for clarification about any terms you’re not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system component breaking or the company going out of business.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies have the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a considerable role in the company you go with.
- Warranty: Warranties that cover replacement parts and repairs over a long period of time such as 25 years are the gold standard in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one indication of a good company.
EcoWatch's Gentry, AR Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Gentry?
The average cost of solar panels in Gentry is about $17,450 for a 5-kW system and $34,900 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.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Gentry?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t afford to pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you can’t take advantage of many solar incentives. Also your home value won’t increase, so you’ll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most savings from going solar.
Is switching to solar power worth it?
Solar panels can be a good investment for lots of 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 fairly low, solar panels might not be for you.
How long do solar panels last in Gentry?
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.