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.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Gentry generally cost about 3.The average solar panel system size in Gentry is around 8.6 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $20,937 for a solar installation, or $29,940 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Gentry homeowners. The cost 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.But, once you've paid the initial cost of installation, the return on investment for most homeowners is usually good, with a net average savings of about $16,000 over 20 years on utility bills.
To see your potential savings and connect with a local solar installer, 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
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners prefer to use a solar company since overseeing your solar installation yourself can be a challenging project. Companies can also provide access to various kinds of the best solar panels and help you choose which one will be right for you.
If you're looking for a solar installer in Gentry, the EcoWatch team has put together a list of our top suggestions here:
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 Gentry
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Gentry
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners who want to invest in solar. There are a few primary factors that determine your overall cost in Gentry: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of installing solar panels is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more energy your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay around $3,490 per kilowatt in Gentry.Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Gentry, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, if you have a small roof or limited 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 solar panels out of pocket can be financially overwhelming. Solar loans are available from most installers in Gentry, which can bring down, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.It’s wise to factor the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a larger down payment, you can reduce your total costs and how long it’ll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installation company you pick will influence your total cost to adopt solar power. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor.You may see national solar installers that have lower prices because of their bigger brand name and access to bulk pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions 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 | $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
The solar installer you opt for will impact not only your total costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are a few important things you should consider, such as:
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good reputation as a company and have proven expertise in the field. Two 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 positive reviews from past customers.
- Contract: Read the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand the overall cost, completion timeline rebates and warranties.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model offers varying levels of quality, durability and energy efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose plays a role in which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Warranty: A high-quality company stands out from other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
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 Gentry, AR Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Gentry?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $17,450 for a 5-kW system and $34,900 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. On the other hand, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Gentry?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, as it commonly comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback is that you won’t be able to save as much. If you lease, you don’t own the system, so you can’t claim any incentives and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to get the most savings.
Is it worth going solar in Gentry?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like local electricity rates and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, solar panels can last 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 higher 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.