Solar Panel Cost Guide in Helena West Helena, AR (Mar 2023)
- Helena West Helena Solar Installation Cost: $14,775
- 25-Year Savings: $22,544
- Payback Period: 9.9 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Helena West Helena
We break down average solar pricing in Helena West Helena.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Helena West Helena typically cost around 2.54. Since a 8.3-kW system is needed to cover the energy costs of a typical home in Helena West Helena, the average price of going solar will be about $14,775 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of solar panels. The exact cost of making the switch to solar can vary quite a bit depending on multiple factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what solar installer you go with. Even with the large upfront cost, the average Helena West Helena homeowner can save around $17,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the positives of solar.
To see your potential ROI and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Helena West Helena
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-13,282 |
| 3 years | $-10,297 |
| 5 years | $-7,311 |
| 7 years | $-4,326 |
| 9 years | $-1,340 |
| 11 years | $1,645 |
| 13 years | $4,631 |
| 15 years | $7,616 |
| 17 years | $10,602 |
| 19 years | $13,587 |
| 21 years | $16,573 |
| 23 years | $19,558 |
| 25 years | $22,544 |
Top Solar Installers in Helena West Helena
Putting up solar panels by yourself can be a difficult task, which is why using a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Also, companies with a high reputation that cost more upfront could actually save you money in the long run due to their warranties, repair services and expert design.
If you'd like to go solar but still aren't sure which solar installer to go with, here are our recommendations for providers nearby:
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 Helena West Helena
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Helena West Helena
There are a number of factors that can affect your solar system installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar system.
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 power your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend around $2,540 per kilowatt in Helena West Helena. The brand of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will substantially affect costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more pricey. Plus, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to decide on the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It's important to take all of this into consideration when researching a solar system that's in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over time, but they can also be a significant investment. That's why many Helena West Helena homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable. It's wise to add the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a higher down payment, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it'll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Helena West Helena is the company you choose to install your PV system. Similar to choosing a company to install new cabinets, for example, there are plenty of solar installers that offer a range of services for different budgets. Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or add-on services like electric car charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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 | $15,863 | 10.3 years |
| 8 kW | $2.59 | $14,508 | $21,435 | 10.1 years |
| 10 kW | $2.54 | $17,780 | $27,150 | 9.9 years |
| 12 kW | $2.49 | $20,909 | $33,007 | 9.7 years |
| 14 kW | $2.44 | $23,896 | $39,006 | 9.5 years |
| 16 kW | $2.39 | $26,741 | $45,147 | 9.3 years |
| 18 kW | $2.34 | $29,444 | $51,430 | 9.1 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,004 | $57,856 | 8.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar installer you go with will influence not only your total costs, but also the kinds 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: 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 most likely has a good reputation and is qualified to do the job well. Another way you can look into your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar, it's important to maintain an open line of communication with your solar panel installer. See to it that you understand how the installation process works and the project timeline.
- Contract: Though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it's important to do it fully so you can make sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies offer the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a substantial role in the company you choose.
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 Helena West Helena, AR Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Helena West Helena?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many 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. You can expect to pay more if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. On the other hand, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Helena West Helena?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can't afford to pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don't own the system, you don't have access to many solar incentives. Also your property 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.
Do solar panels increase your home value?
Buying or financing solar panels for your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Helena West Helena is currently $82,421, so you can look forward to a value of about $3,379 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Helena West Helena is a fruitful investment.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
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 amount 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.