Solar Panel Cost Guide in Helena-West Helena, AR (2023 Update)
- Helena-West Helena Solar Installation Cost: $14,768
- 25-Year Savings: $22,551
- Payback Period: 9.9 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Helena-West Helena
See how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Helena-West Helena.
The average cost of a solar system in Helena-West Helena is 2.54 per watt. Using this figure, a typical 8.3-kW system would cost about $14,775 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
The true cost of your system can go higher or lower than the average in Helena-West Helena depending on a variety of factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire. For many homeowners, the upfront cost of solar power is worth paying. On average Helena-West Helena homeowners see about $17,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a reputable solar company in your area for a personalized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Helena-West Helena
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-14,644 |
| 3 years | $-14,395 |
| 5 years | $-14,146 |
| 7 years | $-13,897 |
| 9 years | $-13,648 |
| 11 years | $-13,400 |
| 13 years | $-13,151 |
| 15 years | $-12,902 |
| 17 years | $-12,653 |
| 19 years | $-12,404 |
| 21 years | $-12,156 |
| 23 years | $-11,907 |
| 25 years | $-11,658 |
Top Solar Installers in Helena-West Helena
Installing solar panels yourself can be a dangerous task, which is why using a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Also, companies with a good reputation that are more expensive upfront could actually save you money in the long term with their warranties, repair services and expert design.
If you'd like to switch to solar energy but still aren't certain which solar panel company 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
See all of the solar companies in Helena-West Helena
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Helena-West Helena
Even though the average cost of a solar system in Helena-West Helena is $14,775, your final cost may be higher or lower than that. There are several factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to keep in mind.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar energy system you need, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by around $2,540. 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, more efficient panels could save you more in the long run on your electric bills. Additionally, add-on products, such as solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Helena-West Helena average.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Helena-West Helena 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 remarkably decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also lead to paying more over time due to interest. It's wise to add the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and how long it'll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Helena-West Helena is the company you get to install your solar panel system. Similar to choosing a company to install new cabinets, for example, you'll have no shortage of solar installers that provide a range of services for different budgets. The company's size can sometimes play the most significant role in your costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing due to access to more resources and bulk 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 | $11,095 | $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
There are many companies to choose from in Helena-West Helena, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Contract: It's important to look over your solar installer's contract thoroughly to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the installation process.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will offer different brands and kinds of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar company you're considering has it.
- Installation Process: When going solar, it's necessary to keep an open line of communication with your solar company. See to it that you understand how the installation process works and the project completion timeline.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for clean energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a good reputation and is qualified to do the job well. Another way you can research your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
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 Helena-West Helena, AR Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Helena-West Helena?
The average cost of solar panels in Helena-West Helena is about $12,700 for a 5-kW system and $25,400 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on certain factors like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Helena-West Helena?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can't 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 financial benefits from going solar.
How much can I save on electricity bills after switching to solar?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on where you're located and how much sunlight your home gets. Even if it doesn't get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $898.60 per year.
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 goes down 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.