Solar Panel Cost Guide in Jonesboro, AR (2023 Update)

  • Jonesboro Solar Installation Cost: $15,135
  • 25-Year Savings: $17,616
  • Payback Period: 11.6 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated September 15, 2023

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We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Jonesboro

Find out how much it might cost to install solar panels in Jonesboro.

In Jonesboro, solar panels cost about 2.54 per watt on average. To cover the typical energy needs of the average home in Jonesboro, most homeowners require a 8.5-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs around $15,131, or $21,637 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.

These figures are just averages, and the cost of going solar for you will most likely differ based on your specific situation and what company you go with. Despite the significant upfront cost, the average Jonesboro homeowner can save about $15,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.

You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar company in Jonesboro that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.

Solar savings over time in Jonesboro

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-13,679
3 years $-10,767
5 years $-7,855
7 years $-4,943
9 years $-2,031
11 years $881
13 years $3,794
15 years $6,706
17 years $9,618
19 years $12,530
21 years $15,442
23 years $18,354
25 years $21,266

Top Solar Installers in Jonesboro

When going solar, many homeowners decide to hire a solar company since DIY solar panel installation can be a challenging project. Also, companies with an outstanding reputation that cost more upfront could actually save you money in the long run because of their warranties, repair services and expert design.

Working with a licensed solar installer can help your solar project go smoothly. Here are our recommendations:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • Most efficient panels on the market
  • National coverage
  • Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Expensive
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

Best Warranty Coverage

ADT Solar

★★★★★
4.0

  • Industry-leading warranty coverage
  • Expansive service area
  • Some reported communication issues
  • No leases or PPAs

Best Technology

Tesla Energy

★★★★★
3.2

  • 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 Jonesboro

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Jonesboro

For many Jonesboro homeowners, the decision to install solar panels rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Jonesboro, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a number of factors that greatly influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.

Solar Equipment

One of the most important 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 electricity your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend about $2,540 per kilowatt in Jonesboro. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Jonesboro, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, if you have a small roof or you don't have a lot of 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

Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Jonesboro to be prohibitively costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, almost every solar installer in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans substantially decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also lead to higher prices over time due to interest. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the total interest you'll pay over the length of the loan. If you can only get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or securing a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs considerably.

Solar Panel Installation Company

Finally, the company you hire to install your solar system can influence the cost. Jonesboro's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or extra services like electric vehicle 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 $11,990 12.0 years
8 kW $2.59 $14,508 $16,271 11.8 years
10 kW $2.54 $17,780 $20,694 11.6 years
12 kW $2.49 $20,909 $25,260 11.3 years
14 kW $2.44 $23,896 $29,968 11.1 years
16 kW $2.39 $26,741 $34,818 10.9 years
18 kW $2.34 $29,444 $39,810 10.6 years
20 kW $2.29 $32,004 $44,944 10.4 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

The solar installer you go with will affect not only your total costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should take into account, such as:

  • Contract: Even 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: Different companies will have different brands and kinds of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar panel installer you're considering has it.
  • Reputation: Solar panel companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years likely offer high-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
  • Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when adopting solar energy is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you should know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should secure and what the project timeline is.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • Most efficient panels on the market
  • National coverage
  • Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Expensive
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

Best Warranty Coverage

ADT Solar

★★★★★
4.0

  • Industry-leading warranty coverage
  • Expansive service area
  • Some reported communication issues
  • No leases or PPAs

Best Technology

Tesla Energy

★★★★★
3.2

  • 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 Jonesboro, AR Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in Jonesboro?

The average cost of solar panels in Jonesboro 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 stuff like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.

Are solar panels free in Jonesboro?

A solar panel system isn't free in Jonesboro, but there are some options that can make getting them more feasible, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that you can take advantage of.

How will having solar panels impact my property value?

Solar panels can increase your home value remarkably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don't go for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% with a solar installation."

What solar power system size is right for my home?

To figure out how many solar panels you need, you should find out how much energy your home needs and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can usually produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average house will need 20 to 35 panels.

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.

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