Solar Panel Cost Guide in Little Rock, AR (Sep 2022)
- Little Rock Solar Installation Cost: $14,917
- 25-Year Savings: $22,660
- Payback Period: 9.9 Years
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Updated 9/16/2022
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Little Rock
Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in Little Rock.
The average cost of solar panels in Little Rock is $3 per watt. The average solar panel system size in Little Rock is around 8.4 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $14,917 for a solar installation, or $11,039 after the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are just estimates, and the cost of going solar for you will vary based on factors unique to your home and what company you choose to go with. For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar power is worth paying. On average homeowners in Little Rock see about $17,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
For a free quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Little Rock
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-13,414 |
| 3 years | $-10,408 |
| 5 years | $-7,402 |
| 7 years | $-4,396 |
| 9 years | $-1,390 |
| 11 years | $1,617 |
| 13 years | $4,623 |
| 15 years | $7,629 |
| 17 years | $10,635 |
| 19 years | $13,641 |
| 21 years | $16,648 |
| 23 years | $19,654 |
| 25 years | $22,660 |
Top Solar Installers in Little Rock
Many homeowners opt for a solar installation company since figuring out how to install solar panels yourself can be a labor-intensive endeavor. The expertise that solar companies provide can be useful as well, especially if you don't quite know what type of solar equipment you need.
Working with a licensed solar installer can help your solar project go smoothly. Here are our recommendations:
Best Technology
The Green Panel
- 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 Little Rock
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Little Rock
There are a number of criteria that can play into 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 panels.
Solar Equipment Size
One of the most important 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 power your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend about $2,540 per kilowatt in Little Rock. The type of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will significantly impact costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more pricey. Moreover, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to think about the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It's important to take all of this into consideration when looking for a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Little Rock to be too steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar company in the area provides financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also lead to paying more over time because of interest. However, the interest on solar loans also increases your all-in costs, so it's vital to include that in your estimate as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you choose to handle your switch to sustainable energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies operating in Little Rock, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment. Companies that only sell high-quality, high-efficiency and high-price products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come with an above-average cost. It's best to do some research and go with the company that offers the products, warranties and services you want and also fit into your budget.
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 | $15,788 | 10.3 years |
| 8 kW | $2.59 | $14,508 | $21,335 | 10.1 years |
| 10 kW | $2.54 | $17,780 | $27,024 | 9.9 years |
| 12 kW | $2.49 | $20,909 | $32,856 | 9.7 years |
| 14 kW | $2.44 | $23,896 | $38,829 | 9.5 years |
| 16 kW | $2.39 | $26,741 | $44,945 | 9.3 years |
| 18 kW | $2.34 | $29,444 | $51,204 | 9.1 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,004 | $57,604 | 8.9 years |
Solar Incentives in Little Rock
| Name | First Electric Cooperative - Home Improvement Loans |
| Incentive Amount | $500- $15,000 |
| Website | Visit here |
| More Info | Click here |
| Name | Residential Renewable Energy Tax Credit |
| Website | Visit here |
| More Info | Click here |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a large number of companies available in Little Rock, 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:
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established 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 research your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Contract: When reading over your solar company's contract, ask questions about any terms you're not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system part breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Warranty: A comprehensive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar system running smoothly and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will carry various brands and kinds of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel company you're considering has it.
Best Technology
The Green Panel
- 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 Little Rock, AR Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Little Rock?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $12,700 for a 5-kW system and $25,400 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Is cost the most important thing to consider when buying solar panels?
Cost is without a doubt one of the most important things to keep in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Can solar panels eliminate my power bills?
It is possible to eliminate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Little Rock, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes can accommodate that size system, so you'll want to check with a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and the amount of sunlight your roof gets. You can take a look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to install between 20 and 35 panels to cover their typical energy usage.
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.
