Solar Panel Cost Guide in Little Rock, AR (2024 Update)
- Little Rock Solar Installation Cost: $20,489
- 25-Year Savings: $22,665
- Payback Period: 13.6 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Little Rock
Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar in Little Rock.
The average cost of a solar system in Little Rock is 3 per watt.Since a 8.4-kW system is needed to cover the energy consumption of a typical home in Little Rock, the average price of going solar will be about $20,489 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Little Rock homeowner. The price of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor.For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar is worth paying. On average Little Rock homeowners see about $17,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
To get a free quote from a vetted solar installation company in Little Rock, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Little Rock
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-19,033 |
| 3 years | $-16,121 |
| 5 years | $-13,209 |
| 7 years | $-10,297 |
| 9 years | $-7,385 |
| 11 years | $-4,473 |
| 13 years | $-1,561 |
| 15 years | $1,351 |
| 17 years | $4,264 |
| 19 years | $7,176 |
| 21 years | $10,088 |
| 23 years | $13,000 |
| 25 years | $15,912 |
Top Solar Installers in Little Rock
When going solar, many homeowners decide to hire a solar company since handling can be a difficult project. Some solar installers, especially local ones, can help you take advantage of incentives in Little Rock, optimizing your ROI.
Working with a professional solar company can help you make the most of your investment in solar. Here are our recommendations:
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 Little Rock
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Little Rock
Even though the average cost of a solar system in Little Rock is $20,489, your actual cost may be above or below the average. There are several factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to consider.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of factors. One of the notable factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have greater efficiency or power generation need better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,490.The type of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will significantly affect costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Furthermore, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to make decisions 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
Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over time, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many Little Rock homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable.It’s a good idea to include 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
Finally, the company you hire to install your solar system can impact how much it costs. Little Rock’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional 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 | $3.63 | $15,244 | $11,638 | 14.2 years |
| 8 kW | $3.56 | $19,935 | $15,908 | 13.9 years |
| 10 kW | $3.49 | $24,430 | $20,374 | 13.6 years |
| 12 kW | $3.42 | $28,730 | $25,035 | 13.4 years |
| 14 kW | $3.35 | $32,834 | $29,892 | 13.1 years |
| 16 kW | $3.28 | $36,743 | $34,944 | 12.8 years |
| 18 kW | $3.21 | $40,456 | $40,191 | 12.5 years |
| 20 kW | $3.14 | $43,974 | $45,634 | 12.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the brand of solar panels and the company you choose significantly influences your costs and your system’s durability and efficiency, it’s important to select the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Reputation: Companies that have been operating for many years likely have a high reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
- 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.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they understand how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the project timeline.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar company, make sure to look it over completely so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re unsure about some of the terms, such as what to do if a component breaks or malfunctions and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
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 Little Rock, AR Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Little Rock?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Generally 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 expensive solar panels.
What other factors should I consider apart from cost when buying solar panels?
The upfront cost is a crucial factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on your reasons for going solar. In areas where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to be mindful of are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Little Rock?
Most states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either be compensated for the extra power your system generates or or receive credits to put toward future electricity bills. Currently there are just three states that don’t have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How long do solar panels last in Little Rock?
Although the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can decide to replace them once you've had them for that long or you can keep using them at a lower efficiency.
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.