Solar Panel Cost Guide in Little Rock, AR (2023 Update)
- Little Rock Solar Installation Cost: $14,912
- 25-Year Savings: $22,665
- Payback Period: 9.9 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Little Rock
See how much it might cost to switch to solar power in Little Rock.
The average cost of solar panels in Little Rock is 2.54 per watt. Using this figure, a typical 8.4-kW system would cost about $14,917 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much solar panels could cost. The exact cost of installing solar panels can vary quite a bit depending on a few factors, such as what size system you need, your energy consumption and what solar installer you go with. But, after you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the payback for most homeowners is quite rewarding, with a net average savings of about $17,000 over 20 years on electricity bills.
To receive a free estimate from a highly rated solar company in Little Rock, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Little Rock
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-13,456 |
| 3 years | $-10,544 |
| 5 years | $-7,632 |
| 7 years | $-4,720 |
| 9 years | $-1,808 |
| 11 years | $1,105 |
| 13 years | $4,017 |
| 15 years | $6,929 |
| 17 years | $9,841 |
| 19 years | $12,753 |
| 21 years | $15,665 |
| 23 years | $18,577 |
| 25 years | $21,489 |
Top Solar Installers in Little Rock
Many homeowners opt for a solar panel installer since trying to install solar panels yourself can be a lot of work. Companies can also have access to a large variety of the best solar panels and help you decide which one will be right for you.
If you'd like to make the switch to solar but still aren't certain which solar panel installer to go with, here are our recommendations for providers in Little Rock:
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
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners considering investing in solar. There are a few key factors that affect your total cost in Little Rock: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll go over each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the most significant factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have higher efficiency or power generation use better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $2,540. There are several different solar panel brands and the one you choose also affects the cost. In many cases, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also be more expensive. Plus, the type of equipment you want to install can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system out of pocket is out of reach, solar loans are a solid option because they reduce your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years. When considering your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you go with a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The remaining key cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of sustainable energy solutions in Little Rock, you'll have a great number of options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment. Companies that only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come at a higher cost. It's best to do some research and decide on the company that has the products, warranties and services you're looking for and also is within 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 |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since selecting a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Warranty: A comprehensive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar panel system running for a long time and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good reputation as a company and have verifiable expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has satisfied reviews from previous customers.
- Contract: It's important to read through your solar installer's contract thoroughly to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about your solar system's energy production.
- Solar Panel Brands: The type of solar panel you want to get plays a role in which installer you should go with, since different companies provide different panels.
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
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Little Rock?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different 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 additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. Conversely, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Little Rock?
You can't get solar panels for free in Little Rock. However, you may still be able to afford them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you'd rather own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
How will having solar panels impact the value of my home?
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 Little Rock is currently $165,696, so you could be looking at a value of about $6,794 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Little Rock is a worthwhile investment.
How long do solar panels last in Little Rock?
Though 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 the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can decide to replace them once you've had them for that long or you can continue to use 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.