Solar Panel Cost Guide in Little Rock, AR (Feb 2023)
- Little Rock Solar Installation Cost: $14,917
- 25-Year Savings: $22,660
- Payback Period: 9.9 Years
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Updated January 20, 2023
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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 national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Little Rock it's $3 per watt. Using this figure, a typical 8.4 would cost about $14,917 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
The true price you pay can be above or below the average in Little Rock based on several factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire. For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $17,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar company in Little Rock that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
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
When going solar, many homeowners choose to go with a solar installer since overseeing your solar installation yourself can be a difficult project. The expertise that solar companies offer can be invaluable as well, especially if you don't quite know what brand of solar equipment you need.
If you're on the hunt for a solar installer in Little Rock, the EcoWatch team has put together a list of our top suggestions here:
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
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
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners wanting to invest 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 discuss each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
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 uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay about $2,540 per kilowatt in Little Rock. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Little Rock, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, if you have a small roof or limited 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
Most solar installers in Little Rock have solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar. However, the interest on solar loans also increases your total costs, so it's important to take that into consideration 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
A final consideration when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Little Rock is the company you get to install your solar panel system. As with choosing a company to install new cabinets, for example, there's no shortage of solar installers that offer a range of services at different price points. Some companies 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 with an above-average cost. It's best to do some research and find a company that offers the products, warranties and services you want and also fits 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 system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since choosing a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Reputation: Long-standing companies likely have a good 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.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers offer the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a big role in the company you hire.
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar system running for a long time and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
- Contract: It's important to look over your solar installer's contract closely to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the cost.
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
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
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Little Rock?
The average cost of solar panels in Little Rock is about $12,700 for a 5-kW system and $25,400 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on stuff such as the kind 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 Little Rock?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you are unable to pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don't own the system, you can't take advantage of many solar incentives. Also your home 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 savings from going solar.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Little Rock?
Each state has some form of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states let you sell power back to the grid, but others just give you credit toward your future utility bills.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is 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 larger amount 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.