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.The average solar panel system size in Little Rock is around 8.4 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $20,489 for a solar installation, or $29,299 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The true cost of your system can be above or below the average in Little Rock depending on several factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire.With average savings of about $17,000 on power bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Little Rock find investing in solar can be quite rewarding.
For a free quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, 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
Installing solar panels on your own can be a stressful undertaking, which is why hiring a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Also, if you’d like to maximize your investment in solar energy, opting for a solar installer can help with that too. Different providers can offer warranties, expertise on how to install solar panels and sometimes even information on local incentives and net metering programs.
You can get a free estimate from a local solar installer on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some near you:
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
There are many factors that can influence your installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that performs the installation.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of going solar is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more electricity your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay about $3,490 per kilowatt in Little Rock.The brand and kind of equipment you get for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these are often more expensive than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Also, if you want additional equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over many years, but they can also be a significant investment. That’s why many Little Rock homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs.When estimating your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you go with a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you opt for to install your solar panel system can affect your pricing. Little Rock’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. 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 decide on the company that provides the products, warranties and services you’re looking for 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 | $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
There are numerous companies to choose from in Little Rock, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have proven expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has positive reviews from previous customers.
- Warranty: If you’re concerned about the endurance of your solar system, making sure your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re on the same page with the installer in regard to how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar panels are installed, such as updating your electrical system or roof.
- Contract: It’s important to read through your solar installer’s contract fully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect 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
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 few different factors. Broadly 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 cost more if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. On the flip side, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
What other factors should I consider other than cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is without a doubt one of the most important things to bear in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
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 receive compensation for the extra power your system produces or or receive credits to put toward future energy bills. Currently there are just three states that don’t have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they are completely unusable at that time. What this means is the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can opt to replace them after having 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.