Solar Panel Cost Guide in Marianna, AR (Mar 2023)
- Marianna Solar Installation Cost: $14,900
- 25-Year Savings: $22,419
- Payback Period: 10.0 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Marianna
Let's take a look at the average cost of solar panels in Marianna.
The average cost of solar panels in Marianna is 2.54 per watt. The average Marianna homeowner needs a 8.4-kilowatt system, which would cost about $14,900 with the federal tax credit, or $21,307 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
The actual price you pay can go above or below the average in Marianna based on a few factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire. Despite the significant initial cost, the average Marianna homeowner can save about $17,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar company in Marianna that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Marianna
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-13,407 |
| 3 years | $-10,421 |
| 5 years | $-7,436 |
| 7 years | $-4,450 |
| 9 years | $-1,465 |
| 11 years | $1,521 |
| 13 years | $4,506 |
| 15 years | $7,492 |
| 17 years | $10,477 |
| 19 years | $13,463 |
| 21 years | $16,448 |
| 23 years | $19,434 |
| 25 years | $22,419 |
Top Solar Installers in Marianna
Many homeowners decide to use a solar panel installer since figuring out how to install solar panels yourself can be a lot of work. Also, companies with a good reputation that are more expensive upfront could actually save you money in the long term with their warranties, repair services and expert design.
If you're searching for a solar installer in Marianna, the EcoWatch team has compiled 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 Marianna
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Marianna
For many Marianna homeowners, the decision to install solar panels comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Marianna, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are numerous factors that greatly influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar energy system in Marianna, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are largely based on your home's energy usage, which you can gauge by looking at past electricity bills. Your total cost can increase by about $2,540 for each additional kilowatt you need. The brand of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will greatly impact costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Furthermore, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to consider the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It's important to take all of this into consideration when searching for a solar system that's in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be challenging. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Marianna, which can lower, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible. Though solar loans make going solar more accessible for Marianna homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you select will play a role in your total cost to adopt solar energy. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor. Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional services like electric vehicle 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 | $2.64 | $11,095 | $15,629 | 10.4 years |
| 8 kW | $2.59 | $14,508 | $21,123 | 10.2 years |
| 10 kW | $2.54 | $17,780 | $26,759 | 10.0 years |
| 12 kW | $2.49 | $20,909 | $32,538 | 9.8 years |
| 14 kW | $2.44 | $23,896 | $38,458 | 9.6 years |
| 16 kW | $2.39 | $26,741 | $44,521 | 9.4 years |
| 18 kW | $2.34 | $29,444 | $50,727 | 9.2 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,004 | $57,074 | 9.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are numerous companies available in Marianna, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Solar Panel Brands: The model of solar panel you want to get plays a role in which installer you should opt for, since different companies provide different panels.
- Reputation: Companies that have been operating for many years likely have a solid 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 support, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Contract: Although reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it's important to do it thoroughly so you can make sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Installation Process: When going solar, it's necessary to maintain an open line of communication with your solar company. Make sure you understand how the installation process works and the completion timeline.
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 Marianna, AR Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Marianna?
The average cost of solar panels in Marianna 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 certain factors like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Marianna?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, because it typically comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback is that you won't be able to save as much. If you lease, you don't own the system, so you can't claim any incentives and your home value won't increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to maximize your savings.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Marianna?
Most states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can be compensated for the extra power your system generates 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?
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 higher 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.