Solar Panel Cost Guide in Marion, AR (2024 Update)
- Marion Solar Installation Cost: $20,660
- 25-Year Savings: $17,810
- Payback Period: 15.7 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Marion
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Marion.
In Marion, solar panels cost about 3 per watt on average.To cover the typical energy usage of the average home in Marion, most homeowners require a 8.5-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs about $20,660, or $29,544 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 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 depending on a few factors, such as what size system you need, your energy usage and what company you go with.With typical savings of about $15,000 on energy bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Marion find installing solar panels can pay off big.
To receive a free quote from a vetted solar company in Marion, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Marion
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-19,204 |
| 3 years | $-16,292 |
| 5 years | $-13,380 |
| 7 years | $-10,468 |
| 9 years | $-7,556 |
| 11 years | $-4,644 |
| 13 years | $-1,731 |
| 15 years | $1,181 |
| 17 years | $4,093 |
| 19 years | $7,005 |
| 21 years | $9,917 |
| 23 years | $12,829 |
| 25 years | $15,741 |
Top Solar Installers in Marion
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners decide to hire a solar installer since installing a solar system yourself can be a challenging project. Some solar installers, particularly local ones, can help you make the most of incentives in Marion, thereby optimizing your ROI.
Working with a professional solar installer can make going solar easier. 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 Marion
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Marion
The cost of installing a solar system in Marion can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The biggest one is your system size, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the main factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have better 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 $3,490.The brand and kind of equipment you choose for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often have a higher price tag than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Plus, if you want additional equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be financially overwhelming. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Marion, which can lower, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the total interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you’re only able to get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the principal cost. Making a larger down payment or finding a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you choose to install your solar panel system can play a role in determining the cost. Marion’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. The company’s size sometimes plays the most considerable role in your costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because of access to more resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger companies.
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 | $8,060 | 16.4 years |
| 8 kW | $3.56 | $19,935 | $11,137 | 16.0 years |
| 10 kW | $3.49 | $24,430 | $14,410 | 15.7 years |
| 12 kW | $3.42 | $28,730 | $17,878 | 15.4 years |
| 14 kW | $3.35 | $32,834 | $21,542 | 15.1 years |
| 16 kW | $3.28 | $36,743 | $25,401 | 14.8 years |
| 18 kW | $3.21 | $40,456 | $29,456 | 14.5 years |
| 20 kW | $3.14 | $43,974 | $33,706 | 14.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the brand of solar panels and the installation company you choose has an impact on your costs and your system’s efficiency, production, and durability, it’s important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Contract: When looking through your solar installer’s contract, ask for clarification about any terms you’re not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system component breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the project timeline.
- Warranty: If you’re concerned about the longevity of your solar panel system, checking if your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for sustainable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can look into your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
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 Marion, AR Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Marion?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, 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 be more expensive if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. Conversely, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Marion?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Marion. However, you may still be able to get them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you want to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
How much can I save on energy bills after installing solar panels?
It is possible to eradicate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Marion, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have roofs that can accommodate that size system, so you’ll want to contact a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and the amount of sunlight your roof gets. You can take a look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to install between 20 and 35 panels to cover their typical energy usage.
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.