Solar Panel Cost Guide in Mena, AR (2024 Update)

  • Mena Solar Installation Cost: $20,945
  • 25-Year Savings: $23,391
  • Payback Period: 13.6 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 03, 2024

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We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Mena

Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in Mena.

The average cost of a solar panel system in Mena is 3 per watt.To account for the typical energy usage of the average home in Mena, most homeowners require a 8.6-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs around $20,945, or $29,951 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.

These figures are just estimates, and your own solar costs will vary based on the amount of energy your home requires and what company you choose to go with.For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar power is worth paying. On average Mena homeowners see about $17,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.

Click the button below to get connected to a reputable solar company in your area for a personalized quote.

Solar savings over time in Mena

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-19,489
3 years $-16,577
5 years $-13,665
7 years $-10,752
9 years $-7,840
11 years $-4,928
13 years $-2,016
15 years $896
17 years $3,808
19 years $6,720
21 years $9,632
23 years $12,544
25 years $15,457

Top Solar Installers in Mena

Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can be a pain. Taking advantage of an installer can make swapping over to solar power much easier. Another good thing about going with a top solar installer is that it'll usually provide warranties and free repairs, which help protect your investment.

If you’d like to start using solar energy but still aren’t certain which solar system installer to go with, here are our recommendations for providers nearby:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
3.2

  • 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 Mena

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Mena

Although the average cost of a solar system in Mena is $20,945, your final cost may be higher or lower than that. There are several factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to consider.

Solar Equipment

System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of installing solar panels. That’s why it’s crucial to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs.The solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you opt for the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. On the other hand, higher efficiency could save you more in the long run on your energy bills. In addition, add-on products, like solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Mena average.

Solar Financing Terms

For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be challenging. Solar loans are available from most installers in Mena, which can lower, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.When figuring out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you choose to go with a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can reduce the total interest paid over time.

Solar Panel Installation Company

A final factor to keep in mind when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Mena is the company you hire to install your solar system. As with choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for instance, there are plenty of solar installers that provide a range of services for different budgets.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 cost more. It’s best to do some research and find a company that provides the products, warranties and services you want 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 $3.63 $15,244 $11,793 14.1 years
8 kW $3.56 $19,935 $16,115 13.8 years
10 kW $3.49 $24,430 $20,633 13.6 years
12 kW $3.42 $28,730 $25,346 13.3 years
14 kW $3.35 $32,834 $30,254 13.0 years
16 kW $3.28 $36,743 $35,358 12.7 years
18 kW $3.21 $40,456 $40,657 12.5 years
20 kW $3.14 $43,974 $46,151 12.2 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you pick the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:

  • Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the project completion timeline.
  • Warranty: Warranties that cover defective panels and repairs over a long period of time such as 25 years are the gold standard in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one mark of a good company.
  • Contract: Although reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it’s important to do it carefully so you can be sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and the terms of the warranty.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Different companies carry different brands and models of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar company you’re considering has it.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
3.2

  • 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 Mena, AR Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in Mena?

This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of 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. You can expect to pay more if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. On the flip side, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.

What other factors should I consider other than cost when buying solar panels?

The upfront cost is a crucial factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on your goals for going solar. In cities where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to consider are the quality and durability of your solar panels.

Can solar panels significantly reduce my electricity bills?

Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on your location and how much sunlight your home gets. Even if it doesn’t get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $901.25 per year.

How often do you have to replace solar panels?

On average, solar panels can last 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 level 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.

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