Solar Panel Cost Guide in Mountain Home, AR (2023 Update)
- Mountain Home Solar Installation Cost: $15,202
- 25-Year Savings: $24,439
- Payback Period: 9.6 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Mountain Home
Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in Mountain Home.
The average cost of solar panels in Mountain Home is 2.54 per watt. Using this figure, a typical 8.6-kW system would cost about $15,202 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll pay for solar may vary based on your household energy consumption, the type of solar system you want, your solar contractor and more. Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a sound investment. The average homeowner in Mountain Home can save around $18,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.
To get a free quote from a vetted solar installer in Mountain Home, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Mountain Home
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-13,616 |
| 3 years | $-10,445 |
| 5 years | $-7,274 |
| 7 years | $-4,103 |
| 9 years | $-931 |
| 11 years | $2,240 |
| 13 years | $5,411 |
| 15 years | $8,582 |
| 17 years | $11,754 |
| 19 years | $14,925 |
| 21 years | $18,096 |
| 23 years | $21,267 |
| 25 years | $24,439 |
Top Solar Installers in Mountain Home
Trying to install solar panels yourself can be a dangerous task, which is why using a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Companies can also offer access to quality options of the best solar panels and help you decide which one will be best for your family.
If you're searching for a solar installer in Mountain Home, the EcoWatch team has compiled a list of our top suggestions here:
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
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 Mountain Home
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Mountain Home
While the average cost of a solar system in Mountain Home is $15,202, your final cost may differ. There are several factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to take into consideration.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of adopting solar energy 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 spend about $2,540 per kilowatt in Mountain Home. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Mountain Home, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, if you have a small roof or you don't have a lot of 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
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Mountain Home to be too expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, almost every solar company in the area provides financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also lead to higher prices over time because of interest. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the amount of 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 above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or securing a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you get to install your solar panel system can play a part in determining how much it costs. Mountain Home's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or add-on services like electric car 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 | $16,719 | 10.0 years |
| 8 kW | $2.59 | $14,508 | $22,576 | 9.8 years |
| 10 kW | $2.54 | $17,780 | $28,576 | 9.6 years |
| 12 kW | $2.49 | $20,909 | $34,717 | 9.4 years |
| 14 kW | $2.44 | $23,896 | $41,001 | 9.2 years |
| 16 kW | $2.39 | $26,741 | $47,428 | 9.0 years |
| 18 kW | $2.34 | $29,444 | $53,996 | 8.8 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,004 | $60,707 | 8.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the brand of solar panels and the installer you choose has an impact on your costs and your system's durability and efficiency, it's important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Reputation: Make sure your solar company has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking its work history and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the project completion timeline.
- Contract: Although reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it's important to do it fully so you can make sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their roof configurations and how much efficiency they need. Although there are many options for which brand of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you peruse their list of offerings before deciding.
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
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 Mountain Home, AR Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Mountain Home?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $12,700 for a 5-kW system and $25,400 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 usage. On the flip side, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Mountain Home?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, as it commonly 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 tax rebates and credits and your home value won't increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to get the most savings.
Is it worth going solar in Mountain Home?
Solar panels can be a good investment for a majority of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your power bills are already pretty low, solar panels might not be for you.
How long do solar panels last in Mountain Home?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases 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.