Solar Panel Cost Guide in North Little Rock, AR (2024 Update)
- North Little Rock Solar Installation Cost: $20,489
- 25-Year Savings: $23,249
- Payback Period: 13.4 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in North Little Rock
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in North Little Rock.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in North Little Rock, the typical cost of a solar system is 3 per watt.The average North Little Rock homeowner needs a 8.4-kilowatt system, which would cost about $20,489 with the federal tax credit, or $29,299 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
How much you pay can go higher or lower than the average in North Little Rock depending on a few factors, such as the type of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire.With average savings of about $17,000 on electricity bills over 20 years, many homeowners in North Little Rock find investing in solar can be quite rewarding.
Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar panel company in your area for a personalized estimate.
Solar savings over time in North 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 North Little Rock
Installing solar panels yourself can be a dangerous task, which is why getting a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Since solar panels are exposed to the elements every day, warranties and repairs from your solar company can help you get the most out of your investment in solar panels by reducing potential costs down the line.
Working with a licensed solar company can help you make the most of your investment in solar. Here are our recommendations:
See all of the solar companies in North Little Rock
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in North Little Rock
The cost of installing a solar system in North Little Rock can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is dependent on several factors. The most significant one is your system size, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
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 consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay around $3,490 per kilowatt in North Little Rock.The brand of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will largely influence costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Moreover, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to make decisions about the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when looking for a solar system that’s in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in North Little Rock to be prohibitively expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, almost every solar installer in the area offers financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also result in higher prices over time due to interest.Even though solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for North Little Rock homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you choose to install your solar system can impact the cost. North Little Rock’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Some companies only sell high-quality, high-efficiency and high-price products — 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 decide on the company that offers 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 | $12,056 | 14.0 years |
| 8 kW | $3.56 | $19,935 | $16,465 | 13.7 years |
| 10 kW | $3.49 | $24,430 | $21,070 | 13.4 years |
| 12 kW | $3.42 | $28,730 | $25,870 | 13.2 years |
| 14 kW | $3.35 | $32,834 | $30,866 | 12.9 years |
| 16 kW | $3.28 | $36,743 | $36,057 | 12.6 years |
| 18 kW | $3.21 | $40,456 | $41,443 | 12.3 years |
| 20 kW | $3.14 | $43,974 | $47,025 | 12.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar panel company you go with will be a major factor in determining not only your overall costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are a few important things you should take into account, including:
- Solar Panel Brands: The model of solar panel you need plays a role in which installer you should go with, since different companies provide different panels.
- Installation Process: An important thing to understand when adopting solar energy is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you should know with your solar company, such as what permits you should acquire and how long the project will take.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar installer 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 EcoWatch.
- Contract: It’s important to read your solar installer’s contract carefully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the project timeline.
EcoWatch's North Little Rock, AR Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in North Little Rock?
This is a difficult 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 other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. On the flip side, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in North Little Rock?
A solar panel system isn’t free in North Little Rock, but there are some options that can make getting them more viable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that you can take advantage of.
Does North Little Rock have a net metering program?
Most states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can be compensated 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?
On average, solar panels can last 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 larger 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.