Solar Panel Cost Guide in Prairie Grove, AR (Mar 2023)
- Prairie Grove Solar Installation Cost: $15,273
- 25-Year Savings: $20,523
- Payback Period: 10.7 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Prairie Grove
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Prairie Grove.
The average cost of a solar system in Prairie Grove is 2.54 per watt. Because a 8.6-kW system is needed to cover the energy costs of a typical home in Prairie Grove, the average price of going solar will be about $15,273 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
These figures are only averages, and the cost of going solar for you may differ based on your specific situation and what company you go with. But, after you've paid the initial cost of installation, the savings for most homeowners is quite rewarding, with a net average savings of about $16,000 over 20 years on energy bills.
Click the button below to get connected to a highly rated solar panel company in your area for a personalized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Prairie Grove
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-13,841 |
| 3 years | $-10,978 |
| 5 years | $-8,114 |
| 7 years | $-5,250 |
| 9 years | $-2,387 |
| 11 years | $477 |
| 13 years | $3,341 |
| 15 years | $6,204 |
| 17 years | $9,068 |
| 19 years | $11,932 |
| 21 years | $14,795 |
| 23 years | $17,659 |
| 25 years | $20,523 |
Top Solar Installers in Prairie Grove
Although it's possible to install solar panels yourself, it requires extra labor and expertise. That's why most people choose to hire a solar panel installer. Another upside of using a solar installer is that they can help you maximize your ROI by reducing your future costs of repairs and replacements due to warranties and informing you of local incentives you can take advantage of.
There are various licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar panels. Here are our suggestions:
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 Prairie Grove
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Prairie Grove
The cost of installing a solar system in Prairie Grove can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The most significant one is the size of the system your household needs, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of installing solar panels. Because of that, it's important to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use. Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Prairie Grove, 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
If paying for solar panels out of pocket is difficult, solar loans are a popular choice because they lower your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over five to seven years on average. When trying to figure out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you decide on a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Prairie Grove is the company you hire to install your solar panel system. Similar to choosing a company to install new cabinets, for example, there's no shortage of solar installers that offer a range of services for different budgets. The company's size can sometimes play the most significant role in the installation costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because they have access to more resources and better 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 names.
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 | $13,918 | 11.1 years |
| 8 kW | $2.59 | $14,508 | $18,842 | 10.9 years |
| 10 kW | $2.54 | $17,780 | $23,908 | 10.7 years |
| 12 kW | $2.49 | $20,909 | $29,116 | 10.4 years |
| 14 kW | $2.44 | $23,896 | $34,466 | 10.2 years |
| 16 kW | $2.39 | $26,741 | $39,959 | 10.0 years |
| 18 kW | $2.34 | $29,444 | $45,594 | 9.8 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,004 | $51,371 | 9.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar installer you go with will influence not only your total 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 keep in mind, including:
- Contract: Even though 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 the terms of the warranty.
- Warranty: If you're concerned about the endurance of your solar energy system, ensuring your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers offer the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a significant role in the company you hire.
- Reputation: Solar panel companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years likely provide high-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
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 Prairie Grove, AR Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Prairie Grove?
The average cost of solar panels in Prairie Grove 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 stuff such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Prairie Grove?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, because it usually 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 maximize your savings.
How much can I save on electricity bills after installing solar panels?
It is possible to eliminate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Prairie Grove, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes 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.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of at that time. What this means is how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can choose to replace them after having them for that long or you can continue to use them at a lower efficiency.
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.