Solar Panel Cost Guide in Rockwell, AR (2023 Update)

  • Rockwell Solar Installation Cost: $15,046
  • 25-Year Savings: $21,679
  • Payback Period: 10.2 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated September 15, 2023

Why you can trust EcoWatch

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 Rockwell

Let's take a look at the average cost of solar in Rockwell.

The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Rockwell it's 2.54 per watt. The average solar panel system size in Rockwell is around 8.5 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $15,042 for a solar installation, or $21,510 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.

Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Rockwell homeowners. The cost of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor. Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a rewarding investment. The average homeowner in Rockwell can save around $16,000 on their power bills over 20 years.

To get a free quote from a pre-vetted solar installation company in Rockwell, you can click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Rockwell

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-14,924
3 years $-14,679
5 years $-14,434
7 years $-14,189
9 years $-13,944
11 years $-13,699
13 years $-13,455
15 years $-13,210
17 years $-12,965
19 years $-12,720
21 years $-12,475
23 years $-12,230
25 years $-11,985

Top Solar Installers in Rockwell

Many homeowners choose to hire a solar panel company since figuring out how to install solar panels yourself can be a labor-intensive endeavor. The expertise that solar installers offer can be helpful as well, especially if you aren't sure what kind of solar equipment you need.

If you're searching for a solar company in Rockwell, the EcoWatch team has compiled a list of our top suggestions here:

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 Warranty Coverage

ADT Solar

★★★★★
4.0

  • Industry-leading warranty coverage
  • Expansive service area
  • Some reported communication issues
  • No leases or PPAs

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 Rockwell

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Rockwell

Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few primary factors that determine your overall cost in Rockwell: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll cover each of these briefly below.

Solar Equipment

When it comes to estimating the price of solar panels in Rockwell, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are mainly based on your home's energy consumption, which you can figure out by looking at past energy bills. Your total cost can increase by around $2,540 for each additional kilowatt you need. There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you pick also changes the cost. In general, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also cost more. In addition, the type of equipment you choose can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.

Solar Financing Terms

Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Rockwell to be prohibitively expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar installer in the area provides financing options. Solar loans greatly decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also result in a higher cost over time because of interest. When considering your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you choose to go with a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.

Solar Panel Installation Company

A final factor to consider when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Rockwell is the company you choose to install your PV system. As with choosing a company to install new cabinets, for instance, there's no shortage of solar installers that provide a range of services at different costs. Additionally, some companies in Rockwell are more knowledgeable about local solar incentives and can help you make good use of additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could help you save more money in the long run.

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 $14,944 10.7 years
8 kW $2.59 $14,508 $20,210 10.4 years
10 kW $2.54 $17,780 $25,618 10.2 years
12 kW $2.49 $20,909 $31,168 10.0 years
14 kW $2.44 $23,896 $36,861 9.8 years
16 kW $2.39 $26,741 $42,695 9.6 years
18 kW $2.34 $29,444 $48,673 9.4 years
20 kW $2.29 $32,004 $54,792 9.2 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

The solar installer you go with will be a major factor in determining not only your total costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are some important things you should keep in mind, including:

  • Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have demonstrated expertise in the field. A couple of ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has good reviews from past customers.
  • Contract: Although reading through a contract can be tedious, it's important to do it fully so you can be sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Different companies carry different brands and types of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel company you're considering has it.
  • Warranty: Warranties that cover panel repairs and maintenance over a couple decades are the gold standard in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one mark of a quality company.

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 Warranty Coverage

ADT Solar

★★★★★
4.0

  • Industry-leading warranty coverage
  • Expansive service area
  • Some reported communication issues
  • No leases or PPAs

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 Rockwell, AR Solar Cost FAQs

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

This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different 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. You can expect to pay more if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. On the other hand, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.

Can you get solar panels for free in Rockwell?

A solar panel system isn't free in Rockwell, 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 can help lower the cost.

Can solar panels completely eradicate my energy 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 $867.96 per year.

How long do solar panels last in Rockwell?

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 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.

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