Solar Panel Cost Guide in Rockwell, AR (Mar 2023)
- Rockwell Solar Installation Cost: $15,042
- 25-Year Savings: $21,683
- Payback Period: 10.2 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Rockwell
Here's how much it might cost to go solar in Rockwell.
The average cost of a solar system in Rockwell is 2.54 per watt. To account for the typical energy needs of the average home in Rockwell, most homeowners require a 8.5-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs about $15,042, or $21,510 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Rockwell homeowner. The price of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor. But, once you've paid the initial cost of installation, the payback for most homeowners is typically fruitful, with a net average savings of about $16,000 over 20 years on power bills.
To see your potential savings and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Rockwell
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-13,573 |
| 3 years | $-10,635 |
| 5 years | $-7,697 |
| 7 years | $-4,759 |
| 9 years | $-1,821 |
| 11 years | $1,117 |
| 13 years | $4,055 |
| 15 years | $6,993 |
| 17 years | $9,931 |
| 19 years | $12,869 |
| 21 years | $15,807 |
| 23 years | $18,745 |
| 25 years | $21,683 |
Top Solar Installers in Rockwell
When going solar, many homeowners prefer to go with a solar installer since handling can be a time-consuming project. Companies can also offer access to quality options of the best solar panels and help you choose which one will be right for you.
If you're searching for a solar installer in Rockwell, we've compiled a list of our top suggestions here:
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 Rockwell
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Rockwell
For many Rockwell homeowners, the decision to install a solar energy system rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Rockwell, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a few factors that considerably influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar system in Rockwell, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are chiefly based on your home's energy usage, which you can determine by looking at past power bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $2,540 for each additional kilowatt you need. The brand and type of equipment you want for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these are often more expensive than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you're opting for high efficiency because you have limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Plus, if you want extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be difficult. Solar loans are available from most installers in Rockwell, which can reduce, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the total interest you'll pay over the length of the loan. If you can only get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the principal cost. Making a larger down payment or securing a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you go with to handle your switch to green energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies operating in Rockwell, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment. Some companies 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 come with an above-average cost. It's best to do some research and find a company that has the products, warranties and services you want and also fit into 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 | $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
There are a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you select the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar company, make sure to look it over fully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you aren't sure about some of the terms, such as what to do if a part breaks or malfunctions and what services you can expect from them.
- Warranty: A high-quality company stands out from other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model has varying levels of quality, durability and energy efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose affects which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good reputation as a company and have verifiable expertise in the field. A couple of ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has positive reviews from previous customers.
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 Rockwell, AR Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Rockwell?
The average cost of solar panels in Rockwell is about $12,700 for a 5-kW system and $25,400 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on things such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is cost the most important thing to think about 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 areas where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to be mindful of are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Does Rockwell have a net metering program?
Each state has some form of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states allow you to sell power back to the grid, but others just give you credit toward your future energy bills.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you need to know how much energy your home needs and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can generally produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average home will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.