Solar Panel Cost Guide in Russellville, AR (Feb 2023)
- Russellville Solar Installation Cost: $15,166
- 25-Year Savings: $22,204
- Payback Period: 10.2 Years
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Updated January 20, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Russellville
Find out how much it might cost to go solar in Russellville.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Russellville generally cost about $3. The average Russellville homeowner needs a 8.5-kilowatt system, which would cost about $15,166, or $11,223 after the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
These figures are only averages, and how much solar costs for you will look different based on your energy needs and what company you go with. Even with the high upfront cost, the average Russellville homeowner can save about $17,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the positives of solar.
To see your potential ROI and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Russellville
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-13,672 |
| 3 years | $-10,682 |
| 5 years | $-7,692 |
| 7 years | $-4,703 |
| 9 years | $-1,713 |
| 11 years | $1,277 |
| 13 years | $4,266 |
| 15 years | $7,256 |
| 17 years | $10,246 |
| 19 years | $13,235 |
| 21 years | $16,225 |
| 23 years | $19,215 |
| 25 years | $22,204 |
Top Solar Installers in Russellville
Although you can install solar panels on your own, it involves extra effort and expertise. For that reason, most homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. Also, companies with an outstanding reputation that cost more upfront could actually save you money in the long run with their warranties, repair services and expert design.
If you're on the hunt for a solar company in Russellville, the EcoWatch team has organized 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 Russellville
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Russellville
The cost of installing a solar system in Russellville can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The most significant one is your system size, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar energy system in Russellville, 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 consumption, which you can determine by looking at past electricity bills. Your total cost can increase by around $2,540 for each additional kilowatt you need. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Russellville, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Russellville have solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar panels. It's wise to include the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it'll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Russellville is the company you get to install your solar panel system. As with choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for example, there's no shortage of solar installers that offer a range of services at different price points. Some companies only sell high-efficiency and high-priced products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come at a higher cost. It's best to do some research and decide on the company that provides the products, warranties and services you're looking for 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 | $2.64 | $11,095 | $15,181 | 10.6 years |
| 8 kW | $2.59 | $14,508 | $20,526 | 10.4 years |
| 10 kW | $2.54 | $17,780 | $26,013 | 10.2 years |
| 12 kW | $2.49 | $20,909 | $31,642 | 9.9 years |
| 14 kW | $2.44 | $23,896 | $37,414 | 9.7 years |
| 16 kW | $2.39 | $26,741 | $43,328 | 9.5 years |
| 18 kW | $2.34 | $29,444 | $49,384 | 9.3 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,004 | $55,582 | 9.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar panel company you choose will influence not only your total costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should consider, including:
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers have the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a significant role in the company you go with.
- Contract: It's important to look over your solar installer's contract thoroughly to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the installation process.
- Installation Process: When going solar, it's necessary to keep an open line of communication with your solar company. Make sure you understand how the installation process works and the completion timeline.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good reputation as a company and have proven 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 positive reviews from past 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 Russellville, AR Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Russellville?
The average cost of solar panels in Russellville 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 things like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Are solar panels free in Russellville?
You can't get solar panels for free in Russellville. However, you may still be able to install them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you'd rather own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Is switching to solar power worth it?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like the cost of electricity near you and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.
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 the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can choose to replace them once you've had 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.