Solar Panel Cost Guide in Searcy, AR (2023 Update)
- Searcy Solar Installation Cost: $15,026
- 25-Year Savings: $22,300
- Payback Period: 10.1 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Searcy
Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in Searcy.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Searcy generally cost around 2.54. The average solar panel system size in Searcy is around 8.4 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $15,024 for a solar installation, or $21,484 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll end up paying for solar will differ based on your household energy consumption, the type of equipment you want, your solar contractor and more. With average savings of about $17,000 on power bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Searcy find installing solar panels has a decent ROI.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar company in Searcy that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Searcy
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-14,902 |
| 3 years | $-14,653 |
| 5 years | $-14,404 |
| 7 years | $-14,155 |
| 9 years | $-13,906 |
| 11 years | $-13,657 |
| 13 years | $-13,408 |
| 15 years | $-13,160 |
| 17 years | $-12,911 |
| 19 years | $-12,662 |
| 21 years | $-12,413 |
| 23 years | $-12,164 |
| 25 years | $-11,915 |
Top Solar Installers in Searcy
Although you can install solar panels yourself, it involves extra time and expertise. That's one of the reasons most people choose to hire a solar panel installer. The expertise that solar installers provide can be helpful as well, particularly if you don't quite know what kind of solar equipment would be right for your home.
Working with a licensed solar company can help you make the most of your investment in solar. Here are our recommendations:
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
See all of the solar companies in Searcy
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Searcy
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners wanting to invest in solar. There are a few major factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Searcy: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll discuss each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar panel system in Searcy, 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 energy bills. Your total cost can increase by about $2,540 for each additional kilowatt you need. The kind of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you opt for the most efficient solar panel brands, you'll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. On the other hand, higher efficiency could save you more over time on your energy bills. Additionally, extra products, like solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Searcy average.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over time, but they can also be a big investment. That's why many Searcy homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs. While solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Searcy homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The last key cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of renewable energy solutions in Searcy, you'll have plenty of options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment. You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices because of their larger brand name and access to bulk pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those larger companies.
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 | $15,405 | 10.5 years |
| 8 kW | $2.59 | $14,508 | $20,825 | 10.3 years |
| 10 kW | $2.54 | $17,780 | $26,387 | 10.1 years |
| 12 kW | $2.49 | $20,909 | $32,091 | 9.9 years |
| 14 kW | $2.44 | $23,896 | $37,937 | 9.7 years |
| 16 kW | $2.39 | $26,741 | $43,926 | 9.5 years |
| 18 kW | $2.34 | $29,444 | $50,057 | 9.3 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,004 | $56,330 | 9.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you pick the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good reputation as a company and have verifiable expertise in the field. Two 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 good reviews from past customers.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their locations and how much efficiency they need. Even though there are many options for which model of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you ask for their list of options before deciding.
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar installer, make sure you read it through carefully 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.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the project completion timeline.
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
EcoWatch's Searcy, AR Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Searcy?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $12,700 for a 5-kW system and $25,400 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. On the flip side, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Searcy?
You can't get solar panels for free in Searcy. However, you may still be able to afford them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you want to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Is switching to solar power worth it?
Solar panels can be a great investment for a majority of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight and/or your energy bills are already pretty low, solar panels might not be for you.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you should find out how much energy your home requires and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can usually produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average house 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.