Solar Panel Cost Guide in Southside, AR (Mar 2023)
- Southside Solar Installation Cost: $15,113
- 25-Year Savings: $21,612
- Payback Period: 10.3 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Southside
Let's have a look at the average cost of solar panels in Southside.
The average cost of a solar system in Southside is 2.54 per watt. To account for the typical energy usage of the average home in Southside, most homeowners require a 8.5-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs around $15,113, or $21,612 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Southside homeowner. The cost of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor. With average savings of about $16,000 on utility bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Southside find going solar can pay off big.
For a customized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Southside
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-13,644 |
| 3 years | $-10,706 |
| 5 years | $-7,768 |
| 7 years | $-4,830 |
| 9 years | $-1,892 |
| 11 years | $1,046 |
| 13 years | $3,984 |
| 15 years | $6,922 |
| 17 years | $9,860 |
| 19 years | $12,798 |
| 21 years | $15,736 |
| 23 years | $18,674 |
| 25 years | $21,612 |
Top Solar Installers in Southside
Many homeowners opt for a solar panel installer since figuring out how to install solar panels by yourself can be hard. The expertise that solar installers provide can be valuable as well, especially if you aren't sure what brand of solar equipment you need.
There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar system. 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 Southside
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Southside
For many Southside homeowners, the decision to go solar depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Southside, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a number of factors that greatly influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the main factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have greater efficiency or power production require better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $2,540. There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you pick also changes the cost. In many cases, the brands that are more efficient tend to also cost more. Plus, the type of equipment you're looking to get can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Southside provide solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing a solar system. When trying to figure out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you go with a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you pick will affect your total cost to go solar. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor. The company's size sometimes plays the most considerable role in your total costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because of more resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger 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 | $14,828 | 10.7 years |
| 8 kW | $2.59 | $14,508 | $20,055 | 10.5 years |
| 10 kW | $2.54 | $17,780 | $25,425 | 10.3 years |
| 12 kW | $2.49 | $20,909 | $30,936 | 10.1 years |
| 14 kW | $2.44 | $23,896 | $36,590 | 9.9 years |
| 16 kW | $2.39 | $26,741 | $42,387 | 9.7 years |
| 18 kW | $2.34 | $29,444 | $48,325 | 9.5 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,004 | $54,406 | 9.3 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 decide on the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Reputation: Solar panel companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years in most cases offer good-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the project completion timeline.
- Contract: Though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it's important to do it carefully so you can be sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and the terms of the warranty.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model has varying levels of quality, longevity and efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose plays a role in which solar panel brands you have access to.
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 Southside, AR Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Southside?
The average cost of solar panels in Southside 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 like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Are solar panels free in Southside?
A solar panel system isn't free in Southside, but there are some options that can make getting them more affordable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can help lower the cost.
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?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases 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.