Solar Panel Cost Guide in Southside, AR (2024 Update)
- Southside Solar Installation Cost: $20,766
- 25-Year Savings: $21,612
- Payback Period: 14.1 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Southside
Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in Southside.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Southside it’s 3 per watt.To account for the typical energy needs of the average home in Southside, most homeowners require a 8.5-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs about $20,766, or $29,695 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
These figures are just estimates, and the cost of going solar for you may vary based on your energy needs and what company you want to go with.For many homeowners, the upfront investment in solar panels is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $16,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar panel company in Southside for a custom quote.
Solar savings over time in Southside
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-19,310 |
| 3 years | $-16,398 |
| 5 years | $-13,486 |
| 7 years | $-10,573 |
| 9 years | $-7,661 |
| 11 years | $-4,749 |
| 13 years | $-1,837 |
| 15 years | $1,075 |
| 17 years | $3,987 |
| 19 years | $6,899 |
| 21 years | $9,811 |
| 23 years | $12,724 |
| 25 years | $15,636 |
Top Solar Installers in Southside
DIY solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Hiring a solar company can make your switch to solar power much easier. Another good thing about choosing a reputable solar installer is that it'll provide warranties and free repairs, which help protect your solar investment.
Working with a vetted solar company can help your solar project go smoothly. Here are our recommendations:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
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 Southside
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Southside
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners considering investing in solar. There are a few primary factors that determine your overall cost in Southside: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar panel system you need, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by about $3,490. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Southside, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system in cash is difficult, solar loans are a solid choice because they lower your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.It’s wise to factor 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 back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you choose to handle your switch to solar energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating throughout Southside, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.Additionally, some companies in Southside are more knowledgeable about local solar incentives and can help you learn about additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could end up saving you 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 | $3.63 | $15,244 | $10,679 | 14.7 years |
| 8 kW | $3.56 | $19,935 | $14,629 | 14.4 years |
| 10 kW | $3.49 | $24,430 | $18,775 | 14.1 years |
| 12 kW | $3.42 | $28,730 | $23,116 | 13.9 years |
| 14 kW | $3.35 | $32,834 | $27,653 | 13.6 years |
| 16 kW | $3.28 | $36,743 | $32,385 | 13.3 years |
| 18 kW | $3.21 | $40,456 | $37,313 | 13.0 years |
| 20 kW | $3.14 | $43,974 | $42,436 | 12.7 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 find the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Reputation: Well-established companies likely have a good reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers offer the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a big role in the company you hire.
- Warranty: A quality company stands out from other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Contract: Although reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it’s important to do it fully so you can be sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and the terms of the warranty.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
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 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 $17,450 for a 5-kW system and $34,900 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on stuff like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
What other factors should I consider other than cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is definitely one of the most important things to bear in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Is it worth going solar in Southside?
Solar panels can be a fruitful investment for lots 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 fairly low, solar panels might not be for you.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and how much sunlight your roof gets. You can look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to install between 20 and 35 panels to account for their typical energy usage.
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.