Solar Panel Cost Guide in Vilonia, AR (2023 Update)
- Vilonia Solar Installation Cost: $15,077
- 25-Year Savings: $22,402
- Payback Period: 10.1 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Vilonia
Here's how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Vilonia.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Vilonia, the average cost of a solar system is 2.54 per watt. Because a 8.5-kW system is needed to cover the energy consumption of a typical home in Vilonia, the average price of going solar will be about $15,077 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar energy system. The true cost of making the switch to solar can vary quite a bit based on a few factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what company you go with. But, once you've paid the initial cost of installation, the ROI for most homeowners is usually good, with a net average savings of about $17,000 over 20 years on energy bills.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar company in Vilonia that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Vilonia
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-13,578 |
| 3 years | $-10,580 |
| 5 years | $-7,581 |
| 7 years | $-4,583 |
| 9 years | $-1,585 |
| 11 years | $1,414 |
| 13 years | $4,412 |
| 15 years | $7,410 |
| 17 years | $10,409 |
| 19 years | $13,407 |
| 21 years | $16,406 |
| 23 years | $19,404 |
| 25 years | $22,402 |
Top Solar Installers in Vilonia
Many homeowners opt for a solar panel company since trying to put up solar panels yourself can be a labor-intensive endeavor. Plus, if you aren't sure what type of solar panels and equipment you want, a solar expert can help you find the right equipment for you after a site survey and consultation.
There are various licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. Here are our suggestions:
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
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 Vilonia
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Vilonia
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners who want to invest in solar. There are a few major factors that determine your overall cost in Vilonia: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar system in Vilonia, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are mainly based on your home's energy consumption, which you can figure out by looking at past energy bills. Your total cost can increase by around $2,540 for each additional kilowatt you need. There are many different solar panel brands and the one you pick also changes the cost. In general, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also be more expensive. In addition, the type of equipment you're looking to get can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Vilonia provide solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing a solar system. 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're only able to get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the original cost. Making a larger down payment or securing a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs considerably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you hire to install your solar system can influence how much it costs. Vilonia's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices because of their bigger brand name and access to bulk equipment pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions 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 | $15,438 | 10.5 years |
| 8 kW | $2.59 | $14,508 | $20,869 | 10.3 years |
| 10 kW | $2.54 | $17,780 | $26,442 | 10.1 years |
| 12 kW | $2.49 | $20,909 | $32,157 | 9.9 years |
| 14 kW | $2.44 | $23,896 | $38,014 | 9.6 years |
| 16 kW | $2.39 | $26,741 | $44,014 | 9.4 years |
| 18 kW | $2.34 | $29,444 | $50,155 | 9.2 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,004 | $56,439 | 9.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar installer you opt for will impact not only your overall costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should take into account, such as:
- Contract: Review the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, project timeline incentives and warranties.
- Reputation: Solar panel companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years most likely provide good-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- 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 substantial role in the company you opt for.
- Warranty: If you care about the endurance of your solar panel system, checking if your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
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 Vilonia, AR Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Vilonia?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Generally 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 extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. Conversely, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Vilonia?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you are unable to pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don't own the system, you don't have access to many solar incentives. Also your home value won't increase, so you'll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most savings from going solar.
How much can I save on energy bills after switching to solar?
It is possible to erase your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout Vilonia, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have roofs that can accommodate that size system, so you'll want to check with a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, solar panels can last 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 level 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.