Solar Panel Cost Guide in Vilonia, AR (2024 Update)
- Vilonia Solar Installation Cost: $20,705
- 25-Year Savings: $22,411
- Payback Period: 13.8 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Vilonia
Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in Vilonia.
The average cost of solar panels in Vilonia is 3 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Vilonia is around 8.5 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $20,705 for a solar installation, or $29,608 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The true price you pay can go above or below the average in Vilonia depending on a variety of factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire.With typical savings of about $17,000 on electricity bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Vilonia find installing solar panels can be quite rewarding.
To calculate your potential savings and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Vilonia
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-19,249 |
| 3 years | $-16,337 |
| 5 years | $-13,425 |
| 7 years | $-10,513 |
| 9 years | $-7,601 |
| 11 years | $-4,689 |
| 13 years | $-1,777 |
| 15 years | $1,136 |
| 17 years | $4,048 |
| 19 years | $6,960 |
| 21 years | $9,872 |
| 23 years | $12,784 |
| 25 years | $15,696 |
Top Solar Installers in Vilonia
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Using a solar panel installer can make your swap to solar power much easier. Companies can also have access to various kinds of the best solar panels and help you choose which one will be best for you.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free estimate on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some nearby:
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 Vilonia
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Vilonia
The cost of installing a solar system in Vilonia can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The largest one is the size of the system you need, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the key factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with better efficiency or power generation require better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,490.There are many different solar panel brands and the one you choose also changes the cost. Generally speaking, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also be more expensive. Additionally, the type of equipment you’re looking to install can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Vilonia to be too costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, nearly every solar installer in the area offers financing options. Solar loans remarkably decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in a higher cost over time due to interest.While solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Vilonia homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The remaining key cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of clean energy solutions in Vilonia, you’ll have plenty of options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment.Additionally, some companies in Vilonia know more about local solar incentives and can help you make good use of additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, 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 | $11,289 | 14.4 years |
| 8 kW | $3.56 | $19,935 | $15,442 | 14.1 years |
| 10 kW | $3.49 | $24,430 | $19,792 | 13.8 years |
| 12 kW | $3.42 | $28,730 | $24,336 | 13.5 years |
| 14 kW | $3.35 | $32,834 | $29,076 | 13.3 years |
| 16 kW | $3.28 | $36,743 | $34,012 | 13.0 years |
| 18 kW | $3.21 | $40,456 | $39,143 | 12.7 years |
| 20 kW | $3.14 | $43,974 | $44,469 | 12.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because picking a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for renewable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can look into your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be completed and how long it will take.
- Warranty: A high-quality company rises above other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies carry various brands and types of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel installer you’re considering has it.
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 Vilonia, AR Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Vilonia?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $17,450 for a 5-kW system and $34,900 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. On the other hand, you can spend less if you want 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 attractive choice, as it commonly comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback is that you won’t be able to save as much. If you lease, you don’t own the system, so you can’t claim any incentives and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to maximize your savings.
Is it worth going solar in Vilonia?
Solar panels can be a fruitful investment for many 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 reasonably low, solar panels might not be for you.
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 higher 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.