Solar Panel Cost Guide in Bella Vista, CA (2024 Update)
- Bella Vista Solar Installation Cost: $7,744
- 25-Year Savings: $19,897
- Payback Period: 7.4 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Bella Vista
Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar panels in Bella Vista.
The average cost of a solar panel system in Bella Vista is 3 per watt.To cover the typical energy usage of the average home in Bella Vista, most homeowners require a 3.2-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs about $7,744, or $11,074 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
The true cost of your system can be higher or lower than the average in Bella Vista depending on several factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire.For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $31,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar installer in your area for a personalized quote.
Solar savings over time in Bella Vista
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-6,206 |
| 3 years | $-3,130 |
| 5 years | $-54 |
| 7 years | $3,022 |
| 9 years | $6,097 |
| 11 years | $9,173 |
| 13 years | $12,249 |
| 15 years | $15,325 |
| 17 years | $18,401 |
| 19 years | $21,476 |
| 21 years | $24,552 |
| 23 years | $27,628 |
| 25 years | $30,704 |
Top Solar Installers in Bella Vista
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Taking advantage of a solar company can make switching to solar power much easier. Companies can also provide access to various kinds of the best solar panels and help you pick which one will be right for your home.
If you’d like to make the switch to solar but still aren’t sure which solar system installer to go with, here are our recommendations for providers nearby:
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
Best Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
See all of the solar companies in Bella Vista
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Bella Vista
Even though the average cost of a solar system in Bella Vista is $7,744, your final cost may be above or below the average. There are several factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more important things to consider.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of going solar. Because of that, it’s crucial to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs.The brand and kind of equipment you want for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often have a higher price tag than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Also, if you want extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Bella Vista offer solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar panels.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your all-in costs, so it’s important to take that into consideration as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you hire to install your solar system can affect the cost. Bella Vista’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Additionally, some companies in Bella Vista 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 help you save 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 | $3.61 | $15,157 | $33,757 | 7.7 years |
| 8 kW | $3.54 | $19,821 | $45,397 | 7.6 years |
| 10 kW | $3.47 | $24,290 | $57,233 | 7.4 years |
| 12 kW | $3.40 | $28,565 | $69,262 | 7.3 years |
| 14 kW | $3.33 | $32,646 | $81,486 | 7.2 years |
| 16 kW | $3.26 | $36,532 | $93,904 | 7.0 years |
| 18 kW | $3.19 | $40,224 | $106,516 | 6.9 years |
| 20 kW | $3.12 | $43,722 | $119,323 | 6.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the kind of solar panels and the installer you choose has an impact on your costs and your system’s efficiency, production, and durability, it’s important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- 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 considerable role in the company you choose.
- Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when adopting solar energy is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you need to know with your solar company, such as what permits you should acquire and how long the project will take.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar panel installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking its work history and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
- Warranty: Many companies offer different kinds of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
Best Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
EcoWatch's Bella Vista, CA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Bella Vista?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $17,350 for a 5-kW system and $34,700 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. Conversely, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Is cost the most important consideration 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.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Bella Vista?
Each state has some form of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states let you sell power back to the grid, but others just give you credit toward your future electricity bills.
How long do solar panels last in Bella Vista?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down 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.