Solar Panel Cost Guide in Little Rock, IL (2024 Update)
- Little Rock Solar Installation Cost: $17,056
- 25-Year Savings: $11,167
- Payback Period: 18.1 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Little Rock
Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in Little Rock.
In Little Rock, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.The average Little Rock homeowner needs a 6.5-kilowatt system, which would cost about $17,056 with the federal tax credit, or $24,390 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar panel system. The true cost of making the switch to solar can vary depending on several factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy consumption and what installation company you go with.Despite the high initial cost, the average Little Rock homeowner can save about $14,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the benefits of solar.
For a customized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Little Rock
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,001 |
| 3 years | $-13,893 |
| 5 years | $-11,784 |
| 7 years | $-9,675 |
| 9 years | $-7,567 |
| 11 years | $-5,458 |
| 13 years | $-3,349 |
| 15 years | $-1,241 |
| 17 years | $868 |
| 19 years | $2,977 |
| 21 years | $5,085 |
| 23 years | $7,194 |
| 25 years | $9,303 |
Top Solar Installers in Little Rock
Trying to put up solar panels by yourself can be a dangerous task, which is why hiring a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Also, if you’d like to maximize your investment in solar, going with a solar installer can help with that too. Different providers can offer repairs, expertise on installation and sometimes even information on local incentives, rebates and net metering programs.
If you're on the hunt for a solar company in Little Rock, we've put together a list of our top suggestions here:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
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 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 Little Rock
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Little Rock
The cost of installing a solar system in Little Rock can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The largest one is your system size, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar panel system in Little Rock, one of the most crucial 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 usage, which you can figure out by looking at past power bills. Your total cost can increase by around $3,760 for each additional kilowatt you need.The brand of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will largely impact costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more pricey. Moreover, solar equipment is more than just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to decide on the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when searching for a solar system that’s in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Little Rock offer solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing a solar system.It’s wise to factor the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a higher down payment, you can reduce your total costs and how long it’ll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you choose to handle your switch to clean energy can play a part in your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating throughout Little Rock, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.Some companies only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come with an above-average cost. It’s best to do some research and find a company that provides the products, warranties and services you want and also fit into your budget.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $3.91 | $16,424 | $5,382 | 18.8 years |
| 8 kW | $3.84 | $21,477 | $7,597 | 18.5 years |
| 10 kW | $3.76 | $26,320 | $10,022 | 18.1 years |
| 12 kW | $3.68 | $30,952 | $12,659 | 17.7 years |
| 14 kW | $3.61 | $35,374 | $15,505 | 17.4 years |
| 16 kW | $3.53 | $39,585 | $18,563 | 17.0 years |
| 18 kW | $3.46 | $43,586 | $21,830 | 16.7 years |
| 20 kW | $3.38 | $47,376 | $25,309 | 16.3 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. Since choosing a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar installer, make sure to read it through completely so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you aren’t sure about some of the terms, such as what to do if a part breaks or malfunctions and what services you can expect from them.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they understand how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the project completion timeline.
- Reputation: Solar system installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years likely provide quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Warranty: A comprehensive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar system running for years to come and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
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 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 Little Rock, IL Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Little Rock?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $18,800 for a 5-kW system and $37,600 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. On the flip side, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
What other factors should I consider aside from cost when buying solar panels?
The initial cost is a crucial factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on your goals for going solar. In places where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to keep in mind are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Little Rock?
Most states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can receive compensation for the extra power your system generates or or receive credits to put toward future energy bills. Currently there are just three states that don’t have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How long do solar panels last in Little Rock?
Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of at that time. What this means is how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can decide to replace them once you've had them for that long or you can keep using them at a lower efficiency.
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.