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.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Little Rock generally cost about 4.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.
These figures are only averages, and your own solar costs will differ based on your specific situation and what company you choose to go with.Despite the significant initial cost, the average Little Rock homeowner can save about $14,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the benefits of solar.
Click the button below to get connected to a top solar panel company in your area for a customized estimate.
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
DIY solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can take a lot of hard work. Taking advantage of a solar panel installer can make swapping over to solar power much easier. The payback period on an investment in solar panels will vary based on factors like your location and energy use, but working with a solar installer can shorten that period. Your provider will be able to help you identify incentives available in your area.
You can get a free quote from a local solar installer on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some near you:
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 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
See all of the solar companies in Little Rock
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Little Rock
For many Little Rock homeowners, the decision to adopt solar energy rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Little Rock, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a number of factors that significantly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar system you need, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by nearly $3,760. The brand and kind of equipment you get for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often come at a higher price 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 will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Plus, if you want additional equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Little Rock offer solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing a solar system.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the amount of 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 above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or finding a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs considerably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The last key cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of renewable energy solutions in Little Rock, you’ll have a great number of options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment.Additionally, some companies in Little Rock have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you learn about additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. 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 | $3.91 | $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
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you pick the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Contract: It’s important to look over your solar installer’s contract carefully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the project timeline.
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be done and how long it will take.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid reputation as a company and have verifiable expertise in the field. A couple of ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has good reviews from past customers.
- Warranty: Many companies offer different types of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
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 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
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 exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $18,800 for a 5-kW system and $37,600 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. 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 a key factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on why you decided to go solar. In cities where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to think about are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Little Rock?
Each state has some kind of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states allow you to sell power back to the grid, but others just give you credit toward your future energy bills.
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 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.