Solar Panel Cost Guide in Jonesboro, LA (Mar 2023)

  • Jonesboro Solar Installation Cost: $18,386
  • 25-Year Savings: $22,080
  • Payback Period: 11.4 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated March 14, 2023

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We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Jonesboro

Let's take a look at the average cost of solar in Jonesboro.

In Jonesboro, solar panels cost about 2.57 per watt on average. The average Jonesboro homeowner needs a 10.2-kilowatt system, which would cost about $18,386 with the federal tax credit, or $26,292 before the 30% tax credit is applied.

Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Jonesboro homeowners. The cost of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor. Even with the large upfront cost, the average Jonesboro homeowner can save about $15,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the benefits of solar.

Click the button below to get connected to a highly rated solar installer in your area for a customized quote.

Solar savings over time in Jonesboro

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-16,767
3 years $-13,530
5 years $-10,293
7 years $-7,055
9 years $-3,818
11 years $-581
13 years $2,656
15 years $5,894
17 years $9,131
19 years $12,368
21 years $15,605
23 years $18,842
25 years $22,080

Top Solar Installers in Jonesboro

When going solar, many homeowners decide to go with a solar installer since installing a solar system yourself can be a difficult project. The expertise that solar installers provide can be useful as well, especially if you don't quite know what brand of solar equipment you need.

If you'd like to go solar but still aren't certain which solar panel installer to go with, here are our recommendations for providers near you:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • 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

Best Warranty Coverage

Sunpro Solar

★★★★★
4.0

  • Industry-leading warranty coverage
  • Expansive service area
  • Some reported communication issues
  • No leases or PPAs

See all of the solar companies in Jonesboro

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Jonesboro

Even though the average cost of a solar system in Jonesboro is $18,386, your actual cost may differ. There are several factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to take into consideration.

Solar Equipment

The size of the solar energy system you need, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by about $2,570. Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Jonesboro, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, if you have a small roof or you don't have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.

Solar Financing Terms

Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Jonesboro to be prohibitively expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, almost every solar company in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans substantially decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also lead to paying more over time due to interest. Although solar loans make going solar more accessible for Jonesboro homeowners, they can also increase 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 avoid paying as much in interest.

Solar Panel Installation Company

Finally, the company you choose to install your solar panel system can influence how much it costs. Jonesboro's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. The size of the company sometimes plays the most considerable role in the installation costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because they have access to more resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger names.

Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size

System size Cost per system watt Solar system cost 25-Year savings Payback period
6 kW $2.67 $11,226 $12,531 11.8 years
8 kW $2.62 $14,680 $16,996 11.6 years
10 kW $2.57 $17,990 $21,605 11.4 years
12 kW $2.52 $21,156 $26,357 11.1 years
14 kW $2.47 $24,179 $31,254 10.9 years
16 kW $2.42 $27,057 $36,294 10.7 years
18 kW $2.36 $29,791 $41,479 10.5 years
20 kW $2.31 $32,382 $46,807 10.2 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 find the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:

  • Contract: Review the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand the overall cost, project timeline rebates and warranties.
  • Installation Process: When making the switch to solar power, it's necessary to maintain an open line of communication with your solar installer. Confirm that you understand how the installation process will go and the project completion timeline.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their roof configurations and energy needs. Even though there are many options for which type of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to take a look at their list of options before deciding.
  • Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid reputation as a company and have proven expertise in the field. Two 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 positive reviews from previous customers.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • 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

Best Warranty Coverage

Sunpro Solar

★★★★★
4.0

  • Industry-leading warranty coverage
  • Expansive service area
  • Some reported communication issues
  • No leases or PPAs

EcoWatch's Jonesboro, LA Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in Jonesboro?

This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $12,850 for a 5-kW system and $25,700 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. On the flip side, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.

Is cost the most important thing to consider when buying solar panels?

Cost is definitely one of the most important factors you should consider when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.

How will solar panels impact my property value?

Solar panels can increase your home value significantly as long as you buy or finance your panels and don't opt for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% after installing a solar system."

How many solar panels should I get to power my home?

The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and how much sunlight your roof gets. You can look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to buy between 20 and 35 panels to cover their typical energy usage.

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.

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