Solar Panel Cost Guide in Alma, AR (2024 Update)

  • Alma Solar Installation Cost: $20,777
  • 25-Year Savings: $19,804
  • Payback Period: 14.9 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 03, 2024

Why you can trust EcoWatch

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 Alma

Find out how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Alma.

While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Alma generally cost about 3.The average solar panel system size in Alma is around 8.5 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $20,777 for a solar installation, or $29,711 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.

The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar panel system. The actual cost of installing solar panels can vary quite a bit based on several factors, such as what size system you need, your energy usage and what company you go with.With average savings of about $16,000 on power bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Alma find installing solar panels has a decent ROI.

To receive a free estimate from a pre-vetted solar installation company in Alma, you can click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Alma

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-19,680
3 years $-17,486
5 years $-15,293
7 years $-13,099
9 years $-10,905
11 years $-8,711
13 years $-6,517
15 years $-4,323
17 years $-2,129
19 years $65
21 years $2,259
23 years $4,453
25 years $6,647

Top Solar Installers in Alma

Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can use up a lot of your time and energy. Taking advantage of a solar panel installer can make switching to solar power much easier. Some solar companies, particularly local ones, can help you better understand incentives in Alma, thereby optimizing your ROI.

If you’d like to switch to solar energy but still aren’t certain which solar company 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

★★★★★
3.2

  • 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 Alma

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Alma

Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners wanting to invest in solar. There are a few key factors that determine your overall cost in Alma: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll go over each of these briefly below.

Solar Equipment

When it comes to estimating the price of solar panels in Alma, one of the most important 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 determine by looking at past electricity bills. Your total cost can increase by about $3,490 for each additional kilowatt you need.The model of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will largely influence costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Moreover, solar equipment is more than just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to make decisions about 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

If paying for a solar system in cash is difficult, solar loans are an affordable route because they reduce your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.When trying to figure out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you choose to go with a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.

Solar Panel Installation Company

A final factor to keep in mind when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Alma is the company you choose to install your solar panel system. Similar to choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for instance, there are plenty of solar installers that provide a range of services at different price points.Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or add-on services like electric vehicle charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.

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 $9,395 15.5 years
8 kW $3.56 $19,935 $12,918 15.2 years
10 kW $3.49 $24,430 $16,636 14.9 years
12 kW $3.42 $28,730 $20,549 14.6 years
14 kW $3.35 $32,834 $24,658 14.3 years
16 kW $3.28 $36,743 $28,962 14.0 years
18 kW $3.21 $40,456 $33,462 13.7 years
20 kW $3.14 $43,974 $38,157 13.4 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: Long-running companies likely have a good reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Different companies carry various brands and kinds of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar installer you’re considering has it.
  • Warranty: If you’re concerned about the longevity of your solar energy system, verifying that your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
  • Contract: Review the contract terms closely to make sure you understand how much it will cost, project timeline rebates and warranties.

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

★★★★★
3.2

  • 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 Alma, AR Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Alma?

The average cost of solar panels in Alma is about $17,450 for a 5-kW system and $34,900 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on stuff like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.

Can you get solar panels for free in Alma?

You can’t get solar panels for free in Alma. However, you may still be able to afford them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you’d prefer to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.

Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Alma?

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 energy bills.

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

To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you need to know how much energy your home requires and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can generally produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average house will need 20 to 35 panels.

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.

Follow us