Solar Panel Cost Guide in Camden, AR (2024 Update)
- Camden Solar Installation Cost: $20,114
- 25-Year Savings: $26,207
- Payback Period: 12.3 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Camden
See how much it might cost to switch to solar power in Camden.
The average cost of a solar panel system in Camden is 3 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 8.2-kW system would cost about $20,114 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The actual price you pay can go above or below the average in Camden based on a variety of factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire.With average savings of about $19,000 on utility bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Camden find investing in solar has a decent ROI.
Click the button below to get connected to a reputable solar installer in your area for a custom quote.
Solar savings over time in Camden
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-18,658 |
| 3 years | $-15,746 |
| 5 years | $-12,834 |
| 7 years | $-9,922 |
| 9 years | $-7,010 |
| 11 years | $-4,098 |
| 13 years | $-1,185 |
| 15 years | $1,727 |
| 17 years | $4,639 |
| 19 years | $7,551 |
| 21 years | $10,463 |
| 23 years | $13,375 |
| 25 years | $16,287 |
Top Solar Installers in Camden
Many homeowners opt for a solar installation company since installing solar panels on your own can be a lot of work. The payback period of solar panels will vary based on factors like your roof configuration and energy use, but working with a solar company can shorten that period. Your provider will be able to help you get the most out of incentives available in your area.
If you’d like to start using solar energy but still aren’t sure which solar system installer to go with, here are our recommendations for providers in Camden:
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 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 Camden
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Camden
The cost of installing a solar system in Camden can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The largest one is the size of the system your home needs, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the most significant factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have higher efficiency or power production use better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,490.The brand and type 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 are often more expensive than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Also, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on power bills over time, but they can also be a significant investment. That’s why many Camden homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable.While solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Camden homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installation company you select will play a role in your total cost to go solar. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor.The size of the company can sometimes play the most significant role in the cost. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices due to access to more resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes 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 | $3.63 | $15,244 | $14,522 | 12.8 years |
| 8 kW | $3.56 | $19,935 | $19,753 | 12.6 years |
| 10 kW | $3.49 | $24,430 | $25,180 | 12.3 years |
| 12 kW | $3.42 | $28,730 | $30,802 | 12.1 years |
| 14 kW | $3.35 | $32,834 | $36,620 | 11.8 years |
| 16 kW | $3.28 | $36,743 | $42,633 | 11.6 years |
| 18 kW | $3.21 | $40,456 | $48,842 | 11.3 years |
| 20 kW | $3.14 | $43,974 | $55,246 | 11.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many companies available in Camden, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for replacement parts and repairs over around 25 years are the best you can get in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one mark of a good company.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind has varying levels of quality, longevity and efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose plays a role in which solar panel brands you have access to.
- 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 your solar system’s energy production.
- Installation Process: When going solar, it’s essential to keep an open line of communication with your solar installer. Confirm that you understand how the installation process works and the project timeline.
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 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 Camden, AR Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Camden?
The average cost of solar panels in Camden is about $17,450 for a 5-kW system and $34,900 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on certain factors like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Camden?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t afford to pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you don’t have access to many solar incentives. Also your home value won’t increase, so you’ll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most bang for your buck from going solar.
Can solar panels significantly reduce my electricity bills?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on where you’re located and how much sunlight your home gets. Even if it doesn’t get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $992.20 per year.
How long do solar panels last in Camden?
Although the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they are completely unusable at that time. What this means is the amount of 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 continue to use 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.