Solar Panel Cost Guide in Fort Smith, AR (2024 Update)
- Fort Smith Solar Installation Cost: $20,596
- 25-Year Savings: $19,642
- Payback Period: 14.9 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Fort Smith
See how much it might cost to go solar in Fort Smith.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Fort Smith generally cost around 3.To cover the typical energy usage of the average home in Fort Smith, most homeowners require a 8.4-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs around $20,596, or $29,452 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Fort Smith homeowner. The cost of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor.For many homeowners, the upfront investment in solar power is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $16,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a top solar installer in Fort Smith for a personalized quote.
Solar savings over time in Fort Smith
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-19,499 |
| 3 years | $-17,305 |
| 5 years | $-15,111 |
| 7 years | $-12,917 |
| 9 years | $-10,723 |
| 11 years | $-8,529 |
| 13 years | $-6,335 |
| 15 years | $-4,141 |
| 17 years | $-1,947 |
| 19 years | $247 |
| 21 years | $2,441 |
| 23 years | $4,635 |
| 25 years | $6,828 |
Top Solar Installers in Fort Smith
Although it's possible to install solar panels on your own, it requires extra time and expertise. That's why most homeowners choose a solar panel installer. Plus, if you aren’t sure what type of solar panels and equipment you want, a solar company can help you figure that out after a site survey and consultation.
If you're on the hunt for a solar company in Fort Smith, the EcoWatch team has organized a list of our top suggestions here:
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 Fort Smith
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Fort Smith
For many Fort Smith homeowners, the decision to install a solar energy system depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Fort Smith, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a few factors that significantly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar energy system you need for your household, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by around $3,490. The brand of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will largely influence costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more costly. Furthermore, solar equipment goes beyond 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 researching a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be difficult. Solar loans are available from most installers in Fort Smith, which can bring down, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your total costs, so it’s vital to include that in your estimate as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you get to install your solar system can play a role in determining the cost. Fort Smith’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Companies that only sell high-quality, high-efficiency and high-price products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come at a higher cost. It’s best to do some research and find a company that provides the products, warranties and services you want and also fits within 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 | $3.63 | $15,244 | $9,403 | 15.5 years |
| 8 kW | $3.56 | $19,935 | $12,928 | 15.2 years |
| 10 kW | $3.49 | $24,430 | $16,649 | 14.9 years |
| 12 kW | $3.42 | $28,730 | $20,565 | 14.6 years |
| 14 kW | $3.35 | $32,834 | $24,677 | 14.3 years |
| 16 kW | $3.28 | $36,743 | $28,984 | 14.0 years |
| 18 kW | $3.21 | $40,456 | $33,486 | 13.7 years |
| 20 kW | $3.14 | $43,974 | $38,184 | 13.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar company you opt for will affect not only your total costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should keep in mind, including:
- Warranty: A high-quality company stands out from other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Contract: Although reading through a contract can be tedious, it’s important to do it fully so you can be sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and the terms of the warranty.
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar energy, it’s important to keep an open line of communication with your solar company. See to it that you understand how the installation process will go and the completion timeline.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies offer various brands and types of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel installer you’re considering has it.
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 Fort Smith, AR Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Fort Smith?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $17,450 for a 5-kW system and $34,900 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. On the flip side, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Fort Smith?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Fort Smith. However, you may still be able to get them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you’d rather own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Does Fort Smith have a net metering program?
Each state has some form 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 offer you credit toward your future utility bills.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and the amount of sunlight your roof gets. You can take a 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 get 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.