Solar Panel Cost Guide in Malvern, AR (2025 Update)

  • Malvern Solar Installation Cost: $20,467
  • 25-Year Savings: $25,374
  • Payback Period: 12.7 Years

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By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Updated January 24, 2025

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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Malvern

Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar in Malvern.

The average cost of a solar panel system in Malvern is 3 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 8.4-kW system would cost about $20,467 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.

Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Malvern homeowners. The cost of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor.For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar is worth paying. On average Malvern homeowners see about $18,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.

To get a free quote from a vetted solar installation company in Malvern, you can click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Malvern

YearReturn on Investment
1 years$-19,011
3 years$-16,099
5 years$-13,187
7 years$-10,275
9 years$-7,363
11 years$-4,451
13 years$-1,539
15 years$1,374
17 years$4,286
19 years$7,198
21 years$10,110
23 years$13,022
25 years$15,934

Top Solar Installers in Malvern

Putting up solar panels on your own can be a stressful project, which is why using a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Another perk of working with a solar installer is that they can help you optimize your investment by reducing your future costs of repairs and replacements due to warranties and helping you learn about local incentives you can take advantage of.

If you’d like to make the switch to solar but still aren’t sure which solar panel installer to go with, here are our suggestions for providers near you:

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See all of the solar companies in Malvern

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Malvern

The cost of installing a solar system in Malvern 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 household needs, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar installer you choose.

Solar Equipment

Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of installing solar panels. That’s why it’s important to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use.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 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. Also, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.

Solar Financing Terms

For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be challenging. Solar loans are available from most installers in Malvern, which can lower, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.When figuring out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you opt for a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The solar installer you go with to handle your switch to renewable energy can play a role in your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating throughout Malvern, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.Companies that only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — 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 decide on the company that has the products, warranties and services you’re looking for and also is within your budget.

Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size

System sizeCost per system wattSolar system cost25-Year savingsPayback period
6 kW$3.63$15,244$13,59613.2 years
8 kW$3.56$19,935$18,51813.0 years
10 kW$3.49$24,430$23,63612.7 years
12 kW$3.42$28,730$28,95012.5 years
14 kW$3.35$32,834$34,45912.2 years
16 kW$3.28$36,743$40,16411.9 years
18 kW$3.21$40,456$46,06411.7 years
20 kW$3.14$43,974$52,15911.4 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

There are many companies to choose from in Malvern, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:

  • Installation Process: Make sure you’re on the same page with the installer in regard to how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar system is installed, such as updating your electrical system or roof.
  • Reputation: Companies that have been operating for many years likely have a good reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
  • Contract: It’s important to read through your solar installer’s contract closely to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the installation process.
  • Warranty: Each company may offer different kinds of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
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EcoWatch's Malvern, AR Solar Cost FAQs

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

This is a hard question to answer exactly, 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. It will cost more if you want other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. On the flip side, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.

Are solar panels free in Malvern?

You can’t get solar panels for free in Malvern. 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 want to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.

Can solar panels significantly reduce my electricity bills?

Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on your location and the efficiency of your system. Even if it doesn’t get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $961.33 per year.

What solar power system size is right for my home?

The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and the average daily 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 account for 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.