Solar Panel Cost Guide in North Little Rock, AR (2024 Update)
- North Little Rock Solar Installation Cost: $20,489
- 25-Year Savings: $23,249
- Payback Period: 13.4 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in North Little Rock
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in North Little Rock.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in North Little Rock, the average cost of a solar system is 3 per watt.Because a 8.4-kW system is needed to cover the energy consumption of a typical home in North Little Rock, the average price of going solar will be about $20,489 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of solar panels. The actual cost of going solar can vary quite a bit based on multiple factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy consumption and what installation company you go with.Even with the significant initial cost, the average North Little Rock homeowner can save about $17,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the positives of solar.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar company in North Little Rock that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in North Little Rock
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-19,033 |
| 3 years | $-16,121 |
| 5 years | $-13,209 |
| 7 years | $-10,297 |
| 9 years | $-7,385 |
| 11 years | $-4,473 |
| 13 years | $-1,561 |
| 15 years | $1,351 |
| 17 years | $4,264 |
| 19 years | $7,176 |
| 21 years | $10,088 |
| 23 years | $13,000 |
| 25 years | $15,912 |
Top Solar Installers in North Little Rock
When switching to solar energy, many homeowners decide to go with a solar installer since overseeing your solar installation yourself can be a difficult project. Since solar panels are exposed to rain, snow, hail and wind, depending on the climate, warranties and repairs from your solar company can help you get the most out of your investment in solar panels by avoiding potential costs down the line.
Working with a professional solar installer can help you make the most of your investment in solar. Here are our recommendations:
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 North Little Rock
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in North Little Rock
For many North Little Rock homeowners, the decision to go solar depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in North Little Rock, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a number of factors that greatly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of factors. One of the most significant factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with higher efficiency or power generation require 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.Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like North Little Rock, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, if you have a small roof or limited 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 North Little Rock to be too steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, almost every solar installer in the area offers financing options. Solar loans substantially decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in a higher cost over time due to interest.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your all-in costs, so it’s important to consider that as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you get to install your solar panels can impact how much you pay. North Little Rock’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 your costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because they have access to greater 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 promotion can bring their pricing down 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 | $12,056 | 14.0 years |
| 8 kW | $3.56 | $19,935 | $16,465 | 13.7 years |
| 10 kW | $3.49 | $24,430 | $21,070 | 13.4 years |
| 12 kW | $3.42 | $28,730 | $25,870 | 13.2 years |
| 14 kW | $3.35 | $32,834 | $30,866 | 12.9 years |
| 16 kW | $3.28 | $36,743 | $36,057 | 12.6 years |
| 18 kW | $3.21 | $40,456 | $41,443 | 12.3 years |
| 20 kW | $3.14 | $43,974 | $47,025 | 12.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar panel company you go with will influence not only your overall costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are a few important things you should consider, such as:
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers have the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a big role in the company you opt for.
- Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when adopting solar power is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you need to know with your solar company, such as what permits you should secure and what the project timeline is.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have verifiable expertise in the field. A couple of 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 past customers.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar installer, make sure to look it over completely so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you aren’t sure about some of the terms, such as what to do if a part breaks or malfunctions and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
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 North Little Rock, AR Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in North Little Rock?
The average cost of solar panels in North Little Rock 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 things like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Are solar panels free in North Little Rock?
Solar panels aren’t free in North Little Rock, but there are some options that can make getting them more feasible, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can help lower the cost.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in North Little Rock?
The majority of states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can get paid for the extra power your system produces or or receive credits to put toward future energy bills. Currently there are just three states that don’t have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How long do solar panels last in North Little Rock?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher amount of energy production.
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.