Solar Panel Cost Guide in Prairie Grove, AR (2024 Update)

  • Prairie Grove Solar Installation Cost: $20,977
  • 25-Year Savings: $20,529
  • Payback Period: 14.7 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 Prairie Grove

Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar panels in Prairie Grove.

In Prairie Grove, solar panels cost about 3 per watt on average.Using this figure, a typical 8.6-kW system would cost about $20,977 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.

Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Prairie Grove homeowner. The price of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor.Even with the high initial cost, the average Prairie Grove homeowner can save around $16,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the positives of solar.

For a personalized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Prairie Grove

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-19,629
3 years $-16,932
5 years $-14,235
7 years $-11,537
9 years $-8,840
11 years $-6,143
13 years $-3,446
15 years $-749
17 years $1,948
19 years $4,645
21 years $7,342
23 years $10,039
25 years $12,736

Top Solar Installers in Prairie Grove

DIY solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can use up a lot of your time and energy. Taking advantage of an installer can make switching to solar power much easier. Companies can also have access to quality options of the best solar panels and help you choose which one will be right for your home.

If you’d like to go solar but still aren’t sure which solar installer to go with, here are our suggestions for providers in Prairie Grove:

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 Prairie Grove

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Prairie Grove

Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few major factors that determine your overall cost in Prairie Grove: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll discuss each of these briefly below.

Solar Equipment

The size of the solar panel system you need for your home, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by about $3,490. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Prairie Grove, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, if you have a small roof or you don’t have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.

Solar Financing Terms

For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be a challenge. Solar loans are available from most installers in Prairie Grove, which can bring down, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.Even though solar loans make going solar more accessible for Prairie Grove homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The solar installer you choose to handle your switch to solar energy can play a part in your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating in Prairie Grove, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.The company’s size sometimes plays the most considerable role in the installation costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because they have access to greater resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally 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 $9,768 15.2 years
8 kW $3.56 $19,935 $13,415 14.9 years
10 kW $3.49 $24,430 $17,258 14.7 years
12 kW $3.42 $28,730 $21,295 14.4 years
14 kW $3.35 $32,834 $25,529 14.1 years
16 kW $3.28 $36,743 $29,957 13.8 years
18 kW $3.21 $40,456 $34,581 13.5 years
20 kW $3.14 $43,974 $39,401 13.2 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

The solar installer you go with 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 consider, including:

  • Warranty: Warranties that cover defective panels and repairs over a couple decades are the gold standard in the business, and offering such a warranty is one sign of a quality company.
  • Contract: Read the contract terms closely to make sure you understand how much it will cost, project timeline incentives and warranties.
  • Reputation: Make sure your solar installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking its number of years in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
  • Solar Panel Brands: The model of solar panel you’d like to get plays a part in which company you should choose, since different companies offer different panels.

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 Prairie Grove, AR Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in Prairie Grove?

The average cost of solar panels in Prairie Grove 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 things like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.

Should I lease or buy solar panels in Prairie Grove?

Leasing solar panels can be an option if you are unable to pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you can’t take advantage of many solar incentives. Also your property 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.

How will installing solar panels impact how much my home is worth?

Solar panels can increase the value of your home considerably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t choose a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% after installing solar panels."

What solar power system size is right for my home?

The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and the average daily 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 install 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.

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.

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