Solar Panel Cost Guide in Rockwell, AR (2024 Update)

  • Rockwell Solar Installation Cost: $20,673
  • 25-Year Savings: $21,679
  • Payback Period: 14.1 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

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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 Rockwell

Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in Rockwell.

The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Rockwell it’s 3 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Rockwell is around 8.5 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $20,673 for a solar installation, or $29,562 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.

The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of solar panels. The exact cost of making the switch to solar can vary depending on several factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what solar installer you go with.Despite the large initial cost, the average Rockwell homeowner can save about $16,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the benefits of solar.

You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar installer in Rockwell for a quote for your home.

Solar savings over time in Rockwell

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-19,217
3 years $-16,305
5 years $-13,393
7 years $-10,481
9 years $-7,569
11 years $-4,657
13 years $-1,745
15 years $1,167
17 years $4,080
19 years $6,992
21 years $9,904
23 years $12,816
25 years $15,728

Top Solar Installers in Rockwell

When switching to solar energy, many homeowners prefer to hire a solar company since installing solar panels yourself can be a challenging project. Solar installers offer key benefits that can help you maximize your investment, like warranties, monitoring and free repairs.

You can work with a local solar installer to get a free quote on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some in Rockwell:

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 Rockwell

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Rockwell

Even though the average cost of a solar system in Rockwell is $20,673, your actual cost may be higher or lower than that. There are many factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to take into consideration.

Solar Equipment

When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar energy system in Rockwell, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are largely based on your home’s energy usage, which you can gauge by looking at past energy bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $3,490 for each additional kilowatt you need.Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Rockwell, 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 offered by most installers in Rockwell, which can reduce, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.It’s wise to factor the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a larger down payment, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it’ll take to pay off the loan.

Solar Panel Installation Company

A final factor to keep in mind when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Rockwell is the company you hire to install your solar panel system. As with choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for example, there are plenty of solar installers that offer a range of services at different price points.Some companies 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 with an above-average cost. It’s best to do some research and decide on the company that offers 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 $10,794 14.6 years
8 kW $3.56 $19,935 $14,783 14.4 years
10 kW $3.49 $24,430 $18,968 14.1 years
12 kW $3.42 $28,730 $23,348 13.8 years
14 kW $3.35 $32,834 $27,923 13.5 years
16 kW $3.28 $36,743 $32,694 13.2 years
18 kW $3.21 $40,456 $37,660 12.9 years
20 kW $3.14 $43,974 $42,822 12.7 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

There are a large number of companies available in Rockwell, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:

  • Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their roof configurations and energy needs. Although there are many options for which kind of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to ask for their list of offerings before deciding.
  • Reputation: Make sure your solar installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking how long it's been in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
  • Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be completed and how long it will take.
  • Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar installer, make sure to look it over completely so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re not sure about some of the terms, such as what to do if a component breaks or malfunctions and what services you can expect from them.

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 Rockwell, AR Solar Cost FAQs

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

This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of 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 extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. Conversely, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.

Should I lease or buy solar panels in Rockwell?

Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, as it commonly comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside is that you won’t be able to save as much. If you lease, you don’t own the system, so you can’t claim any tax rebates and credits and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to get the most savings.

How much can I save on power bills after switching to solar?

It is possible to eliminate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Rockwell, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes can accommodate that size system, so you’ll want to contact a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.

How long do solar panels last in Rockwell?

Even though 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 their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can 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.

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