Solar Panel Cost Guide in Southside, AR (2024 Update)
- Southside Solar Installation Cost: $20,766
- 25-Year Savings: $21,612
- Payback Period: 14.1 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Southside
Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in Southside.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Southside it’s 3 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Southside is around 8.5 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $20,766 for a solar installation, or $29,695 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll pay for solar will differ based on your household energy use, the type of solar panels you want to get, your solar contractor and more.With typical savings of about $16,000 on power bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Southside find going solar has a decent ROI.
To get a free estimate from a top solar installer in Southside, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Southside
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-19,310 |
| 3 years | $-16,398 |
| 5 years | $-13,486 |
| 7 years | $-10,573 |
| 9 years | $-7,661 |
| 11 years | $-4,749 |
| 13 years | $-1,837 |
| 15 years | $1,075 |
| 17 years | $3,987 |
| 19 years | $6,899 |
| 21 years | $9,811 |
| 23 years | $12,724 |
| 25 years | $15,636 |
Top Solar Installers in Southside
Many homeowners opt for a solar installation company since installing solar panels yourself can be a lot of work. Solar warranties and repairs are usually included in the cost of installation when you sign a contract with a solar contractor too, which can save you more money after your initial investment.
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 Southside
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Southside
Even though the average cost of a solar system in Southside is $20,766, your final cost may differ. There are several factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more important things to consider.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the key factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have better efficiency or power production 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.The kind of solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you opt for the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. On the other hand, higher efficiency could save you more in the long run on your energy bills. In addition, add-on products, such as solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Southside average.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be a challenge. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Southside, which can reduce, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.When estimating your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you opt for a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you choose to handle your switch to sustainable energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies in Southside, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional services like electric vehicle charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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 | $10,679 | 14.7 years |
| 8 kW | $3.56 | $19,935 | $14,629 | 14.4 years |
| 10 kW | $3.49 | $24,430 | $18,775 | 14.1 years |
| 12 kW | $3.42 | $28,730 | $23,116 | 13.9 years |
| 14 kW | $3.35 | $32,834 | $27,653 | 13.6 years |
| 16 kW | $3.28 | $36,743 | $32,385 | 13.3 years |
| 18 kW | $3.21 | $40,456 | $37,313 | 13.0 years |
| 20 kW | $3.14 | $43,974 | $42,436 | 12.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because picking a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for renewable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can verify your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will offer various brands and types of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel installer you’re considering has it.
- Warranty: A quality company rises above other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Contract: When looking over your solar company’s contract, ask for clarification about any terms you’re not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system part breaking or if the company goes out of business.
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 Southside, AR Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Southside?
The average cost of solar panels in Southside 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 stuff like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
What other factors should I consider aside from cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is a crucial factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on your reasons for going solar. In cities where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to take into account are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Is making the switch to solar worth it?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like how much you pay for electricity and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you need to know how much energy your home requires and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can typically produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average household will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.