Solar Panel Cost Guide in Van Buren, AR (2024 Update)
- Van Buren Solar Installation Cost: $20,777
- 25-Year Savings: $19,284
- Payback Period: 15.1 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Van Buren
Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in Van Buren.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Van Buren, the average cost of a solar system is 3 per watt.The average Van Buren homeowner needs a 8.5-kilowatt system, which would cost about $20,777 with the federal tax credit, or $29,711 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Van Buren homeowners. The price of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor.For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $15,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
For a personalized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Van Buren
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-19,680 |
| 3 years | $-17,486 |
| 5 years | $-15,293 |
| 7 years | $-13,099 |
| 9 years | $-10,905 |
| 11 years | $-8,711 |
| 13 years | $-6,517 |
| 15 years | $-4,323 |
| 17 years | $-2,129 |
| 19 years | $65 |
| 21 years | $2,259 |
| 23 years | $4,453 |
| 25 years | $6,647 |
Top Solar Installers in Van Buren
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners opt to go with a solar company since putting up a solar system yourself can be a difficult project. Solar installers provide key benefits that can help you maximize your investment, like warranties, monitoring and free repairs.
You can get a free estimate from a local solar installer on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some nearby:
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 Van Buren
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Van Buren
There are several criteria that can play into your installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar panels.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar system in Van Buren, one of the most important 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 determine by looking at past power bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $3,490 for each additional kilowatt you need.The brand of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will greatly impact costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Furthermore, solar equipment consists of more than just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to make decisions about the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when researching a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be challenging. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Van Buren, which can reduce, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the amount of interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you’re only able to get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the principal cost. Making a larger down payment or finding a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs considerably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installer you select will impact your total cost to adopt solar power. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor.Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies compete 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 | $9,028 | 15.7 years |
| 8 kW | $3.56 | $19,935 | $12,428 | 15.4 years |
| 10 kW | $3.49 | $24,430 | $16,023 | 15.1 years |
| 12 kW | $3.42 | $28,730 | $19,814 | 14.8 years |
| 14 kW | $3.35 | $32,834 | $23,801 | 14.5 years |
| 16 kW | $3.28 | $36,743 | $27,983 | 14.2 years |
| 18 kW | $3.21 | $40,456 | $32,360 | 13.9 years |
| 20 kW | $3.14 | $43,974 | $36,933 | 13.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you find the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar, it’s crucial to maintain an open line of communication with your solar panel company. Confirm that you understand how the installation process works and the project completion timeline.
- 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 past customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based 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 take a look at their list of offerings before making your decision.
- Warranty: If you care about the longevity of your solar system, making sure your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
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 Van Buren, AR Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Van Buren?
The average cost of solar panels in Van Buren 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 certain factors such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
What other factors should I consider other than cost when buying solar panels?
The upfront cost is a very important factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on why you decided to go solar. In areas where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to think about are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Do solar panels increase your home value?
Solar panels can increase your property’s value significantly as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t opt for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% with a solar installation."
How long do solar panels last in Van Buren?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down 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.