Solar Panel Cost Guide in Van Buren, AR (2025 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.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Van Buren generally cost around 3.Because a 8.5-kW system is needed to cover the energy costs of a typical home in Van Buren, the average price of going solar will be about $20,777 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Van Buren 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.But, once you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the return on investment for most homeowners is quite good, with a net average savings of about $15,000 over 20 years on utility bills.
To calculate your potential savings and connect with a local solar company, 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:
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 primarily based on your home’s energy usage, which you can determine by looking at past energy bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $3,490 for each additional kilowatt you need.The brand of solar panels and equipment you get 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 bring down, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.While solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Van Buren homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to consider when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Van Buren is the company you hire to install your solar system. Similar to choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for example, you’ll have many options for solar installers that provide a range of services for different budgets.Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional services like electric car 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
Since the kind of solar panels and the company you choose greatly impacts your costs and your system’s efficiency, production, and durability, it’s important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the completion timeline.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for clean energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to do the job well. Another way you can verify your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies offer various brands and kinds of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel company you’re considering has it.
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar system running smoothly and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
EcoWatch's Van Buren, AR Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Van Buren?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $17,450 for a 5-kW system and $34,900 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. On the flip side, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
Cost is certainly one of the most important factors you should consider when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
How will having solar panels impact how much my home is worth?
Solar panels can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Van Buren is currently $181,796, so you can expect a value of about $7,454 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Van Buren is a fruitful investment.
How long do solar panels last in Van Buren?
Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of at that time. What this means is how much energy they produce 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.