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

  • Fayetteville Solar Installation Cost: $20,977
  • 25-Year Savings: $19,769
  • Payback Period: 15.0 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated May 20, 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 Fayetteville

Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in Fayetteville.

In Fayetteville, solar panels cost about 3 per watt on average.To cover the typical energy needs of the average home in Fayetteville, most homeowners require a 8.6-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs about $20,977, or $29,997 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.

The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar energy system. The true cost of installing solar panels can vary based on multiple factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy consumption and what installation company you go with.With average savings of about $16,000 on power bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Fayetteville find investing in solar can pay off big.

You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar installer in Fayetteville that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.

Solar savings over time in Fayetteville

YearReturn 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 Fayetteville

Many homeowners opt for a solar panel company since installing solar panels by yourself can be time-consuming. Some solar installers, especially local ones, can help you take advantage of incentives in Fayetteville, optimizing your ROI.

Working with a vetted solar installer can make going solar easier. Here are our recommendations:

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 Fayetteville

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Fayetteville

For many Fayetteville homeowners, the decision to install solar panels rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Fayetteville, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are numerous factors that considerably influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.

Solar Equipment

The size of the solar energy system you need for your household, 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 around $3,490. There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you choose also changes the cost. Typically, the brands that are more efficient tend to also cost more. Additionally, the type of equipment you’re looking to install can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.

Solar Financing Terms

If paying for solar panels in cash is out of reach, solar loans are a popular choice because they cut back your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over five to seven years on average.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your all-in costs, so it’s crucial to keep that in mind as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by making a larger down payment.

Solar Panel Installation Company

Lastly, the company you opt for to install your solar panels can influence your pricing. Fayetteville’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. You may see national solar installers that have lower prices due to their bigger brand name and access to bulk equipment pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those larger companies.

Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size

System sizeCost per system wattSolar system cost25-Year savingsPayback period
6 kW$3.63$15,244$9,23715.6 years
8 kW$3.56$19,935$12,70715.3 years
10 kW$3.49$24,430$16,37315.0 years
12 kW$3.42$28,730$20,23414.7 years
14 kW$3.35$32,834$24,29014.4 years
16 kW$3.28$36,743$28,54214.1 years
18 kW$3.21$40,456$32,98913.8 years
20 kW$3.14$43,974$37,63213.5 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:

  • Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model has varying levels of quality, durability and energy efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose plays a role in which solar panel brands you have access to.
  • Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar installer, make sure you read it through carefully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re not certain about some of the terms, such as what to do if a component breaks or malfunctions and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
  • Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for clean 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.
  • Warranty: A high-quality company rises above other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.

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 Fayetteville, AR Solar Cost FAQs

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

This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many 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 more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. On the other hand, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.

Can you get solar panels for free in Fayetteville?

You can’t get solar panels for free in Fayetteville. However, you may still be able to get them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you want to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.

Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Fayetteville?

Most states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either get paid for the extra power your system produces or or receive credits to put toward future electricity bills. Currently there are just three states that don’t have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.

How many solar panels do I need to power my home?

The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and the amount of 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 buy between 20 and 35 panels to cover 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.