Solar Panels Cost $11k-$20k in Benton County, AR | November, 2024
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How much do solar panels cost in Benton County, AR in 2024?
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Getting a solar system is about $3.25 per watt in the month of November, 2024 in Benton County, AR.
It will cost $3,250, on average, for every 1000 watts (1 kW) your solar panels is able to generate. After applying the 30% federal tax credit, a 5 kW panel install in Benton County typically costs $11,375. Depending on your energy consumption habits, you might require a bigger system.
Use the menu on the left to pick your county and find out the average roof size and the average maximum capacity for residential solar on residences in your area. Below, you can see a summary of the price, payback period and 20 year average savings for a 5 kW system installed in your county.
Average out-of-pocket cost for a 5 kW system The upfront amount spent to buy and install solar.
Benton County: $11,375US Average: $12,523
Average Payback Period The number of years until you break even on the solar investment.
Benton County: 7 yearsUS Average: 7 years
Average Net 20-year savings The total amount of money saved over 20 years minus the out-of-pocket cost.
Benton County: $15,185US Average: $16,169
Solar Potential in Benton County
Estimated system size and solar electricity production per median viable roof in Benton County.
Roof size 894sq. ft.
Capacity 12.5kW DC
Electricity 15.8kkWh AC per yr.
Electricity Costs in Benton County, AR & What that Means for Your Solar Panel Pricing
Benton County's average monthly kWh consumption is 1,080, with the average electric bill around 130.98. This figure also includes data from apartments and smaller homes with lower energy needs.
The rate of electricity in Benton County, AR, averaging, is 12.13¢ per kWh in November 2024.
Right now, a 9 kW setup is priced at around $29,250 before incentives, but after the 30% federal tax credit, the total comes to $20,475.
Go Solar for less than your cell phone bill.
Average solar panel costs by system size in Benton County
Visible below and to the left is the price structure for multiple sizes of solar panel systems in Benton County. More extensive solar installations carry a greater cost, yet they also provide higher electricity savings and more generous income tax credits.
In the calculator located to the right and below, you will find a breakdown of solar panel costs and benefits, calculated with an average $130.98 electric bill for Benton County. Simply change the $130.98 to your typical electricity bill for more accurate results.
System Size
Roof Size Min. space required
Electricity Value Annual Production
Est. Price
System Size 5kW
Roof Size Min. space required
358 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $883 a year
Est. Price
$11,375
Savings from a 5kWthis system
Est. yearly production 7,362 kWh
Est. monthly savings $74
Full payback in 7 years
Environmental Impacts
Reduces CO2 emissions by 6.52 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 299 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 16,130 mi less a year
System Size 6kW
Roof Size Min. space required
429 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,060 a year
Est. Price
$13,650
Savings from a 6kWthis system
Est. yearly production 8,834 kWh
Est. monthly savings $88
Full payback in 9 years
Environmental Impacts
Reduces CO2 emissions by 7.82 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 359 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 19,356 mi less a year
System Size 7kW
Roof Size Min. space required
501 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,237 a year
Est. Price
$15,925
Savings from a 7kWthis system
Est. yearly production 10,307 kWh
Est. monthly savings $103
Full payback in 10 years
Environmental Impacts
Reduces CO2 emissions by 9.12 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 419 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 22,582 mi less a year
System Size 8kW
Roof Size Min. space required
572 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,413 a year
Est. Price
$18,200
Savings from a 8kWthis system
Est. yearly production 11,779 kWh
Est. monthly savings $118
Full payback in 12 years
Environmental Impacts
Reduces CO2 emissions by 10.43 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 479 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 25,808 mi less a year
System Size 9kW
Roof Size Min. space required
644 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,590 a year
Est. Price
$20,475
Savings from a 9kWthis system
Est. yearly production 13,251 kWh
Est. monthly savings $131
Full payback in 13 years
Environmental Impacts
Reduces CO2 emissions by 11.6 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 533 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 28,703 mi less a year
Benton County Solar Panel Installation Incentives & Rebates | 2024
Between 80% and 100% of your solar or wind turbine installation costs may be covered by the REAP Grant if you own a rural small business or farm. Think you fit this category? Check your qualification with our REAP Grant eligibility tool.
Homeowners can benefit from a 30% federal income tax credit for adding residential solar panels, making solar power a feasible option across much of the country. Additionally, a number of state and local programs are available to promote solar adoption.
Residents of Arkansas can access 4 solar rebate and incentive programs from a range of utilities and governmental organizations.
Solar incentives in ARIncentive Description Value
Sustainable Building Design Revolving Loan Fund
Value:Varies
The ABA Revolving Loan Fund is an interest-free loan program adopted by Arkansas in 2009 (as loan payments go to the fund, the fund may continue indefinitely). It provides a way for state agencies, boards, and commissions (including those attached to institutions of higher learning) who own their own facilities to make renovations up to $25,000. It is funded by a grant from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 with contributions from the state general improvement funds. The loan encourages debtors to use the funds for ways to save and create energy for their buildings. For further information, check out the Arkansas Building Authority site.
Green Building Standards for State Facilities
Value:Varies
As of July 1, 2005, all state agencies are encouraged to use the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design and Green Globes rating system as much as possible. They receive additional credit for use of agri-fiber and composite wood products, post-consumer recycled content, and other environment-friendly products. The Sustainable Energy-Efficient Building Program directed the Arkansas Energy Office to reduce energy use in all state-owned major facilities by 30% by 2017 and conserve all utilities to reduce total energy consumption as justified by a life cycle cost analysis. Other state agencies have been encouraged to develop their own strategic energy plans.
Net Metering
Value:Varies
In April 2001, the Arkansas Public Service Commission was directed to establish rules for net metering of some renewable energy systems. By 2012 they amended those rules to exempt government entities and agencies from indemnity agreements. In 2013 it would add new net-metering tariffs for all utilities under its jurisdiction and in 2014 it would modify provisions for excess generation, including increasing the cap for non-residential customers and opening the docket for appropriate fees and terms. Of special note is that customers with multiple meters who generate excess electricity may, with 30 days' notice, use the funds generated for any meter within the same utility.
Solar Hot Water Contractor Licensing
Value:Varies
Arkansas offers limited specialty solar thermal installer licenses with assistance from the Arkansas Department of Health. These licenses are the Restricted Solar Mechanic, Supervising Solar Mechanic, and Solar Mechanic Trainee. The Restricted Solar Mechanic license only allows a mechanic to install systems used to heat domestic hot water; the person must show evidence of relevant training and experience, including four years with a Restricted Solar Mechanic Trainee license. The Supervising Solar Mechanic is allowed to supervise, install, and maintain solar and hydronic domestic hot water systems; applicants must have at least one year with a Restricted Solar Mechanic and five years of solar mechanic experience.
Are solar panels worth it in Benton County, AR?
If you're intending to reside in your home past the solar system's payback period, solar panels are a wise decision in Benton County. If you install a 5 kW solar system in Benton County, AR, you might save $20,060.2 over 20 years on average, with a break even point at roughly 7 years.
The cost of not having solar panels in Benton County, AR
Apart from missing out on the savings highlighted earlier, not having solar panels or an alternative backup energy source leaves you fully reliant on your electric utility for electricity. The media has demonstrated several cases where complete reliance on your utility isn't always the best scenario.
In recent years, utilities in Benton County have had an average of 1.2 outages per customer annually. The typical duration of each outage is 146.74 minutes. When significant events such as planned maintenance, grid management errors or heavy rain and flooding occur, these time frames can become much longer.
Take a look at the info below to see the number of current electricity customers without power in Benton County.
Regardless of whether a backup battery is included or not, a solar panel system could reduce the strain of possible future outages.
Power Outages
Currently, 0 customers are being tracked in Benton County.
What impacts the cost of solar panels in Benton County, AR?
Your Energy Needs - The cost per watt is reduced with larger solar panel systems, even though the initial cost is higher. A lot of people find it advantageous to set up a solar energy system that can fully cover their entire electric bill. This results in optimal savings.
Make & Model - Similar to many products, solar panels come in a variety of makes and models. The potential system preferences of your contractor mean that it is it's even more vital to select a recommended company. The employment of superior materials is likely to result in a more favorable long-term experience for buyers.
Solar Panel Type - Monocrystalline panels have secured their spot as the industry standard, and for valid reasons. Even with a higher cost, this technology yield more energy. Most installers opt for panels constructed using this material.
Your Property - Each property and home has its own unique features. Irregular terrain, trees, or additional hindrances may add to the difficulty of the installation. These days, satellite images enable many solar installers to assess your home and include these elements into the preliminary cost estimate.
Labor Rates - The varying wages that companies offer their employees lead to costs that are ultimately borne by consumers. Businesses paying more to their employees typically receive higher reviews for their services and customer service.
Permitting & Interconnection - Regional differences in permitting and utility interconnection fees will affect your installation cost. Quality local installers will integrate these numbers into your preliminary quotes to avoid any surprises.
See what solar panels cost in other Benton County cities
Solar systems for selling electricity back to the grid.
Benton County, AR Solar Panel Cost FAQs
As of November, 2024, the average cost for solar panels in Benton County, AR is $3.25/W. In Benton County, AR, the cost of installing a 5 kW solar panel system is approximately $11,375 after applying the federal tax credit.
In Arkansas, you have access to 4 rebates and incentives provided by numerous utilities and government organizations. In addition, the 30% federal income tax credit is available to almost everyone.
Although paying in cash offers the most savings, numerous financing options for solar panels now exist that are cost-effective. Many installers have financing partners and will provide this information in your initial quotes.
Yes, homeowners in Benton County, AR can expect 5 kW solar panels to pay off in 7 years, with an estimated $20,060.2 in electricity savings during a 20-year span.
Savings from 
Environmental Impacts 
