Choosing the right solar installer in Arkansas can feel overwhelming. There are so many questions to answer before making the decision you can spend hours researching. That’s why we’ve simplified it for you.
Our guide highlights Arkansas’s top-rated solar companies, combining Solar Power Systems expert insights with feedback from locals who’ve made the switch.
No need to surf the web looking for information crumbs to have the big picture. Years in business, reviews from real customers, online reputation, panel brands, warranty, social media overview, and more – we have it all. The hard work is done to help you make the right decision.
We prioritize companies committed to long-term service and reliability. Here’s our list of Arkansas’s most trusted solar installers:
Omega Solar Energy review 823 W Markham St, Little Rock, AR 72201
Seal Solar review 700 W. Broadway Street, Suite 100, North Little Rock, AR 72114 United States
With an overall third-party rating of 4+ and positive feedback across more than 10 reviews from different platforms, Seal Solar read more…
Seal Solar review 705 Main Street, North Little Rock AR, 72114
With an overall third-party rating of 4+ and positive feedback across more than 10 reviews from different platforms, Seal Solar read more…
Globe Electric review 5201 Stratford Rd, North Little Rock, AR 72116
With an overall third-party rating of 4+ and positive feedback across more than 10 reviews from different platforms, Globe Electric read more…
Peak Power Solar review 10515 W Markham St Suite I4, Little Rock, AR 72205
With an overall third-party rating of 4+ and positive feedback across more than 10 reviews from different platforms, Peak Power read more…
Perihelion Solar review 319 W B St, Russellville, AR 72801,
With an overall third-party rating of 4+ and positive feedback across more than 10 reviews from different platforms, Perihelion Solar read more…
Bluff City Solar Co review 200 Jefferson Ave, Memphis, TN 38103
With an overall third-party rating of 4+ and positive feedback across more than 10 reviews from different platforms, Bluff City read more…
Sun City Solar Energy review 1818 E Viewpoint Dr, Fayetteville AR, 72701
With an overall third-party rating of 4+ and positive feedback across more than 10 reviews from different platforms, Sun City read more…
Stitt Solar review 1301 S 8th St, Rogers AR, 72756
Stitt Solar is rewarded with our Expert Choice badge, serving an exclusive area of fewer than 1 state. With a read more…
Blue Raven Solar review 2403 W Hudson Rd, Rogers AR, 72756
With an overall third-party rating of 4+ and positive feedback across more than 10 reviews from different platforms, Blue Raven read more…
Natural Energy review 501 SW B St, Bentonville, AR 72712
With an overall third-party rating of 4+ and positive feedback across more than 10 reviews from different platforms, Natural Energy read more…
Solar Pros review 12533 Colonel Myers Rd, Bentonville, AR 72712
With an overall third-party rating of 4+ and positive feedback across more than 10 reviews from different platforms, Solar Pros read more…
Solar Solutions of America review 6545 N., 21st Street, Ozark, Missouri 65721, United States
With an overall third-party rating of 4+ and positive feedback across more than 10 reviews from different platforms, Solar Solutions read more…
Solera Energy LLC review 4803 S. National Suite 300, Springfield MO, 65810
With an overall third-party rating of 4+ and positive feedback across more than 10 reviews from different platforms, Solera Energy read more…
Solera Energy LLC review 4650 S. National Suite D2, Springfield MO, 65810
With an overall third-party rating of 4+ and positive feedback across more than 10 reviews from different platforms, Solera Energy read more…
A+ Circuit Solutions review 4317 South Farm Road 137, Springfield, MO 65810, United States
With an overall third-party rating of 4+ and positive feedback across more than 10 reviews from different platforms, A+ Circuit read more…
Solar Alternatives review 333 Texas St, Shreveport LA, 71101
Solar Alternatives is rewarded with our Expert Choice badge, serving an exclusive area of fewer than 3 states. With a read more…
Sun Solar review 6724 S. Highway 63 Houston, MO 65483
Sun Solar is rewarded with our Expert Choice badge, serving an exclusive area of fewer than 5 states. With a read more…
Sunbelt Environmental Services review 621 North Prince Lane, Springfield, MO 65802, Springfield, Missouri, United States
With an overall third-party rating of 4+ and positive feedback across more than 10 reviews from different platforms, Sunbelt Environmental read more…
Missouri Solar Applications review 313 South Ave, Springfield MO, 65806
Missouri Solar Applications is rewarded with our Expert Choice badge, serving an exclusive area of fewer than 1 state. With read more…
How Much Do Solar Panels Cost in Arkansas?
If you’re thinking about going solar in Arkansas, understanding the cost of solar panels is probably your first question. Here’s what residential solar panels will actually run you in the Natural State:
| System Size | Average Cost per Watt | Average System Cost (Before Tax Credits) |
|---|---|---|
| 4 kW | $2.70 | $10,800 |
| 5 kW | $2.70 | $13,500 |
| 6 kW | $2.70 | $16,200 |
| 7 kW | $2.70 | $18,900 |
| 8 kW | $2.70 | $21,600 |
| 9 kW | $2.70 | $24,300 |
| 10 kW | $2.70 | $27,000 |
You’re paying around $2.70 per watt in Arkansas for solar. So how much does solar cost in Arkansas per typical family home? Most homes will need an around 6 kW system, so you’d be paying around $16,200 before you account for any tax credits. Of course, your actual cost of having solar panel installed will be other expenses depending on what kind of panels you receive, what you pay your installer, and indeed where you’re located in Arkansas.
Arkansas Solar Incentives and Rebates
Honesty is the best policy – Arkansas is in no way near the top with solar incentives. There are, though, some ways to minimize expenses on home solar panels:
| Incentive | Description |
|---|---|
| Federal Solar Tax Credit | This is the big one – you get 30% of your system cost as a tax credit. However, there’s the catch that this is due to end totally at the end of the year 2025. |
| Net Energy Billing | Things changed in 2024. If you installed solar after September 30, 2024, you will be credited at the “avoided cost” rate (about 4-6 cents/kWh) instead of the actual retail rate. Systems installed before that remain fixed at the better rate at that rate for 20 years. |
| Solar Rebates | Some utilities such as SWEPCO and Arkansas Oklahoma Gas provide some energy upgrade rebates but they are limited money savers. |
Important: The year 2025 is your last chance ever to qualify for that 30% federal tax credit. After the close of December 31, 2025, it’s gone forever. So this makes finding out how much it costs to install solar panels even more critical if you’re going for maximum benefits.
Arkansas is fairly easygoing – maybe too easygoing.
The state doesn’t offer much in the way of solar incentives, and that definitely makes its way into the final cost of the solar panels in Arkansas:
- State Tax Credits: No tax credits are available at the state level within the State of Arkansas.
- Property Tax Exemption: No way, your solar system will increase the property value and your property tax.
- Sales Tax: Full sales tax will apply to your equipment.
- Utility Programs: These provide small rebates, but don’t anticipate that any of these will significantly alter the way you pay.
- PACE Financing: Both residents and companies use this, but companies have more options.
Without much state aid, that tax credit from the federal government is completely crucial for Arkansas homeowners who are wondering how expensive are solar panels and if they can afford them.
Specific Considerations
Arkansas does have some advantage on its side when homeowners discuss home solar panels:
Solar Resource: We get around 4.7 to 5 peak sun hours per day in Arkansas. Now that’s no California sun, but there’s definitely enough to get solar up and running. And we have over 200 sun-days per year.
Weather: Our southern location means pretty good conditions for solar panels most of the year. Sure, we get some storms and the occasional hail, but modern panels can handle Arkansas weather just fine.
Grid Connection: Grid connection is relatively simple. Most of the paperwork will be dealt with by your installer, and the utilities will be required to provide the special meter you will require at no additional cost.
Local Rules: Each city and each county is just a little bit different when it comes to building codes and permits. The good news is that most installers are familiar with the local codes and will handle this aspect themselves.
Timeline Expectations
So you’ve decided to go solar – how long before you’re actually powering up? Working out how much it costs to install solar panels also involves knowing what’s coming up time-wise:
Getting Started (1-2 weeks)
Your installer will visit and assess your roof, rough in some figures based on how much you use, plan out your system, and get the contract initialed. If you’re financing, this is when that’s worked out too.
Permit Shuffle (2-6 weeks)
This is typically the longest. Your installer files paperwork at the city or the county for building permits, files applications for electrical permits, and gets you hooked up with your utility company. If you’re in an HOA, they’re required to approve as well.
Installation Day (1-3 days)
The actual install is relatively fast. Most home systems take a day or two, depending on the size of your system and the size of your roof.
Final Steps (1-4 weeks)
Once installed, you have the inspectors run through everything, your utility does their final inspection, and then you are allowed to turn the switch. Once you’ve done that, your net metering activates.
Reality Check: Count on approximately 6-12 weeks after you’ve signed the contract before you will be generating power. Solar panel prices and installation projects may take longer during peak seasons or if the permit offices are behind. Adverse weather conditions or having a complex roofing scenario may also take their time.
Should Solar Panels Be Installed in Arkansas?
In other words, the Arkansas solar panels remain economically feasible but the window is fast closing. We’ve got favorable sunshine (about 5 peak sun hours daily), the costs of the solar panels stayed within ranges, and that federal tax credit is still available through the end of summer.
Here’s the way that makes sense: the cost of electricity just continues to rise, but when you’ve got solar you’re insulated from the increase. You may even be able to wipe out your electrical bill. When you run the math on how much does solar cost against what you will be saving, the majority of Arkansas homeowners pay themselves off in 8-11 years. Then? Cold hard cash – we’re talking more than $24,000 in your pocket over the lifespan of your system.
The hitch is timing. With no state incentives and the federal credit going away after 2025, waiting costs you much more for the same system. If you’ve considered solar, this is indeed your ultimate chance to get the greatest financial advantage.
How Much Can Solar Panels Save Me in Arkansas?
Finding out how much you can save on solar in Arkansas is not a straightforward answer. It depends on several factors, including the solar billing of your utility company, the size of a potential solar system on your roof, and your household’s energy consumption. While most solar installers will try to cover all your electricity needs, the actual savings will depend on your home’s unique conditions. To get a personal estimate of how much you could potentially save by going solar, fill out a simple form on our website, use Google’s Project Sunroof solar savings calculator, or consult with a couple of local solar installation companies for a personalized savings calculation.
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Solar Financing Explained
You can pay for solar panels in a couple of ways:
- Cash
- Installer solar loans
- Personal loans
- Cash-out refinance or HELOC
- Solar Leases or Power Purchase Agreements (PPA)
First, there is a cash purchase, which in most cases provides the best price and long-term savings, but the upfront payment is not always what you can afford. If you want to own your solar panels and don’t have about $15,000 to $20,000 in the bank, you’ll have to choose solar panel financing.
You can consider a personal loan, a home equity line of credit, or a solar loan offered by the solar company. However, keep in mind that these loans come with interest and additional fees. Solar loans often are tied to dealer fees, which can increase the total cost of your solar system by 20% or more in exchange for a lower interest rate. To ensure you get the best possible deal, it is wise to compare the dealer fees and interest rates offered by different installers. This way, you can make an informed decision based on the most favorable terms available.
Some companies offer solar leases or PPAs that require zero upfront cost. But in such cases, you don’t own solar panels, and you are not eligible for any solar rebates or federal tax credit. And, because you have to pay the solar company monthly, your total solar savings will be lower. Ask for detailed savings calculations from a solar installer to decide on the best option. In most cases, you will still be paying less for electricity.
Frequently Asked Questions
How We Rank Solar Installers
Our main goal is to provide homeowners like you with top-rated solar companies you can trust. Our solar experts analyzed thousands of local and nationwide installers to get to the bottom of who is best in a specific location. The solar company ranking methodology is based on gathering input from homeowner surveys, consulting with industry experts, and extensive research into the solar energy market. Here are the things we believe are the most important to consider when choosing a solar company.
In short, here’s how we pick top installers:
– Company that has been in business for over five years as it indicates stability, reliability, and successful installations.
– Local solar companies over big national ones covering multiple areas as they can provide better personal attention and know more about the solar needs and regulations in their area.
– Companies with hands-on experience and a wealth of projects under their belt are more likely to deliver efficient and timely installations that cater to specific customer needs.
– Companies that handle their own installations instead of outsourcing to subcontractors ensure a higher caliber of work and nurture a culture of excellence and accountability in service.
– Select a company that has a good overall reputation and reviews on sites like SolarReviews, BBB, Google Maps, and Yelp.
– The company is licensed and insured and holds relevant certifications such as NABCEP certification.
– Companies that offer a wide selection of high-quality solar panels and related products and work with reputable brands.
– Companies that provide flexible financing options such as solar loans, leases, or power purchase agreements.
– Installers that provide substantial workmanship warranties and system performance guarantees.
Read more:
Our Methodology
What Made Us Choose Sources for Expert Score?
How We Classify Solar Installers: What Matters Most?
What to Look for In a Solar Company
To ensure that you partner with a great provider that can meet your needs of going solar, look for the following:
– Make sure the solar installer has industry-standard certifications, such as those from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP), indicating that they meet the gold standard in renewable energy installations. Also, verify if they are licensed, bonded, and insured for residential solar projects in your area. If subcontractors are involved, check their credentials as well.
– Prioritize installers with a proven track record in solar installations, ideally with at least 5+ years of experience. Ask about the number of systems they’ve installed and their project portfolio. A competent installer should openly discuss the solar panels, inverters, and batteries they use if they help to take advantage of local solar incentives and rebates, as well as warranty coverage specifics.
– Your installer should be forthcoming about the installation process and answer any questions you might have, like “How many solar panels will I need? Why?”, “Can you give me a detailed cost breakdown based on my energy consumption?”, “What solar panel brands do you install? Why?”, etc. They should also be transparent about their use of subcontractors, detailing their roles and how their work will be supervised.
– A preliminary evaluation of your roof’s condition is the groundwork. The installer should advise on necessary repairs to ensure it’s ready for solar panel installation and clarify responsibilities for any potential roof damage during the process. Discuss aesthetic concerns, such as the placement of solar panels around roof vents or the possibility of relocating vents for a more visually appealing setup.
– Check the installer’s reputation through online reviews and testimonials. They should be able to connect you with past customers who are willing to share their experiences. Personal recommendations from friends or neighbors who’ve gone solar can also be invaluable.
– Solar installation costs can vary widely, so obtaining multiple quotes is advisable. Experienced installers will adjust their offers to your home’s specifics—size, energy needs, etc. For an objective cost comparison, calculate the price per watt of the proposed system, giving you a standardized basis to evaluate different quotes.
Should You Choose a Local Solar Installer or a Big National Company?
Always choose a local solar company over a big national corporation. Small local companies that operate in a distinct local area are better than multi-state and national solar companies and large corporations. It’s the small local companies who get the best reviews on our website, and it’s the national multistate companies who get very poor reviews. Why so, you may ask?
Solar is a local service business, for the most part, and it is extremely difficult to run a solar company and offer good customer service to many locations from a central office.
Local ones have a community connection, they know the incentives and regulations in the area better, and they simply care more about you than large businesses trying to get into your pocket and overprice you. While multi-state solar companies might try to convince you by financial stability and “quality of installations across different locations”, try to choose a local company that meets all your criteria.
What Does a Solar Installation Look Like?
Here’s how a solar system installation will look like once the design for your solar system is approved:
– First, a solar installer should estimate your energy needs, and analyze your annual and monthly electricity consumption, which you can find on utility bills measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh). Such calculations will help to understand potential savings, payback period, and the system size you need.
– A home energy audit is something every experienced solar company would do to understand the size and output needed.
– Next question on the list: are your house’s roof conditions good enough for installation? A solar installer should carefully inspect the roof and ensure its conditions and orientation are good to go, how and where to better place solar panels and wire the system.
– Next, they will design the system and show you how it’s going to look.
You will usually need a permit to install solar panels from your local authorities, and the solar provider should handle all the paperwork.
– The entire process might take up to 3 months depending on the state and local regulations, while the system installation is usually up to 3 days (might take longer depending on roof conditions and system complexity).
– The installation crew should always clean up and remove any debris, leaving your house in good condition.
– When the system is installed, it should be checked and approved by local municipality inspection.
– If you’re connecting your system to the grid, it has to be wired to your local utility system. You’ll apply for connection through your utility company, which will also want to inspect your system to ensure it’s following utility guidelines. Some installers may help you with this step, so always ask. Once you have all the permits, your system will be up and running, powering your home with solar.
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