How much do solar panels cost in Arkansas?
Installing residential solar panels can cost anywhere from $10,000 to $30,000 or more. On average, Arkansas residents pay $27,940 for their system without tax credits or incentives.
The size of your system is a big factor in how much you pay. The average solar system size in Arkansas is 11 kW.
Average costs by system size in Arkansas
| 8 kW | 9 kW | 10 kW | 11 kW | 12 kW | 13 kW | 14 kW | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| For federal tax credits | $20,320 | $22,860 | $25,400 | $27,940 | $30,480 | $33,020 | $35,560 |
| After federal tax credits | $14,224 | $16,002 | $17,780 | $19,558 | $21,336 | $23,114 | $24,892 |
| Approximate size of the house | 1200 square meters | 1400 square meters | 1600 square meters | 1800 square meters | 2000 square meters | 2200 square meters | 2400 square meters |
Source: EcoWatch
Are solar panels worth it in Arkansas?
In Arkansas, we believe solar panels are very beneficial. If you want to save money on your future electricity bills, a solar power system is a good investment. It also helps reduce your carbon footprint.
Like many of the solar consumers we spoke with, Donald of Gassville said he chose solar to save money in the future. "Plus, the system looks great at home," he says.
Arkansas has an average of 3.5 to 4 hours of maximum sunshine per day.
It also makes sense in terms of energy independence. For example, in Mountain View, Joe installed solar panels on the cabin to save money. "There's no electricity down there and that's the only source of electricity," Joe said. I can't tell you how much electricity will cost me."
Make sure you understand the contract you are getting. Kurt from Benton was very interested in going solar but had a negative experience with a solar company. He said staffers misled him about net billing rates and total costs in Arkansas.
"As a result, we're paying more now because our electric bill is still 60% of what it was and we have a credit balance," Curt said.
However, with a reliable company and good equipment, solar energy makes a lot of sense for Arkansas homeowners. Solar power can also help with energy independence if you buy solar panels, although they can be expensive. Sometimes the solar panels are almost as big as the panels.
The Sure Advantages and Disadvantages of Solar Energy
Cost factors for going solar in Arkansas
How much you pay for solar panels depends on a number of factors, including the size of your system, permit fees, and the quality of your solar panels and equipment.
Costs of solar systems
The cost of solar panels varies based on the efficiency of the solar panels and the size and weight of your panels. In Arkansas, you'll pay about $2.54 per watt of solar panels. Here are some average costs you can expect for other devices:
» COMPARISON: The most efficient solar modules
The size of your system
Not surprisingly, smaller systems tend to be cheaper. You can easily determine which system you need. First, determine how much electricity you used last year in kilowatt-hours (kWh). You can find this information in the account panel of your electricity bill.
Then divide your annual kWh by 1200 to determine the size of system you need. For example, a typical household in Arkansas uses 13,176 kWh per year. Using this formula, the average household would need an 11 kW system.
“WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE? KW vs kW
The condition of your roof
High-quality solar panels will last 25-30 years, so your roof should last a long time too. Otherwise, you will have to pay to remove the panels, repair the roof and reinstall it. This is a complicated and expensive process. To avoid this, have your roof inspected and repaired before installing a solar system.
» YOU: Should you replace your roof before going solar?
Other factors in the cost of solar energy
There are some additional costs to be aware of:
- Installation: Solar installation can be included in your total solar offer. So be sure to request a detailed quote to compare installation costs between companies.
- Maintenance: Solar panels require minimal maintenance, but additional charges may apply for possible component repairs or replacements and regular cleaning.
- Permits: Most cities in Arkansas require a permit to install a solar energy system, which can add hundreds of dollars to the total cost of your system.
» TIP: Get the best solar deals
Solar Incentives, Tax Credits and Deductions in Arkansas
The federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC) is the biggest factor in reducing the cost of going solar in Arkansas. If you install a residential solar system by the end of 2032, you will receive a federal tax credit of 30% of the total cost of the system, including equipment, labor and permits. The credit decreases to 26% in 2033 and to 22% in 2034.
Many states offer tax credits, credit programs, and incentives to encourage residents to go solar. Arkansas is not one of them. There are no national financial incentives for homeowners to install solar panels.
» Explore: Solar Incentives in Arkansas
Compare solar panel installation companies in Arkansas
Compare the top solar companies in Arkansas below. For more information, see our guide to finding the best solar companies.
General questions
Can I get free solar panels in Arkansas?
How are solar costs changing in Arkansas?
According to the Solar Energy Industry Association, the cost of going solar in Arkansas has dropped 42% over the past 10 years.
How to pay for solar panels?
You can prepay for solar panels, but most people finance solar panels. Solar loans work like other types of loans: there's an application and approval process, and you pay them back over time (with interest). When reviewing a solar loan, lease or sales agreement, always ask:
- Have a deposit?
- How much do I pay per month?
- Will monthly payments increase and by how much?
- Will you foreclose on my house?
» SOLAR PANELS: Renting vs. Leasing
How much can I save with solar panels?
If you pay cash, the average 25-year solar savings in Arkansas would be $15,567. There is a common misconception that solar panels will always eliminate your monthly electricity bill, but this is not always the case.
On the plus side, people who still have bills after going solar typically pay significantly less than before. According to EnergySage, Arkansas residents with solar panels can save 74% to 101% on their electric bills.
» Explore: Places to maximize solar energy savings
How does net metering work in Arkansas?
If your home solar system produces excess energy, you can sell it to your local electric company, a process called net metering.
In Arkansas, homeowners receive a credit on their electric bill for any additional energy they produce. Unused credits will be transferred to the next month's account. If these credits are not used within two years, the power company must issue a check for the accumulated amount.
Can hail damage my solar panels?
It is the main thing
Going sunny in Arkansas is slightly more expensive than other states. However, if you take advantage of ITC and net accounting, you can save a lot of change. Over 25 years, solar panel users saved an average of $15,567.
» INSTRUCTIONS: Installation of solar panels
The Cost of Solar Energy: Arkansas and Nearby States
| Initial costs* | ITC value (30%) | Average price per watt | Typical system size | Payment term ** | Estimated net savings | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arkansas | $27,940 | 8382 dollars | 2.54 USD | 11 kW | 13 years old | $15,567 |
| Missouri | $27,195 | 8158 dollars | 2.59 USD | 10.5 kW | 13 years old | $18,292 |
| Kansas | $23,310 | 6993 dollars | 2.59 USD | 9 kW | 11 years old | $21,455 |
| Oklahoma | $28,820 | 8646 dollars | 2.62 USD | 11 kW | 14 years old | $14,190 |
| TEXAS | 30,934 dollars | 9280 dollars | 2.69 USD | 8.5 kW | 13 years old | 21350 dollars |
| Louisiana | $32,126 | 9638 dollars | 2.57 USD | 12.5 kW | 14 years old | 13646 dollars |
| Mississippi | 30,360 dollars | 9108 dollars | 2.64 USD | 11.5 kW | 13 years old | $20,147 |
| Tennessee | 29880 dollars | 8964 dollars | 2.49 USD | 12 kW | 13 years old | 19688 dollars |
*Before Federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC); ** Fully paid
Article source
ConsumerAffair authors base their work largely on government data, industry experts, and original research from other leading publications. Specific sources for this article include:
- EcoWatch, "How much do solar panels cost in Arkansas?" Retrieved November 15, 2023.
- Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, "Homeowner's Guide to the Federal Tax Credit for Solar Photovoltaic Systems." Retrieved November 15, 2023.
- Solar Energy Industry Association, Arkansas Solar. Retrieved November 15, 2023.
- DSIRE, "Arkansas Solar Program." Retrieved November 15, 2023.
- EnergySage, "Arkansas Solar Panels: Local Prices and Installation Information." Retrieved November 15, 2023.
July 2022 Solar Energy Production (Arkansas)
