Cost of Solar Panels in Arkansas (2026)

How much do solar panels cost in Arkansas?

The average cost to install solar panels in Arkansas ranges from $11,900 to $23,800. 

This doesn’t include the cost of a solar storage battery, which can add $7,000 to $18,000 to your total system costs. A battery can help you rely less on the grid and is practically essential for an off-grid system.

The size of your solar panel system is another big factor in your overall solar costs. The average size of solar energy systems in Arkansas is 14.39 kW (kilowatts). Depending on your household energy usage, you might need a smaller or larger system.

Solar panel costs by system size in Arkansas

Are solar panels worth it in Arkansas?

We think solar panels are worth it in Arkansas. A solar power system is a good investment if you want to save money on future electric bills and reduce your carbon footprint.

It also makes sense for energy independence. For example, Joe in Mountain View installed solar panels on a cabin for the cost savings. “There's no electricity down there and this is the sole electrical source,” Joe said. “There's no telling what it would have cost me to get electricity there.”

Just be sure you understand the deal you’re getting. Curt in Benton was excited to go solar but had a negative experience with a solar company. He said reps misled him about Arkansas’ net metering rate and overall costs.

If your house is a good candidate for solar, it’s worth it if you like the idea of lower monthly utility bills and more energy independence. Over 25 years, homeowners with solar panels avoid $44,741 in utility costs on average. If you also have an electric vehicle, solar panels will save you even more.

» STILL NOT SURE? Solar energy pros and cons

Solar panel installation cost factors in Arkansas

The equipment — solar panels, inverters, mounting hardware and other electrical accessories — is typically the largest portion of your overall total costs (approximately 25% to 50%). Labor, which includes planning, preparing and connecting your system to the grid, accounts for 10% to 30%. Local permits and fees are a small part of your overall costs.

Solar panels

The cost of solar panels varies based on the solar panel efficiency and the size and weight of your panels. In Arkansas, you can expect to pay around $2.85 per watt for solar panels. Here are some average costs you can expect for other equipment:

• Storage batteries: $7,000 to $18,000
• Inverters: $1,000 to $3,000
• Monitoring system: $80 to $400

Condition of your roof

Quality solar panels should last 25 to 30 years, and your roof needs to last just as long. If you want to ensure a seamless and cost-effective solar journey, your roof must match the system's longevity. Get your roof inspected, fixed or replaced before you go solar.

ConsumerAffairs often hears from disgruntled solar customers who felt blindsided by expensive roof repairs needed after their solar panel installation was complete. This is a frustrating and expensive process you should avoid if you can.

Labor costs

Solar equipment costs are going down, but labor costs are higher than ever in some areas. Installing solar panels yourself might initially seem cheaper because you'll save on labor costs. However, it's crucial to consider several factors for safety before going the do-it-yourself route. If not installed correctly, solar panels pose safety risks, causing roof leaks and other problems.

Solar incentives in Arkansas

The 30% federal residential solar tax expired at the end of 2025, and there are relatively few statewide solar incentives in Arkansas. However, net metering is still available.

Net metering lets you earn credits for extra solar power sent to the grid.

Most new Arkansas solar customers receive credits at a lower, utility-set rate rather than the full retail electricity rate. That means you generally save more by using your solar power at home.

Some customers who qualified under older rules can still receive full kilowatt-hour credits through 2040.

How can I pay for solar panels in Arkansas?

Financing and leasing makes the upfront costs of solar more manageable.

• Solar loans work like any other type of home improvement loan. There’s an application and approval process. You pay it back over time (with interest) each month.

• Leasing solar panels lets you set up a system without the high upfront costs. Monthly payments usually range $150 to $250. Agreements last 20 to 25 years.

» SOLAR PANELS: Lease vs. buy

How to save money on solar panels in Arkansas

There’s no way around it: Solar panel installations are expensive. Here are some tips to maximize your savings on solar panels in Arkansas:

• Compare quotes: Get quotes from at least three or four different solar companies.
• Lower your electrical load: For example, replacing an old refrigerator with a more eco-friendly one reduces your electric load, which also helps lower your utility bill. If you use less electricity, you need fewer solar panels, making the whole system cheaper.

» MORE: Why are solar panels so expensive?

Compare solar installation companies in Arkansas

We compared ratings and reviews, equipment options, warranties, availability and other factors to pick the top solar companies in Arkansas.

FAQ

Bottom line

The ConsumerAffairs Research Team has conducted extensive research to compare the costs of going solar in Arkansas and other states. Even though Arkansas isn’t the best state for solar, it still ends up being worth it for a lot of residents.

Solar costs vs. savings: Arkansas and nearby states