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Best Solar Companies in Arkansas

We compared 59 brands and chose the top solar energy companies

    • Green Home Systems
      2.9(53)
    • ShopSolar
      4.7(157)

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      Best Solar Companies in Arkansas

      If you've been thinking about going solar in Arkansas but aren’t sure where to start, we’re here to help you compare your options and get the best deal.

      Our top solar company picks

      To select top picks for this guide, we compared popular solar companies on ratings and reviews, equipment options, warranties, availability and other factors. Our picks may be Authorized Partners that compensate us — this does not affect our evaluations but may impact the order in which companies appear. Read our full methodology for all the details.

      Why trust ConsumerAffairs?
      • Our recommendations are based on what reviewers say.
      • 4,534,189 reviews on ConsumerAffairs are verified.
      • We require contact information to ensure our reviewers are real.
      • We use intelligent software that helps us maintain the integrity of reviews.
      • Our moderators read all reviews to verify quality and helpfulness.

      Compare our top solar companies

      Find a Solar Energy partner near you.

      The best solar companies reviewed

      Our top pick

      Green Home Systems

      2.9
      53 reviews
      Max. panel efficiency
      20%
      Workmanship warranty
      25 years
      Year founded
      2017

      Green Home Systems reps are knowledgeable and are known to do a good job communicating throughout the installation process. Happy customers say they are pleased with their system’s performance and like seeing savings on energy bills.

      “I went solar to save me money in the future and I'm happy with Green Home Systems. They had a crew from Arkansas and one guy knew exactly what he was doing and explained to me all he was doing. They were in and out fairly quick. It took them two days to do everything. And I got his card. He said to contact him or the company if I have any problems and they'd get ahold of him. Green Home Systems produce what they said they would produce and they're there. Also, the system looks good in the house. I'm well pleased with them.” — Donald in Gassville

      Customers in other states sometimes tell us about installation delays, which can happen with almost any solar company. A few also mentioned issues related to not getting promised incentives or rebates, so confirm your eligibility for any solar incentives before signing up.

      Green Home Systems offers a range of solar energy solutions, including PERC (passivated emitter rear cell) technology, which creates a higher energy conversion rate. Systems incorporate panels, inverters, batteries and additional equipment from brands we trust, such as Panasonic, Qcells and Enphase. All installations in Arkansas are performed by a state-licensed electrical contractor.

      Green Home Systems provides a 25-year warranty on solar panels and inverters. Batteries come with a 10-year warranty.

      • Cash: You can pay for your solar power system upfront, which gives you immediate ownership and potentially better long-term savings on electricity costs.
      • Loan: You can finance through a solar loan with an annual percentage rate (APR) starting as low as 0.99% (on approved credit).

      Pros

      • Lower monthly electrical cost
      • 25-year guarantee
      • Financing available
      • Energy storage options

      Cons

      • Some communication issues
      • Possible delays or rescheduling

      ShopSolar

      4.7
      157 reviews
      Buyer's Choice Award Winner
      Max. panel efficiency
      Varies
      Workmanship warranty
      Varies
      Year founded
      2018
      1x Award Winner
      Selected for having one of the highest satisfaction rates for Best Customer Service

      ShopSolar is a great option for buying solar equipment for do-it-yourself projects. You can find basically everything needed for an off-grid or hybrid setup. Overall, it has a nice selection of equipment, fast deliveries and good communication.

      “When I ordered from ShopSolarKits, their website was very simple and worked very good. I installed the equipment myself and it was easy. It's in a cabin that is rarely used and I put it there for cost savings. There's no electricity down there and this is the sole electrical source. There's no telling what it would have cost me to get electricity there.” — Joe in Mountain View

      You’ll get detailed instructions, but ShopSolar doesn’t provide professional installation services. Some might find this process difficult, especially those without solar or electrical experience.

      Rebekah in Havana said that installation “wasn't too terribly hard” after doing a little research. “As far as expense, it was pretty decent. I'd do it again and probably will and I've recommended them to several of my friends who asked me about them,” she told us.

      » DIY SOLAR PANELS: Pros, cons and installation guide

      The online retailer stocks brands like Panasonic, REC, Renogy, Canadian Solar and EcoFlow. Orders typically arrive within 10 business days.

      ShopSolar products

      • Custom solar kits 
      • New and used solar panels
      • Solar storage batteries
      • Inverters
      • Cabling, mounts and racks

      ShopSolar is an authorized distributor of all the brands it sells, so everything is covered by a manufacturer’s warranty. Reps can help you contact the equipment manufacturer if you run into a warranty issue.

      • Online payments: ShopSolar accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, PayPal, Apple Pay, Google Pay, Venmo, Shop Pay and Diners Club International.
      • Financing: ShopSolar partners with Affirm on financing. Customers can make payments every two weeks or once a month for up to 36 months. Rates range from 0% to 36% APR.

      Pros

      • Complete solar packages
      • Free shipping
      • Lifetime customer support
      • Price match guarantee
      • 30-day return policy

      Cons

      • Some shipping and delivery delays
      • Occasional issues with defective or damaged products

      Arkansas solar panel buyers guide

      As residential solar panel systems gain popularity, it’s hard to know which solution is best for your energy needs. Here’s what to expect and what to look out for.

      Key insights

      A typical residential solar panel system costs $9,345 to $26,700 in Arkansas.

      Jump to insight

      The federal investment tax credit (ITC) is usually the best incentive for homeowners buying solar panels in Arkansas.

      Jump to insight

      Watch out for door-to-door solar scams. Some solar reps might use pushy sales tactics, and you could end up with monthly bills higher than expected.

      Jump to insight

      What to look for in a solar company in Arkansas

      We’ve talked to thousands of solar customers across the country, including several in Arkansas. The best solar energy companies tend to have a few things in common: experience, licensing and certifications, detailed project quotes and warranties.

      Choosing a company with plenty of experience installing solar panels in Arkansas will make it easier to navigate local regulations, permits and available incentives. Here are a few more things to look for.

      • Check certifications: In Arkansas, solar installers need to have a commercial or residential contractor’s license and an electrical license is required for any electrical work. We also suggest hiring NABCEP-certified installers. The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners is considered the gold standard in solar certificates, so this shows you the company takes its business seriously.
      • Read reviews: Research the company's track record and read reviews. Look out for red flags: Complaints about misleading sales tactics, equipment failures, billing issues and lack of communication are common themes in negative solar company reviews.
      • Get quotes: Get multiple solar quotes to compare prices and services. Be cautious of companies that provide significantly lower estimates than others (this may indicate lower quality).
      • Ask questions: Consider whether you want a solar storage battery, electric vehicle (EV) charger or a monitoring system to ensure optimal output. It’s also smart to ask about critter guards in most parts of Arkansas.
      • Read the fine print: Carefully review proposals and financials, understand legal considerations and ask about maintenance before signing an agreement with any solar company. Make sure you understand everything about the payment terms, warranty and ongoing services.

      How much does it cost to go solar in Arkansas?

      Average solar panel costs in Arkansas typically range between $9,345 and $26,700. This doesn’t include the cost of a solar storage battery — which sometimes costs as much as the panels. Solar batteries are a must if you want real energy independence, especially if you want to go off-grid.

      The size of your solar panel system is a big factor in your total cost. Most installers set the price according to the system's wattage, with a typical cost between $2.50 and $5 per watt. The average cost per watt is $2.67 in Arkansas.

      Average solar installation cost by system size in Arkansas

      How can I pay for solar panel installation?

      There are a few ways to pay for a residential solar energy system in Arkansas. You have the option to pay the full cost upfront, but many people choose to finance their system through a solar loan. You can also lease solar equipment to minimize your initial cost. However, you won’t be eligible for the federal solar ITC if you don’t pay for or own the equipment.

      » SOLAR PANELS: Lease vs. buy

      Solar incentives in Arkansas

      Arkansas solar incentives are relatively limited. There are no state-level tax breaks, rebates or loan programs to encourage solar.

      Residents can still take advantage of the federal solar investment tax credit (ITC). The ITC reduces your federal tax liability by 30% of the cost of your solar energy system. For example, if you spend $10,000 installing a solar panel system, the ITC is worth $3,000. If you owe $15,000 in taxes, the ITC reduces what you owe to $12,000.

      The ITC drops to 26% in 2033 and then 22% in 2034.

      The ITC is a nonrefundable credit, meaning you can only claim up to the amount of taxes you owe. However, the credit rolls over to the next tax year if you don’t use the full amount. So, if you only owed $2,000 the year you went solar, you could claim the remaining $1,000 the next taxable year. 

      » GREENEST STATES: Arkansas ranked 39th in 2024

      Are solar panels worth it in Arkansas?

      For a lot of residents, solar panels are worth it in Arkansas for the savings on electric bills. Assuming an upfront purchase, it takes about 9.5 years to break even (when your savings with solar panels make up for the cost).

      On average, Arkansans with solar panels can avoid $67,139 in total utility costs over 25 years.

      High-quality solar panels last decades, which means that your roof should last just as long. You don’t want the expense of taking off your solar panels and then having them reinstalled to fix your roof. As a rule of thumb, if your roof is more than 10 years old, consider fixing it before going solar.

      As long as your house is a good candidate for solar, it’s at least worth considering. Use the National Renewable Energy Laboratory’s PVWatts Calculator to estimate how much electricity a solar panel can produce over a year on your house — just type in your address. Project Sunroof is a free solar savings estimator powered by Google Earth imagery.

      » STILL NOT SURE? Solar energy pros and cons

      FAQ

      How do I know if my house is a good candidate for solar?

      Plenty of unshaded roof space that faces south or west is best for optimal sun exposure. Arkansas averages 3.5 to 4 peak sun hours each day. However, if you have a lot of shading around your house, they might not get enough sun to power your home. It’s also smart to upgrade any old, inefficient appliances first.

      Can I get free solar panels in Arkansas?

      We are not aware of any legitimate programs for free solar panels in Arkansas. However, you can lease a solar energy system with little to no upfront costs. Just look out for scams that promise free solar panels — they can cost you quite a bit of money.

      » FREE SOLAR PANELS: Are they really free?

      What’s the difference between a solar broker and a solar installer?

      A solar broker is a middleman or intermediary who helps connect homeowners with solar installation companies. A solar installer specializes in designing, procuring and installing solar panels and related components.

      Ultimately, deciding between a broker and an installer comes down to how much you want to be involved. A broker is helpful if you value convenience. If you want more control and potentially lower costs, working directly with a solar installer is best.

      How does net metering work in Arkansas?

      Arkansas made changes to its net metering program in 2023. New net metering rules change utility companies’ rate structures and capacity limits. Now, you can’t roll credits over to use in another billing cycle; you can only use what you generate or sell the surplus back at a reduced rate. The new policy also lowers compensation rates for many. It’s best to check with your utility provider for the most accurate information on your local net metering rates.

      How does solar energy work?

      Solar photovoltaic (PV) technologies, more commonly known as solar panels, absorb sunlight and convert it into usable electricity. Systems contain solar panels, mounting equipment, wiring, one or more inverters and sometimes batteries.

      Methodology

      The ConsumerAffairs Research Team used a research-backed, data-driven approach, which was informed by our expert editors, to choose the best solar companies. For this guide, we objectively weighted several key features to get our final rankings:

      Reviews, ratings and testimonials: 40%

      We analyzed solar company reviews by verified solar customers to gauge real-world satisfaction. Companies with generally positive feedback on our site scored highest in this aspect. Those with the most 4- and 5-star reviews by verified Arkansas customers were given preference.

      Warranties: 20%

      A long warranty is important — it shows that a company stands behind its products and services. We compared companies on both equipment and craftsmanship warranty terms. All of our top picks for professional installation have warranties or production guarantees of at least 10 to 25 years.

      Equipment selection: 20%

      We evaluated each company’s selection of solar panels, storage batteries and inverters. Those with proprietary technology or a wide equipment selection from trusted brands ranked highest.

      Financing and payment options: 10%

      We gave preference to companies that offer multiple payment and financing options for transparent terms and conditions.

      Reputation and local experience: 10%

      We prefer to recommend those with a longer time in business and a solid track record of reliability in Arkansas. Solar is a booming industry, and there are some sketchy installers out there. Company history, current reputation, mission and values were also considered.

      Our goal is to highlight solar companies that are best equipped to meet most Tennesseans’ needs. The team regularly evaluates customer reviews, company information and industry trends to update our top picks:

      Not sure how to choose?

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        Guide sources

        ConsumerAffairs writers primarily rely on government data, industry experts and original research from other reputable publications to inform their work. Specific sources for this article include:

        1. DSIRE, "Arkansas Programs.” Accessed March 29, 2024.
        2. EnergySage, "The cost of solar panels in Arkansas.” Accessed March 29, 2024.
        3. Solar Energy Industries Association, "Arkansas Solar." Accessed March 29, 2024.
        4. SolarReviews, "How much do solar panels cost in Arkansas?" Accessed March 29, 2024.
        5. Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC), “Solar Licensing Database.” Accessed May 22, 2024.
        6. Office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy, “Homeowner’s Guide to the Federal Tax Credit for Solar Photovoltaics.” Accessed Aug. 27, 2024.
        7. University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture, “Net Metering Policies.” Accessed Aug. 27, 2024.

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