Arkansas isn’t leading the nation in solar energy, but it’s got serious potential to climb the ranks. Thanks to supportive policies, including a favorable net-metering program and solar tax exemptions, local homeowners can save big on their energy bills. If you’re thinking about going solar in the Natural State, we’ve got you covered with a curated list of the best solar companies in Arkansas. We’ve analyzed local providers based on reputation, warranty, services offered, and customer service so you can make a fully informed decision.
Arkansas’s Top Solar Energy Companies
Our team spent 60 hours researching the best companies in Arkansas. Here are our picks for solar installers in Arkansas.
- Shine Solar: Best Local Installer
- Blue Raven Solar: Most Reputable
Compare Solar Installers in AR
| Company | Star Rating | BBB Rating | Warranties |
|---|---|---|---|
A+ | |||
A+ | 25-year panels, 10-year workmanship |
Our Top Picks for Solar Energy in Arkansas
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Extensive 30-year performance warranty
- Home energy efficiency upgrades
- Rooftop panel and solar shingle options
Cons
- Less solar industry experience than other reviewed installers
- No NABCEP certification
- Only two financing options
Why We Chose Shine Solar
Shine Solar is an excellent option for residents looking for long-term warranties and regionally focused servicing. The company has rooftop panels and solar shingles, offering homeowners more solar project options. Shine Solar also provides home energy efficiency upgrades and free lifetime system monitoring.
Shine Solar backs each installation with a 25-year product and 12-year workmanship warranty. You’ll also receive a 30-year performance warranty, one of the longest protections in this review. The company has a buyback guarantee, offering 50% off panel costs when you upgrade your solar arrays.
Warranty and Financing
Warranty
Shine Solar offers a 25-year product warranty, a 12-year workmanship warranty, and a 30-year performance warranty. Additional protections include a five-year roof replacement guarantee and a panel buyback guarantee.
Financing Options
✔ Full purchase
✔ Loan
Reputation and Awards
Shine Solar has an A+ rating from the BBB and is accredited by the organization. While analyzing customer reviews, we learned that homeowners appreciated the timely installation process and knowledgeable staff but had issues with the company’s third-party lender options.
Learn more: Shine Solar review
Blue Raven Solar
Blue Raven maintains one of the best reputations in the solar industry, such as recognition for its excellent workplace culture and company success.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- 18 months of free solar energy for new customers
- In-house financing options, eliminating third-party lenders
- One of the most reputable solar companies
Cons
- Limited two-year power guarantee
- Only two payment options
- Workmanship warranty lasts only 10 years
Why We Chose Blue Raven Solar
Blue Raven Solar has earned a reputation for trustworthiness from its solar industry peers and corporate staff. The company offers in-house financing options with five years of fixed rates, making going solar more affordable. Blue Raven offers full-service system design and installation from its in-house staff. The company builds custom solar systems with products from leading solar brands, such as Silfab and Q Cells.
Blue Raven Solar is ideal for customers looking for the best financing options. Its BluePower Plus+ financing program requires little to no money down and fixed interest rates. Unlike many other companies, it doesn’t use third-party lenders, making the financing process easier and more straightforward.
Warranty and Financing
Warranty
A Blue Raven system has a 25-year product warranty, a 10-year workmanship warranty, and a two-year production guarantee.
Financing Options
✔ Full purchase
✔ Loan
Reputation and Awards
Blue Raven Solar has received numerous awards from Comparably, an organization that evaluates companies’ culture and reputation. Recognitions included Best Operations Team 2022, Best Places to Work in Salt Lake City 2022, and Best Company Outlook 2022. In 2021, Blue Raven Solar placed No. 20 on Glassdoor’s Best Place to Work in the USA.
The company holds BBB accreditation and an A+ rating*. We noted that customers praised the courteous customer service staff and knowledgeable installers but warned of pushy sales tactics from door-to-door salespersons.
Note: In July 2024, SunPower notified dealers it would be halting all new shipments and project installations. The company also noted it would “no longer be supporting new Leases and PPA sales nor new project installations of these financing options.
What Are the Available Solar Incentives in Arkansas?
In Arkansas, statewide solar incentives are limited, but you still have a few options to reduce your solar installation costs. The following solar tax exemptions and rebates are available in Arkansas:
- Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC): This credit offers a federal tax credit worth 30% of your solar energy system’s total cost, which can be applied directly to your federal tax liability. This incentive covers expenses for rooftop solar panels, solar shingles, and standalone battery storage systems, making it a valuable option for reducing upfront costs.
- Net-metering: Arkansas has one of the more favorable net-metering policies in the country, allowing homeowners to earn credits at the full retail rate for any excess electricity their solar panels generate. These credits can be applied to future bills, maximizing savings throughout the year. Unlike many states that offer only wholesale rates for excess energy, Arkansas allows homeowners to offset energy costs more effectively. Entergy Arkansas and OG&E are two examples of local net-metering programs.
- Local rebates and incentives: In addition to state-level incentives, many energy companies and some city governments in Arkansas offer rebates and incentives to make solar more affordable. For example, SWEPCO and Entergy provide rebates that help reduce installation costs, while other utilities offer low-interest financing options and performance-based incentives. Checking the Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency (DSIRE) can help you find the most up-to-date local programs available.
What Should You Look For in a Solar Company?
When shopping for a solar provider, it’s essential to compare each company’s services, warranties, and financing options. We’ve compiled a list of key considerations for your search.
Solar Services
Solar companies complete installations with an in-house team or third-party contractors. Third-party installers sometimes lead to communication difficulties since multiple points of contact are involved. We recommend finding companies with in-house teams to streamline the communication process.
Consider using companies with solar services such as system monitoring and dedicated web portals and apps. These tools offer insight into your system’s performance and home energy use. Additional services include free or at-cost home energy audits. Companies conduct these audits to identify and remedy any household energy leaks before system installation.
Warranties and Power Production Guarantees
Most solar companies include at least two types of warranty coverage: manufacturer’s (or product) and workmanship. Product warranties cover any system component manufacturing defects and last 10–25 years. Workmanship coverage protects against poor or faulty installations. The industry standard coverage is 10 years, but some companies offer up to 25 years.
These warranties may be offered on individual solar components or as a comprehensive warranty depending on the solar installers. We recommend choosing companies that offer at least two decades of coverage since solar panels last an average of 25 years or longer.
Some companies also include power production guarantees that outline your estimated panel performance throughout its lifetime. The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) found that panels degrade by 0.5% in efficiency per year. In our research, we discovered that cheaper solar panels have 10–15-year guarantees versus top-rated residential solar panels that have 25 years of protection.
Payment Options
Most installers offer two or more solar financing options, providing homeowners with options to suit their budgets. Up-front cash payments and solar loans offer the best benefits and return on investment (ROI). These payments make you the legal solar energy system owner, qualifying you for federal and state solar incentives.
Additional payment options, such as solar leases and power purchasing agreements (PPAs), keep solar system ownership with the solar installer. You won’t qualify for solar incentives or any other local solar programs. We recommend choosing a cash payment or solar loan to maximize your savings.
Customer Support
Leading solar companies should offer multiple forms of communication with their customer support team, such as phone and email options. Some companies also have online chat features. We received mixed results when testing some online chat features: Some chat agents offered unique information not found on the website, while other inquiries led to automated messages encouraging us to connect with a live representative.
When checking online customer reviews, look for mentions of poor customer service, no responses from customer support, or unfriendly company reps. Although inconsistent customer service is a noted issue in many service industries, solar companies with long-running customer support issues should be avoided.
How To Get a Solar Quote in Arkansas
Shopping for a solar company requires getting at least three quotes. You’ll want to review each one for costs, estimated savings, and equipment details. Once you narrow down your options, your chosen company will conduct an inspection to finalize your system details and cost and an installation date. We provide a step-by-step guide below on what to expect through the quote process.
1. Contact the Solar Company
Call the company directly or fill out its online quote request form. During the initial contact, you’ll typically provide your home address and energy usage. Once you schedule an appointment, you’ll meet with a sales representative at your home or through a phone or virtual call to assess your home’s solar needs in detail.
2. Review Your Energy Usage
The sales representative will assess your energy usage to determine the best system for your home. Our survey found that 80% of companies ask for at least three months of recent energy bills to assess seasonal fluctuations. They may request more to understand your overall usage throughout the year.
3. Assess Your Roof Design and Space
The company will inspect your roof’s condition, available space, and shading issues. It may use satellite imagery to assess your property virtually. This step helps determine how many solar panels you need, their size, and their placement.
4. Build Your Solar Quote
The finalized quote details your recommended system design, outlining the types of solar panels used, pricing, and additional warranty and financing options. Compare quotes between companies to assess equipment value, including extra equipment like solar batteries. Our survey found varying pricing between companies for the same components and installation services. Your quote will also detail your projected system savings, payback period, and available incentives and rebates.
Our Conclusion
We recommend Blue Raven Solar as the best solar installer in Arkansas. The company offers highly efficient solar panels and years of experience.
We recommend requesting free quotes from at least three solar installers and comparing their product catalog, warranty coverage, services, and financing options.
Other Arkansas Home Service Resources
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FAQs About Solar Companies in Arkansas
Can I install my own solar panels in Arkansas?
Yes, you can install your own solar panels in Arkansas. However, do-it-yourself (DIY) solar installation requires advanced knowledge of solar technology and electrical work. Most casual DIYers don’t have the experience to perform their own installation. Whether DIY solar is worthwhile will depend on your experience. We recommend hiring a professional solar power company for solar projects.
Do solar panels increase property value in Arkansas?
Yes, adding solar panels increases your property value in Arkansas. While you do benefit from the added home value, you will pay increased property tax for increased property value as Arkansas does not provide an exemption.
Does Arkansas offer a solar tax credit?
Arkansas residents are eligible for the federal solar credit that provides a 30% federal credit for solar installation costs. Unfortunately, Arkansas does not provide a state solar tax credit.
What is the average cost of solar panels in Arkansas?
According to EcoWatch, Arkansas homeowners pay $2.54 per watt on average for a solar power system. This rate is lower than the national average of $2.66. When we calculate for an average 5-kilowatt-hour (kWh) system, you will spend around $12,700. With the federal tax credit, your cost would drop to $8,890.
Our Rating Methodology
We are committed to providing comprehensive and unbiased reviews to our readers. After over a thousand hours of research on solar companies, interviews with experts, and common customer needs, we’ve created a detailed rating system for solar providers based on six factors:
- Solar equipment, installation, and services (25%)
- Warranty and performance guarantees (25%)
- Brand reputation and certifications (15%)
- Financing options (15%)
- Experience (10%)
- Availability (10%)
Total scores are divided by 20 for a final 5-point rating scale.