December 14, 2017

Going Solar in Arkansas

Solar Energy
solar panels in Arkansas

Have you ever wondered whether going solar in Arkansas is a good idea? Here are some of the reasons why Arkansas is a great place for going solar. Northwest Arkansas is where Shine Solar got its start. Caleb Gorden, president and co-founder of Shine Solar saw the potential that solar had here and knew that the state was ready for this renewable energy source. “I think the biggest reason we chose northwestern Arkansas is, first, it’s where we’re from, we grew up here,” Gorden said.  “Second, specifically for solar, is because there wasn’t a lot of solar activity here yet. We felt we could be one of the first to market solar with our specific model and make solar available to the masses. There really wasn’t and there really still isn’t anyone else who can bring solar to the masses the way we are. ”For many years, Arkansas has been lagging behind as a state in taking advantage of renewable energy. In fact, until 2016 Arkansas came in last place out of all of the states in using solar. In 2016, Arkansas moved up to 47th place, and now in 2017, the Natural State is in 43rd.  

Solar panel systems are growing in Arkansas

The sun is shining on Arkansas

As of this year, in Arkansas there are 2,137 homes that are powered by solar and over 270 jobs in the industry. Solar is starting to spread in the state, this has encouraged debates in the local government about some of the incentives that homeowners with solar should receive. Arkansas is actually an ideal place for solar, where the state receives an average of 2,771 sunny hours a year. The sun is shining on Arkansas and it is time for homeowners to take advantage of this!

Financial Opportunities

In the last five years, solar prices in Arkansas have dropped by 55%! With the prices dropping there have been more financial opportunities for homeowners  to lease and own solar panels. There are more solar loans that are available for homeowners in the state so they can invest in solar energy. In fact, Shine Solar offers solar loans to customers with $0 down and you don’t have to start paying until after 12 - 18 months! With the prices dropping here in the state, solar is becoming more available to homeowners here.

Solar Benefits

A benefit that all homeowners who go solar receive right now is the 26% Federal tax credit. Through this Federal credit you can receive a tax credit that is equal to approximately 26% of your total solar investment. You can then put that extra money toward your solar loan to help pay that off sooner. Another benefit that solar owners here have is net metering. Solar owners send extra energy they produce back into the grid and receive a credit for the energy they send. Currently, solar owners are being given credit at a retail price of what energy they send back. This is the same as what they would pay for that same amount of energy. However, there is debate within the state government to change that. You can follow more of the debate here.

The benefits of solar panels in Arkansas

Shine Solar has installed solar onto 152 homes in Arkansas and more and more people are investing in solar, as well. Going solar here is a great idea if you are looking to take ownership of your energy and save money. If you have any more questions about going solar in the Natural State, then contact us here.

Is solar a good fit for your home?

Find out now!

If you are considering going solar, the first step is to get a solar savings report to determine if solar is right for you and your home. Click the button below to get your solar savings report now!

Get Your Solar Savings Report Now!
Nick Gorden

Nick Gorden is the Co-founder and CEO of Shine Solar. Nick’s energy, enthusiasm, and leadership is contagious and has contributed to attracting a talented and successful executive team. His time is focused on strategic growth, maintaining profitability and creating the optimal customer experience. Nick has started, managed and sold companies within the communications, mortgage lending, insurance and real estate industries resulting in tens of millions of dollars of market value to investors.

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