Best 5 Solar Companies in Conway, AR

How To Choose the Best Solar Company in Conway

Choosing a company is the first step toward a well-oiled and cost-efficient solar array. Here are some key items to keep in mind while searching for a solar company.

Licensing and Training

Solar contractors in Arkansas must be licensed plumbers to install water heating systems or licensed electricians to install PV systems. Depending on their specific licensure, your contractor will have at least 4-5 years of experience and verify their educational credentials with the state Contractors Licensing Board. You should also visit a company's website to learn about its private accreditations. Two of the most prestigious are the Solar Heating Installer and PV Installation Professional certificates, awarded by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP). Some companies don't publish this information online, so you should also ask your estimator about them.

Cost of Solar Panels in Conway

Different solar panel types look and perform differently. Monocrystalline panels cost more than other options, but they generate the most power and generally have the highest quality. Polycrystalline panels produce less power, but start at a more budget-friendly price point. Thin-film panels work well for small projects like RVs and sheds, but they're not ideal for larger installations due to their low performance.

If you'd like to charge an electric car or use your solar power in cloudy weather, you can pay extra for accessories. By selecting the right components, you can make your panel array more effective and user-friendly. Not all solar companies include these optional components, so look for a contractor that installs them if it's a priority for you.

Generally speaking, it will cost about $17,450 for a five-kilowatt solar array in Conway. This table lists more specific prices for different solar panel types and system components in your area.

Financing Solar Energy in Conway

There are various ways to pay for a solar energy system, and the right one will reduce your expenses. A few of the most common options include cash payments, loans, leases, and power purchase agreements (PPAs). Though it involves a large up-front payment, cash is the most economical choice because it qualifies you for solar incentives and doesn't accrue interest. Solar loans are the runner-up option. As with a home or auto loan, you'll pay a monthly rate towards system ownership, including interest. You can still apply for valuable solar incentives, and depending on your lender, you could put as little as $0 down. Solar leases involve paying a set monthly rate to use rooftop panels. A PPA (Power Purchase Agreement) allows you to pay a monthly rate determined by the energy you use, like an electric bill. We usually don’t recommend these two choices because you won't own the system and cannot use solar incentives. Ask each business you're evaluating about the payment options it offers. A staff member can help you determine the best option for your budget.

The table below lists the average payback periods for different capacities of solar systems in Conway.

The IRS allows you to claim a 26% federal tax credit for solar panels on total system costs, so long as you purchase it before 2032. Municipal authorities and utilities might also offer their own incentives, rebates, and financing programs that could save you more money.