Best 5 Solar Companies in Fort Smith, AR

How To Choose the Best Solar Company in Fort Smith

Choosing a company is the first step toward a well-oiled and cost-efficient solar energy system. Make your choice based on the following essential elements.

Licensing and Training

Solar installers in Arkansas must be licensed electricians to install PV systems or licensed plumbers to install water heating 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 certifications. Two of the most recognized are the PV Installation Professional and Solar Heating Installer certificates, granted 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 Fort Smith

Your solar modules' type will influence how much power you can produce. Monocrystalline panels are among the highest quality and perform the best but cost the most. Polycrystalline panels generate less, but they're a great traditional option for low budgets. Thin-film panels have a low cost and are excellent for non-traditional roofs, but aren't recommended for large home installations.

Additional accessories, such as electric vehicle (EV) chargers and battery storage, will increase your overall installation costs. However, they might make your solar system more efficient and convenient to use. Not all solar providers include these extras, so look for a company that installs them if it's essential for you.

You can expect to pay about $17,450 on average for a five-kilowatt solar energy system in Fort Smith. Use the table in this section to get an idea of what amount Fort Smith solar companies might quote for your specific solar system's price.

Financing Solar Energy in Fort Smith

Choosing the ideal financing option will influence your overall solar system cost and potential savings. Common payment options include cash payments, leases, power purchase agreements, and loans. We advise making a cash payment or using a solar loan for the highest return on investment (ROI). Cash payments require a hefty sum up-front, but you’ll pay the least long-term by avoiding interest. You’ll also own your system and can apply for solar panel incentives to cut your total costs. Solar loans are another good option if you don’t want to make a big initial investment. You can pay for your system in installments while still benefiting from energy bill savings and solar incentives. However, you’ll pay more in total due to accruing interest. Solar leases allow you to pay a monthly rate to rent your panels, while a power purchase agreement lets you pay a fluctuating rate based on only the energy you use. We generally advise against these options since you will not have ownership of your system and are disqualified from solar incentives, but they might be appropriate in certain circumstances. Look for companies that offer several payment plans to find the right fit for your budget.

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

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