Best 5 Solar Companies in North Little Rock, AR

How To Choose the Best Solar Company in North Little Rock

The more informed your provider search is, the better your solar system will ultimately function. Here are some important factors to keep in mind while shopping 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. Solar installers can also obtain accreditations from trade groups and standards organizations. The most respected ones in the industry come from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners. Most company websites will prominently display earned credentials, but you should also ask your estimator for more information.

Cost of Solar Panels in North Little Rock

The kind of solar panels you select dictates how much electricity you can produce. Monocrystalline panels and high-quality and cost more but give you the best performance. Polycrystalline panels work with a tried-and-true mechanism and cost less, but produce less power. Thin-film panels aren't the best for large residential installations, but they are excellent accessories for non-traditional roofs.

You can also add battery backups and electric vehicle (EV) chargers. These will increase your total installation cost, but they can improve your solar system's efficiency. Not every solar company provides these additional features, so look for a contractor that sells them if it's essential for you.

A majority of North Little Rock homeowners choose solar systems designed for five kilowatts (kW) of electrical capacity. These systems run about $17,450 to set up, considering both materials and labor. You can see more specific solar cost information in the table.

Financing Solar Energy in North Little Rock

There are various ways to pay for a solar energy system, and the right one will minimize your overhead. A few of the most common options include leases, power purchase agreements (PPAs), cash payments, and loans. We advise paying with cash or securing a solar loan for the best 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 reduce your total costs. Solar loans are another solid option if you don’t want to make a big initial investment. You can pay for your system in monthly installments while still enjoying energy bill savings and solar incentives. However, you’ll spend more in total due to accruing interest. Solar leases involve paying a set monthly rate to use rooftop panels. A PPA (Power Purchase Agreement) permits you to pay a monthly rate determined by the energy you use, akin to an electric bill. We usually don’t recommend these two choices because you won't own the panels and are disqualified from using solar incentives. Ask each provider you're evaluating about the financing options it offers. A staff member can help you determine the most suitable option for your pocketbook.

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

A 26% federal solar tax credit applies to new residential solar equipment purchased through 2032. Extra incentives may be available through local governments, usually in the form of rebates and special financing programs.