Josephine NesbitContributing Writer
Josephine Nesbit is a contributing writer for USA TODAY Homefront. She specializes in home impr...
Updated Apr. 22, 2024
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Homefront Local uses a unique algorithm to score solar companies based on important factors like user reviews and how popular they are in your area.
To get a high-quality solar panel installation in Van Buren, Arkansas, you'll need to hire a properly certified, skilled and experienced solar installer. We've compiled a list of the best solar companies in Van Buren to help you select the right one.
Prior to hiring an installer, ask others for recommendations, evaluate potential installers and obtain multiple quotes to determine the ideal company for you. You can go with a local Van Buren solar company or use a well-known national brand.
Although solar panels call for a big upfront investment, you can lower your energy bills over the long run. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), changing to solar energy enables Van Buren homeowners to save $1,400 on average each year.
Solar companies do not all provide the same services and products. You should look at different companies and ask for quotes before booking your solar panel installation.
Look for Van Buren solar companies with at least 3.5 out of 5 stars on Google Reviews and comparable customer review platforms. The company should also have a high rating on Better Business Bureau (BBB).
Looking at previous customer testimonials can provide insight into other homeowners' experiences working with the solar company. Frequent poor reviews are worth noting as a possible warning sign.
Even areas with fluctuating sun amounts, including rainier and overcast places such as Van Buren, can still see the benefits of solar panels. Key reasons to switch to solar include these:
According to our survey carried out in October 2023, the typical national cost of solar panel installation is $11,743.
The cost of solar panel installation is impacted by your sunlight availability, area, labor costs, roof orientation, shading and system size. Opting for extras such as animal guards, solar trackers or batteries will increase the overall cost.
In Van Buren, solar panel installation costs approximately $20,777, per data from the EIA, NASA and the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
While installing solar panels requires a large investment to start, you can achieve significant savings on your energy bills down the line.
In Van Buren, you can plan to save money after switching fully to solar. However, it takes time to recoup the initial investment, and factors such as rain and tree coverage affect how long it takes to see a return on your solar investment.
Switching to solar not only saves money but also decreases your carbon emissions and environmental footprint. Our calculations using NASA and EPA data show the projected CO2 emission reductions achievable by going solar.
Experts Ready to Help
Homeowners in Van Buren can enjoy several solar incentives. Certain are available across the state for all Arkansas residents, and others differ by your utility company, municipality and city.
Here are solar incentives available to Arkansas residents, according to DSIRE.
Name / Incentive Type | Incentive Amount/Details |
---|---|
Personal Tax Credit Federal Residential Renewable Energy Tax Credit | 30% federal tax credit for systems placed in service after 12/31/2021 and before 01/01/2033. Good for: solar water heat, solar photovoltaics, biomass, geothermal heat pumps, wind (small), fuel cells using renewable fuels. |
When selecting a solar installation expert, first review these important questions.
Your household's energy use and the solar system's production ratio determine the appropriate panel system size for you. Bigger residences tend to use more power and will potentially need more extensive solar setups. An undersized system risks inadequate energy generation to fully power your home.
Your solar plans may be impacted by certain regulatory requirements and state or local regulations. You must acquire proper permits through your local building department and arrange for an inspection.
Not all residences get equal amounts of sunlight. The tree density, precipitation levels and harsh weather can impact solar reception. If your home doesn't get sufficient sun, it may require additional panels with higher wattage.
To conserve excess power, a lot of panel systems include a solar battery. This feature becomes critical during storms and helps to prevent power loss. However, opting for battery storage can result in higher overall installation expenses.
Multiple solar panel varieties are available, each differing in life expectancy, efficiency and design. These factors affect pricing, the rate of panel replacement and the amount of roof space you'll need.
The Homefront Local team employs a proprietary scoring algorithm that evaluates companies based on key factors you value, such as average customer review ratings and trustworthiness indicators. Our method for determining trust involves a comparative analysis of the number of reviews a company receives compared to its local competitors. This leads to companies that have earned more trust from your local community being awarded a higher score.
We review national and large regional solar providers against our full methodology. We score solar companies on reputation and customer reviews, service options, payment, financing and warranties.
Editorial note: The name “Homefront” refers to the alliance between USA TODAY and Home Solutions that publishes review, comparison, and informational articles designed to help USA TODAY readers make smarter purchasing and investment decisions about their home. Under the alliance, Homefront provides and publishes research and articles about home service and home improvement topics. Homefront has an affiliate disclosure policy. The opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the Homefront editorial staff alone (see About Homefront). Homefront adheres to strict editorial integrity standards. The information is believed to be accurate as of the publish date, but always check the provider’s website for the most current information. Go back to top
Our editors may use AI as an input tool to tailor information in local markets. All content goes through a rigorous research and review process led by our team of writers and editors.
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