Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
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Written By David Cusick
Last Updated June 2024
Year after year, more Fort Smith residents install rooftop solar panels to lower their carbon footprint and add value to their property. Transitioning to solar energy can lower your monthly energy expenses and decrease your carbon output. Before you begin the process, you want to make sure you find a qualified installer. Luckily, we’ve analyzed local solar providers and created a guide to the best solar companies in Fort Smith. These trusted providers are reliable options known for their quality services.
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Free quotes
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Free quotes
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Free quotes
Informative resources
Services Offered
Today's Homeowner looks at dozens of datapoints on solar companies to come up with our data-driven rankings. It's not possible for a company to pay for preferential treatment in our rankings. We look at the following key factors in determining who should top our list:
Adopting solar power lets homeowners lower utility bills while benefiting the planet by reducing your carbon footprint using clean energy. If you’re deciding whether to go solar, consider these key factors for choosing an installer.
Hiring a licensed solar installer is critical. This ensures that the work is done properly using current best installation practices. Solar contractors 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.
Check the Better Business Bureau (BBB), TrustPilot, Google Reviews, and other review sites to see what past customers have to say about local solar companies. Detailed reviews can help you assess a provider's trustworthiness and customer service. Be wary of companies with few or mainly poor reviews.
Call three to five solar companies for free, itemized quotes. These quotes should explain all costs and list the solar equipment included. Reviewing multiple quotes helps identify the most cost-effective option for your budget.
Quality solar installations should include strong workmanship and performance guarantees. A workmanship warranty covers any installation defects (such as poor wiring, cracks in the panels, or poor alignment), while a performance guarantee ensures a certain level of energy production. Strong warranties show that a company is confident in its work.
Going solar can help lower your energy expenses. Be sure to consider these aspects when determining the cost and value of solar panels.
In Fort Smith, solar panels cost an average of $3,490 per kilowatt, with an average system size of 8.4 kilowatts. The typical Fort Smith homeowner spends $20,596 on their solar array after federal tax refunds. An estimate from a local provider will consider additional information reflecting your desired system's size, panel type, capacity, and required preliminary work. In some cases, homeowners may prefer to lease solar panels to reduce upfront costs.
Generally speaking, a solar photovoltaic (PV) system can be used to power any household system or appliance that uses electricity. In the simplest case, you can use a solar water heater.
There are a number of benefits to home solar energy. You can qualify for tax benefits, save money, and raise your property values. With the right storage equipment, solar panels can also give you additional energy security and offer some protection from power outages.
It depends on your home's location and the kind of panels you plan to use. With the winter months in Arkansas being very mild, you have a wide time window to install your panels, though they won't reach peak performance until summer arrives.
Your installer can give you an estimate of what your energy bills will look like after you install solar panels. Generally, your energy bills will decrease significantly because you'll be using energy from the sun for free, instead of buying energy from the utility company. The average annual savings in Fort Smith amount to $1,385.
When it comes to taxes, the federal government offers a tax credit of up to 30% of the panels' cost. Depending on where you live, you could also claim or apply for state or property tax incentives. Regarding insurance, your monthly premium may be slightly higher because solar panels increase your property's value. You should speak with your accountant or insurance agent for information specific to your case.
Solar panels can be more efficient than other forms of renewable energy. They have inexpensive upkeep and today's systems can stand up to the worst conditions.
