Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
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Written By David Cusick
Last Updated June 2024
Solar energy is becoming increasingly popular for Van Buren homeowners. A solar panel array can help you provide a dependable source of power, decrease your carbon footprint, and add value to your property. Solar power can cut your energy costs and lower your carbon footprint. However, it's important to hire a trustworthy solar installer. Luckily, we’ve analyzed local solar providers and created a guide to the best solar companies in Van Buren. These trusted providers are smart choices homeowners can depend on.
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Free quotes
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Free quotes
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Free quotes
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Free quotes
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Free quotes
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 cut utility bills while benefiting the planet by reducing your carbon footprint using clean energy. If you’re determining whether to go solar, consider these key factors for choosing an installer.
Confirm that your solar installer is properly licensed. This ensures that the work is done correctly using the most up-to-date installation methods. 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.
Check review sites like Google Reviews, TrustPilot, and the Better Business Bureau (BBB) to see customer feedback about local solar companies. Detailed reviews can help you assess a company's dependability and customer service. Use caution with companies that have barely any reviews or mostly negative ones.
Get free, detailed quotes from 3–5 solar companies. A quote should describe all costs and identify the exact solar parts included. Comparing several quotes can help you find the most cost-effective option.
Top-notch solar installations should have strong workmanship and performance guarantees. A workmanship guarantee covers installation defects, such as poor wiring, poor alignment, or cracks in the panels. A performance warranty ensures a minimum energy output. Comprehensive warranties show that a solar company believes 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.
The cost of solar panels varies based on system capacity and the technology used. The average solar system in Van Buren has a capacity of 8.5 kilowatts. Homeowners in the area should expect to pay approximately $3,490 per kilowatt; the average Van Buren homeowners spends about $20,777 on a new solar system after accounting for federal tax breaks. (Some homeowners prefer to lease solar panels to reduce their upfront costs.) A personalized quote from a local solar provider will account for things like the panel type, capacity, and size of the planned system, and should include prices for preliminary work, permit fees, and labor.
Generally speaking, a solar photovoltaic (PV) array can be used to power any household system or appliance that uses electricity. In the simplest case, you can use a solar water heater.
With home solar PV, you can save money on your energy bill, lower your property's emissions, and be better prepared if there's an outage to the local grid.
Yes, you can use home solar energy alongside conventional power sources. In many areas, solar panels are designed to supplement your existing energy sources, meaning that you can reap the savings and environmental benefits of solar energy without having to completely switch over.
You might be pleasantly surprised at how short it takes to get a return on investment from your solar panels. The sun shines frequently in Van Buren, meaning your payback period could last 15.1 years per 5 kW of capacity on the high end.
Although solar energy is an ideal option for many, it might not be ideal for homeowners in wet, dark areas. In these cases, a contractor might recommend other forms of renewable energy, such as wind or geothermal power, as a primary source. It is also important to speak to a qualified installer to determine if their solar system is compatible with the climate and environment of your area. Even if you choose a different form of renewable energy altogether, you'll still help the environment and could still qualify for distributed generation or other money-saving programs.
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 consult with your accountant or insurance agent for information specific to your case.
