Is Solar Power Worth it in Arkansas?

by Rachel Zimmerman | May 3, 2022 | Residential

Switching to solar power brings plenty of benefits to homeowners, business owners, and the planet. If you’re considering moving away from your traditional utilities in favor of installing solar panels in Arkansas, you need to consider several factors to ensure it’s the right decision for your situation. The most common question people have about solar panels is whether it’s worth it to make the switch. The majority of the time the answer is “yes” and we’ve explained why it makes more sense than ever before to switch to solar right now.

Solar Panels Have Decreased In Price Recently

Solar panels in Arkansas used to be too expensive for the average homeowner. However, within the last decade or so, the cost of the materials and installation has decreased significantly to make them a reasonable option for a larger portion of the population. Financing is available, so it’s simple to convert a large single payment into multiple smaller payments over time.

Take Advantage Of The Federal Tax Credit

A major benefit of installing solar panels in Arkansas now is the 26% federal tax credit. This credit will decrease to 22% in 2023 and will expire at the beginning of 2024. When thinking about the overall costs when deciding whether solar power is right for you, this tax credit needs to be factored in. 

Net Metering Can Put Money Back In Your Pocket

Arkansas offers net metering for people with solar panels, so you could get a quicker return on investment as a result. When your solar panels produce more electricity than you need, the excess is sent to your utility provider to use. You will be compensated for the electricity you provide them in the form of a credit equal to the current electricity rate. It’s just another way solar panels in Arkansas can reduce your monthly energy bill.

Will You Earn Your Money Back On Your Solar Array?

Since your solar payment replaces your electricity bill, many customers start saving money in the first month. Over time, these savings add up and once your array is paid off, you are creating and using electricity for free! Ask your customer service representative about the estimated cost savings before installing your solar panels in Arkansas so you can get a better idea of your situation.

Keep The Lights On Without Burning Harmful Fossil Fuels

Aside from the cost benefits of switching to solar power, you’ll also be creating a better environment. Traditional electricity involves burning fossil fuels and releasing harmful emissions into the environment. As we become more conscious of our environment globally, you can play a small part in creating a cleaner planet by switching to solar power.

There has never been a better time to invest in solar panels in Arkansas, and Seal Solar is here to guide you along the way. The federal tax credit is set to decrease and ultimately expire in the next couple of years, so you can maximize your investment by making the switch now. It all starts with obtaining a free cost estimate, so contact us today to learn more and see if solar power is worth it to you.

When Will Battery Storage For Solar Power Become Affordable?

by Rachel Zimmerman | Apr 28, 2022 | Residential

Many people aren’t familiar with batteries until they start doing research on solar panels in Arkansas. While it’s not a requirement to have a battery integrated with your system, it provides several benefits for the right situation. The price of solar panels in Arkansas has decreased in recent years, so the price of batteries could as well. Here’s some valuable information you should know about battery storage for solar power.

What Exactly Does A Solar Battery Do?

Let’s start by discussing what a battery for your home does. When your solar panels produce more electricity than you’re using, any of the extra electricity can be stored in the battery for use later. So when it’s dark outside, when you’ve had a long stretch of cloudy days, or if you’re experiencing a power outage, your battery storage can help keep the lights on for a few more hours. It’s a great way to maximize your clean energy use without relying on the grid as much when the sun goes down.

What Is The Current Cost For Battery Storage?

It doesn’t take much research to figure out battery storage isn’t cheap. Prices can vary based on the models, storage capacity, and many other factors. However, the average cost you can expect to spend is between $8,000-$14,000. The good news is solar batteries qualify for the 26% federal tax credit, just like solar panels in Arkansas do. There’s no clear indication whether solar batteries will decrease in price or by how much, but trends indicate the price should slowly creep down in the coming years so they will become more affordable.

Factors That Contribute To The Cost Of Solar Batteries

So how can you tell exactly how much solar batteries will cost for your home or business? Speaking to your customer service agent with your solar installation company can provide some clarity, but some of the main factors include:

• The number of batteries you need
• The manufacturer
• The composition of the solar battery
• Whether a sub-panel is required
• Labor costs

You can save money on labor by having a solar battery installed at the same time as your solar panels. However, you can sort through the other factors by speaking with your customer service agent to determine exactly what you need so you don’t spend more money than what is required to power your home or business.

Are Solar Batteries Necessary?

It’s becoming more common for people to install batteries with their solar panels in Arkansas. But this doesn’t mean they are becoming more necessary. Every home, business, and situation is unique, so it’s important to explore all options to ensure you make the right decision. For example, if your area experiences power outages often, you might be a good candidate for a solar battery so you can ensure you’re not in the dark for long. Or if you simply want to be as environmentally-friendly as possible, then a solar battery is valuable since you won’t have to rely on the grid as much.

A reason why people opt to not install a solar battery is if they want to save money on their monthly utility bills. This is especially true in Arkansas where net metering is offered, so you can receive credits for any extra electricity your solar panels produce. Weigh the pros and cons of a solar battery to ensure the cost is worth it to you.

As you can see, multiple factors need to be considered to determine whether a solar battery is right for you. And if you’re not comfortable making a decision right away, then chances are solar batteries will become more affordable in the future as they become even more popular. 

Work with a solar expert like Seal Solar to ensure you have all bases covered when installing solar panels in Arkansas. We will help you with every aspect of the installation so contact us today to start the process.

How Long Does It Take For Solar Panels To Pay For Themselves?

by Rachel Zimmerman | Apr 26, 2022 | Residential

There are plenty of reasons why people make the switch to installing solar panels in Arkansas. The positive contribution to the environment is high on the list, but you have to also consider how it impacts your budget. 

How can such a large investment be worth the money? Many people want to know how long it will take for solar panels to pay for themselves via energy savings, and we’ve discussed some of the various factors to help you figure it out for your situation.

Consider How Much Electricity You Use Every Year

The first step in estimating the payback period is to figure out how much electricity you use every year. A customer service representative with a trustworthy solar panel installation company can then figure out exactly how many solar panels you will need to power your home the same way you’re used to. Be aware of any companies that guarantee a certain dollar amount in cost savings before doing these calculations, because they simply won’t be accurate without them.

Determine Price and How Much Electricity Your Solar Panels Will Generate

Your solar installation professional can help you understand how much electricity your solar panels will generate in any given year based on weather patterns, shading, roof pitch, and more. Once they determine these factors, they will build a system based on that information. Your solar array will be sized to produce the same amount of electricity your home uses now, and price is determined based on system size. 

Monitor Traditional Electricity Rates And Net Metering

Electricity rates consistently increase, which is something you won’t have to worry about when installing solar panels in Arkansas. By monitoring current and projected future electricity rates and comparing them with your energy consumption, you can see how much money you’re saving every month. When you take advantage of net metering by getting credits for excess energy production, your cost savings will stack up even more.

Seal Solar is here to help you make sense of everything related to solar in Arkansas. Don’t hesitate to contact us and our friendly team will be ready to assist in any way we can.

Why Did You Install Solar Panels On Your Home In Arkansas?

by Rachel Zimmerman | Apr 21, 2022 | Residential

Making the switch to solar energy is a huge decision and can be a little intimidating. However, when you consider the wide range of benefits and the fact that thousands of people across the country have made the switch with no regret, you can have some peace of mind installing solar panels in Arkansas. Traditional electricity costs are rising year over year, and solar power is one of the best forms of alternative energy you can invest in. Below are some of the most common reasons why homeowners and business owners have made the change and installed solar panels in Arkansas.

Long-Term Cost Savings

One of the largest benefits of solar panels in Arkansas is the long-term cost savings. Capturing sunlight doesn’t cost you any money, so most of the cost will involve installation. Still, when you consider the average monthly savings a homeowner or business owner experiences, the long-term benefits speak for themselves. It might take several years, but your entire solar array can pay for itself over time when you add up the savings.

Taking Advantage Of Tax Credits

You can still take advantage of a 26% federal tax credit if you have solar panels in Arkansas installed in 2022. This credit is reduced to 22% in 2023 and expires in 2024, so now is the ideal time to maximize your incentives for installing solar panels. 

Become More Energy Independent

If you’ve ever been frustrated with high energy bills, especially during the hot summer months, you’re not alone. When you rely on traditional utility companies for your electricity, you’re at the mercy of the prices they set. This isn’t the case with solar panels since you rely on the sun for your electricity needs, and the sun won’t raise its prices. With Tesla Powerwall, you can also have peace of mind knowing you have energy stored in your battery in the event of a power outage.

Save Money With Net Metering

With net metering, if your solar panels produce more electricity than what is needed for your home, then the excess will be sent back to the utility grid. The best part is you’re credited for it! Check with your local customer service representative when installing your solar panels to get a better understanding of net metering rates so you can get a clearer idea of how much you could save.

Contribute To A Cleaner Environment

The last reason people install solar panels in Arkansas is so they can contribute to a cleaner environment. When you decide to use a solar array instead of relying on traditional methods of electricity, you’ll be directly responsible for a reduction of carbon dioxide and other harmful gasses that help make our planet a cleaner place to live.

Seal Solar can help you gain energy independence, save money, and make positive contributions to the environment. We understand you might have a lot of questions about installing solar panels in Arkansas. Our certified team is here to clear up any misconceptions you might have so you can have complete peace of mind. Don’t hesitate to contact us at any time to learn more or to obtain a free cost estimate.