Deciding to purchase a solar power system is a big decision. Despite the long-term benefits, many businesses and homeowners share a common concern: what happens if their solar installer goes out of business? (more…)
When we at Seal Solar talk about energy resiliency, obviously leveraging solar panels to produce your energy needs is what comes to mind for most people. But producing energy is just part of the re-SEAL-iency equation (see what we did there?). Being able to store and then access that stored energy is critical when grid-outages demand an alternate source of much needed power for your home. That’s where adding a battery backup technology like the Tesla Powerwall turns your solar array into your very own MicroGrid. (more…)
Net metering policy changes are coming, but Arkansas can leverage energy storage to bolster economic development, enhance grid stability, reduce peak demand and increase the adoption of renewable energy sources. (more…)
Our website recently received a helpful update. A “Services” tab has been added, giving visitors information via a Services Q&A page, diagnostic help via a Troubleshooting page, and the ability to request a service appointment on their system via the Request Service page. (more…)
If you’ve been thinking about switching to solar, it’s a great time to lock-in Arkansas’ 1:1 net metering.
Net metering is how Arkansans reap the full benefits of going solar without storage, to save money on their electricity bill. Homeowners and businesses earn credit for the energy they supply to the grid from excess solar production at a dollar-for-dollar rate. So, for every kWh your solar array produces over what your home or business consumes over a billing period, you would receive a credit to your net-metering account from your electricity provider.
For example, if a residential customer has a grid-connected solar array on their roof, it may generate more electricity than the home uses during daylight hours. If the home is net-metered, the electricity meter will run backwards to provide a credit against what electricity is consumed at night or other periods when the home’s electricity use exceeds the system’s output. The customer is only billed for their “net” energy use at the end of the billing period.
Net metering policies vary by state, and by different utilities even in Arkansas. The differences include the capacity limits for residential and non-residential sectors, the true-up period, and how the net excess generation is compensated.
The 94th General Assembly passed Act 278 which changed the net metering policy in Arkansas for some utilities. The new legislation eliminates the 1:1 rate, and instead institutes two-way billing, lowering the compensation rate for solar users to avoided cost rates that electric utilities pay other power providers.
The new net-metering rules allow existing agreements between net-metering customers and utilities to remain in place, or grandfathered, until 2040. To take advantage of the current net metering with the grandfathering term, Arkansans have until September 30, 2024, to install solar panels (or take a few other steps) to take advantage of net metering at the current 1:1 rate structure.
Now’s the perfect time to take advantage of the 1:1 rate and maximize the savings a solar array provides. With industry leading knowledge and exceptional experience, Seal Solar will make sure you and your home or business reaps all the benefits of solar. Contact us today for a free solar installation quote!
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
