Arkansas Solar Incentives & Rebates Guide 2026
Save up to $5,993 in your first year with solar in Arkansas
Get Free Solar Quote →Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC)
The federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC) allows Arkansas homeowners to deduct 30% of the total cost of a solar energy system from their federal income taxes. For a typical 6kW system costing $16,740 in Arkansas, that's a direct tax credit of $5,022. This isn't a deduction — it's a dollar-for-dollar reduction of your tax bill.
The 30% ITC is available through 2032 under the Inflation Reduction Act, then steps down to 26% in 2033 and 22% in 2034. There's no maximum cap on the residential credit. If your tax liability is less than the credit amount, you can roll the remaining credit forward to the next tax year. The system must be installed on your primary or secondary residence, and you must own it (leased systems don't qualify for the homeowner credit).
Arkansas State Solar Tax Credit
Arkansas does not currently offer a state-level solar tax credit. However, Arkansas homeowners still benefit from the substantial 30% federal ITC, worth $5,022 on a typical 6kW system. Even without a state credit, solar is economically attractive in Arkansas with electricity rates averaging 12.84¢/kWh.
Property Tax Exemption
Arkansas does not currently offer a statewide property tax exemption for solar installations. This means the added home value from solar panels may increase your property tax assessment. Some local jurisdictions may offer their own exemptions — it's worth checking with your county tax assessor. Even without this exemption, the energy savings from solar typically far outweigh any marginal property tax increase.
Sales Tax Exemption
Arkansas does not currently exempt solar equipment from state sales tax. This means you'll pay the applicable sales tax on your solar system purchase. However, the 30% federal ITC and other available incentives more than compensate for this cost in most cases.
Net Metering in Arkansas
Net metering policy: Full Retail Rate. Full retail rate 1:1 credits, annual true-up The current system size cap is 25 kW residential.
Arkansas's full retail rate net metering is one of the strongest solar policies available. Every excess kWh your system sends to the grid earns you a credit at the full retail rate of 12.84¢/kWh. This means your solar panels generate maximum value — surplus energy produced during sunny hours offsets your evening and nighttime consumption at the same rate you'd pay to buy that electricity.
Real Savings Example: 6kW Solar System in Arkansas
System Costs
- Gross System Cost (6kW × $2.79/W)$16,740
- Federal ITC (30%)−$5,022
- Net Cost After Incentives$11,718
Annual Returns
- Annual Production7,561 kWh
- Electricity Savings (@ 12.84¢/kWh)$971/yr
- Payback Period12.1 years
- 25-Year Net Savings$12,557
Arkansas Electric Utilities & Solar Savings
| Utility | Rate (¢/kWh) | Est. Annual Savings |
|---|---|---|
| Arkansas Valley Elec Coop Corp | 13.33¢ | $1,008/yr |
| C & L Electric Coop Corp | 13.26¢ | $1,003/yr |
| Carroll Electric Coop Corp - (AR) | 12.25¢ | $926/yr |
| City Water and Light Plant | 6.63¢ | $501/yr |
| City of Benton - (AR) | 10.3¢ | $779/yr |
| City of Bentonville - (AR) | 11.65¢ | $881/yr |
| City of Hope - (AR) | 11.69¢ | $884/yr |
| City of North Little Rock - (AR) | 12.23¢ | $925/yr |
| City of Siloam Springs - (AR) | 11.65¢ | $881/yr |
| City of West Memphis - (AR) | 8.08¢ | $611/yr |
Arkansas Solar Incentives FAQ
What solar incentives are available in Arkansas in 2026?▼
Arkansas residents can take advantage of the federal solar tax credit (30% ITC, worth $5,022 on a 6kW system).
How much does a solar system cost in Arkansas after incentives?▼
A typical 6kW residential solar system in Arkansas costs approximately $16,740 before incentives. After the 30% federal ITC ($5,022), your net cost drops to approximately $11,718. At Arkansas's average electricity rate of 12.84¢/kWh, this system pays for itself in about 12.1 years.
Does Arkansas have net metering for solar?▼
Arkansas's net metering policy is: Full Retail Rate. Full retail rate 1:1 credits, annual true-up The system size cap is 25 kW residential.
Is there a property tax exemption for solar in Arkansas?▼
Arkansas does not currently offer a statewide property tax exemption for solar installations. However, some local jurisdictions may offer their own exemptions — check with your county assessor.
How much can I save with solar in Arkansas?▼
With a 6kW solar system in Arkansas, you can expect to save approximately $971 per year on electricity bills. Over 25 years, total net savings (after system cost) are estimated at $12,557. Your 6kW system will produce approximately 7,561 kWh annually based on Arkansas's average 4.7 peak sun hours per day.
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Arkansas Solar Quick Facts
- 💡 Avg Rate: 12.84¢/kWh
- 💰 Federal ITC: $5,022
- 📊 Net Metering: Full Retail Rate
- ❌ Property Tax Exempt
- ❌ Sales Tax Exempt
- ☀️ Peak Sun Hours: 4.7 hrs/day
- ⏱️ Payback: ~12.1 years