Compare the highest-rated home solar professionals in Fort Smith, Arkansas. All contractors are licensed, insured, and verified through our rigorous screening process.
Shine Solar is a prominent regional installer with a strong focus on Arkansas and surrounding states. They offer a comprehensive, turnkey service from initial consultation and system design to installation, financing, and ongoing support. They are known for their customer-centric approach and extensive financing options, including leases, PPAs, and loans.
Today's Power is an Arkansas-based company with deep roots in the state's energy sector, originally affiliated with the electric cooperative network. They offer robust residential and commercial solar solutions with an emphasis on quality and durability. Their expertise in both grid-tied and complex off-grid/battery systems is a significant strength.
Aardvark Electric is a highly-rated local electrical contractor that has expanded into solar installations. As a established electrical company, they bring a deep understanding of home electrical systems, which is critical for safe and efficient solar integration. They excel at custom system design and maintenance for residential clients.
The home solar market in Fort Smith, Arkansas, is moderately competitive and served by a mix of strong regional players and skilled local electrical contractors. The overall quality of providers is high, with companies typically holding necessary licenses and insurance. Competition helps keep pricing relatively competitive. As a reference, the average cost for a residential solar system in Arkansas before incentives is typically in the range of **$2.50 to $3.50 per watt**, meaning a standard 6 kW system could gross between $15,000 and $21,000. However, the federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC), which allows homeowners to deduct 30% of the system cost from their federal taxes, significantly reduces the net investment. Providers in the area are generally well-versed in this and other local incentives, which they use to structure attractive financing and leasing options for homeowners.
4.7+ star average from verified customer reviews
All contractors are properly licensed and insured
10+ years average experience in the industry
Familiar with Fort Smith regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about home solar services in Fort Smith, Arkansas.
For a typical 6-8 kW system in Fort Smith, the gross cost before incentives ranges from $18,000 to $28,000. Crucially, you can apply the 30% federal tax credit, and Arkansas has a unique state incentive: a 30% income tax credit (capped at $1,000) on the purchase price. Combined, these can reduce your net cost significantly. Additionally, Arkansas offers a property tax exemption for the added home value from solar.
Fort Smith's climate is favorable for solar, with ample sunshine averaging over 210 sunny days per year. While summer heat can slightly reduce panel efficiency, the long, sunny days lead to peak production. Winter production is lower due to shorter days, but panels still generate power on clear days and are rated to handle local weather, including occasional severe storms and hail.
Prioritize installers licensed in Arkansas, with strong local experience navigating Fort Smith Gas & Water's specific interconnection process and building codes. Look for established companies with physical offices in the region, strong warranties, and a portfolio of local installations. Always check reviews and ask for local references to verify their reputation and service quality post-installation.
From contract to activation typically takes 2 to 4 months. The timeline includes system design, securing permits from the city of Fort Smith, scheduling installation (which itself takes 1-3 days), and the final inspection and interconnection approval from Fort Smith Gas & Water. Delays can occur during permitting or if the utility's inspection schedule is backlogged.
With a standard grid-tied system, you will not have power during a grid outage for safety reasons, unless you add a critical component: a solar battery storage system. This is a valuable consideration in Fort Smith, where severe thunderstorms and occasional tornadoes can cause outages. A battery like a Tesla Powerwall or similar allows you to store excess solar energy to power essential circuits when the grid is down.