Solar panels
Solar power in Arkansas on rooftops can provide 19% of all electricity used in Arkansas.[1]
Net metering is available to all residential consumers up to 25 kW and 300 kW for non-residential users, but is lost once a year at the end of the 12 month billing cycle, which needs to be in the spring to avoid losing excess summer generation.[2]IREC best practices, based on experience, recommends no limits to net metering, individual or aggregate, and perpetual roll over of kWh credits.[3] A rebate program is available for systems up to 25 kW that pays $1.50/kWh generated during the first year of operation.[4] A 5 kW system, costing $17,500 after receiving a 30% federal tax credit, would produce about 6484 kWh/year, providing a rebate of approximately $9,726. The federal tax credit is available through 2016. In 2010 the Fayetteville Public Library installed a 13.5 kW solar array,[5] and received a rebate for the 20,547 kWh generated of $30,821.10.[6]
A map of installations is provided by the Arkansas Energy Office.[7] The largest company in Arkansas, and occasionally the world,[8] set a goal in 2005 of being powered 100% by renewable energy. By April 2012 they were generating 4% locally, mainly from rooftop solar panels, and overall using 22% renewable energy.[9]
