Overview of solar power in the U.S. state of Arkansas
Solar power in Arkansas on rooftops can provide 33.3% of all electricity used in Arkansas from 12,200 MW of solar panels.[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 2021.[5]
In 2010 the Fayetteville Public Library installed a 13.5 kW solar array,[6] and received a rebate for the 20,547 kWh generated of $30,821.10.[7]
The largest company in Arkansas, and occasionally the world,[8]Walmart, 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]
^Sherwood, Larry (August 2012). "U.S. Solar Market Trends 2011"(PDF). Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC). Archived from the original(PDF) on 2012-09-06. Retrieved 2012-08-16.
^Sherwood, Larry (June 2011). "U.S. Solar Market Trends 2010"(PDF). Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC). p. 20. Retrieved 2011-06-29.
^Sherwood, Larry (July 2010). "U.S. Solar Market Trends 2009"(PDF). Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC). p. 23. Archived from the original(PDF) on 2010-09-25. Retrieved 2010-07-28.
^Sherwood, Larry (July 2009). "U.S. Solar Market Trends 2008"(PDF). Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC). p. 16. Archived from the original(PDF) on 2009-11-23. Retrieved 2010-07-24.
^Sherwood, Larry (July 2012). "U.S. Solar Market Trends 2012"(PDF). Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC). p. 16. Retrieved 2013-10-11.
^Sherwood, Larry (July 2014). "U.S. Solar Market Trends 2013"(PDF). Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC). Retrieved 2014-09-26.