5 Best Solar Companies in Arkansas (2025 Reviews)

Why We Chose Perihelion Solar

Perihelion Solar has an outstanding reputation in Arkansas, and for good reason. It uses in-house installers that are certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP), so you get a professional installation from highly-trained technicians that aren’t third parties the company outsources to.

The company also has an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and a perfect 5-star rating on Google Reviews. Most solar installers fall around the 3-star mark, so to see a company with all 5-star reviews is a true anomaly in the industry and all but proves that you’ll get first-class customer service and communication from this provider throughout the whole process.

While I think Perihelion is a great choice, it’s not perfect. It loses some points in our ratings because it’s a bare-bones installer that doesn’t offer any add-on services for system customization. It also doesn’t offer any workmanship warranty or roof-leak guarantee, so you’ll be on the hook for any system issues that arise that aren’t caused by manufacturer defects.

What I Like About Perihelion Solar

Despite the lack of a workmanship warranty, Perihelion Solar gives me a lot of confidence that the installation will be problem-free. It uses NABCEP-certified installers, which means its technicians go through training above and beyond what’s required by the state. It has also been serving Arkansas residents since 2018, and it maintains SEIA membership, which suggests that it has a financial investment in the local solar industry and is committed to long-term quality service.

What I Don’t Like About Perihelion Solar

Perihelion isn’t the best company if you’re looking to customize your system with EV chargers or energy efficiency upgrades. It solely installs panels, batteries and inverters, and it doesn’t handle any other services, including roof repair or replacement or professional system monitoring.

Perihelion is also one of the more expensive installers in the area, as it uses high-quality solar panels — Maxeon and REC — that come at an above-average cost. I do recommend these brands and even have Maxeon panels on my own home, but if you’re looking to go solar on a budget, I’d look elsewhere.

Perihelion Solar Installation Process and Timeline

Perihelion doesn’t mention an estimated timeline for the installation process on its website. However, it does note that the actual installation can take between 1 and 2 weeks, which is much longer than the average 1 to 2 days you’d see from many other providers. I’d expect the total time from your initial consultation to the day your panels start generating power to be between 8 and 10 weeks, a bit longer than the standard of 6 to 8 weeks.

The actual process, though, is standard. You’ll first have an in-person inspection, during which a representative will inspect your roof and look at your energy consumption and sun exposure to evaluate the solar viability of your home. The company will then design a system for you and provide you with a formal proposal. Once you agree and sign, the reps will pull permits and order equipment, install everything and then schedule final inspections with your local building department and utility company. The last step is activating your system.

Perihelion Solar Standard Services & Financing 

20/25

Perihelion may not offer much in the way of add-on services, but it does provide the basics. First, it uses in-house installers rather than outsourcing the labor to third parties. I typically recommend going with a company that has its own installation team, as this can help avoid finger-pointing in the case of an issue, as well as unnecessary delays caused by poor communication between the parties.

It installs solar batteries, which is a plus because it gives you the option of securing back-up power for your home. Given the frequency of extreme weather in Arkansas, this can be a blessing and provide some added peace of mind. Arkansas also recently downgraded its statewide net metering policy, which means you now get credited at a lower rate for excess power you send to the grid. Batteries let you store excess power on-site, effectively giving you access to one-to-one net metering and saving you additional money on your electric bills.

Perihelion installs equipment that comes with a free self-monitoring mobile app. This lets you keep track of your solar production and home energy consumption. You can use this to help you reduce your energy usage, but you can also keep tabs on performance to identify and fix issues before they get worse. Ultimately, this could help save you more money over time.

Cost and Financing Options

As I mentioned already, Perihelion is on the expensive side because it installs more costly panel brands, including Maxeon and REC. The company doesn’t include specific cost information on its site, but I’d expect it to be a bit more expensive than most other providers due to its equipment selection.

The company also only accepts cash purchases and solar loans, so if you’re looking for a no-money-down option like leases or power purchase agreements (PPAs), you’ll have to choose a different company. The option you choose will affect your upfront costs and long-term savings, so think carefully about which is best for you.

With a cash purchase, you’ll have to pay your entire system cost upfront, which is prohibitively expensive for many people. This is especially true in Arkansas, where the average solar installation cost is $34,870 before incentives, based on our research. However, paying in cash gives you access to the federal investment tax credit (ITC) — an average potential value of $10,461 in Arkansas — and it leads to the highest possible long-term savings — an average of $26,613 in your area.

Since many customers can’t afford to spend so much upfront, a solar loan is a more common and accessible option. This requires that you pay a much smaller down payment — usually just a few thousand dollars — and pay the rest of the loan monthly. You will have to pay interest, which can average around $5,000 in total, depending on your interest rate. That cuts into your lifetime savings, bringing the average down to around $21,613. A solar loan still lets you take the ITC.

Solar leases, which Perihelion doesn’t accept, require no money down. Instead, you pay a monthly rental fee, and the power your panels generate is yours to use at no cost. Leases are appealing because they’re so widely accessible, but they do come with some downsides. First, the average savings with a lease are around $5,000, a far cry from the $26,000+ you’d net if you paid in cash. Second, leases don’t let you take the ITC, so that’s an average potential value of over $10,000 you miss out on. Finally, they can complicate the sale of your home if the new owner doesn’t want to assume the lease.

A PPA is similar to a lease in its pros and cons, but instead of renting your panels, you pay nothing for them and instead agree to buy the electricity they generate rather than buying power from your utility company.

Generally speaking, I recommend cash payments and loans to most customers, but it would be nice to see the more accessible and affordable options from Perihelion.

Perihelion Solar Extra Services Offered 

0/5

Unfortunately, Perihelion doesn’t get any points in our ratings for extra services, as it only installs the basics. First, it doesn’t handle roof repair or roof replacement, so if you need any work done on your roof before it’s safe to install panels, you’ll have to coordinate with a third-party company. This can lead to issues with communication between the companies, and it means more work on your part to vet 2 companies instead of one, so it would be more convenient if Perihelion was also able to tackle roof work.

The company also doesn’t offer any energy efficiency upgrades. Some installers provide access to other perks that can help you get the most value out of your solar array. Things like smart electrical panels and installation services for windows, doors and insulation can help boost your home’s efficiency and help you save. These would be especially welcome services in Arkansas, where the average monthly electricity consumption is already 20% higher than the national average. These services also suggest that a provider understands the bigger picture when it comes to solar and isn’t just out to install as many panels as possible to convert your home to solar.

Perihelion also doesn’t install EV chargers, so any homeowner who has an EV or plans on getting one in the future will likely want to look for a different company altogether. You can always retrofit your system with at-home charging capability, but if you have everything installed at once, you can apply the ITC to all components, including the EV charger, which will help you save money. The lack of EV chargers from Perihelion isn’t a huge deal because EV adoption has been comparatively slow in Arkansas, but it still would be a nice option to have.

Finally, Perihelion doesn’t offer professional monitoring services. You do get access to a mobile app to monitor your system yourself, but I really like to see companies offering professional monitoring, as it takes the responsibility of making sure your system is functioning properly out of your hands. With Perihelion, you’ll have to keep track of your system and call the provider if you ever notice a dip in energy production.

Perihelion Solar Environmental Impact & Sustainability Practices 

7.5/10

The EcoWatch team always puts an emphasis on sustainability, so as a part of our solar panel installer review process, we look at the sustainability of the company itself but also at the solar panel brands the installer chooses to work with.

There isn’t anything to note in terms of how Perihelion makes its day-to-day activities more sustainable, unfortunately, but we can look at the brands it offers. Going solar is always going to have a major positive impact on the environment, but some brands of equipment are less sustainable than others and will have a small effect.

To assess the environmental impact a manufacturer has, I look for companies that use recycled materials to manufacture panels, have a recycling program that makes it easier for consumers to recycle old panels and keep them out of landfills, do the majority of their manufacturing in the United States, where environmental rules and regulations are stricter and don’t have a history of ethical issues, like forced labor, unfair pay, unsafe working conditions or a history of racism in the workplace.

Perihelion installs panels from Maxeon and REC. Both of these brands tie for first place in terms of sustainability, so I feel comfortable recommending either of them. Both manufacturers lose some points in our ratings for not being predominantly based in the U.S., but they both use recycled materials in production, have end-of-life recycling programs and don’t have a history of ethical issues.   

Perihelion Solar Equipment Quality & Reliability 

18.5

Perihelion uses some of the best solar panels in the industry, as Maxeon and REC rank second and third, respectively, in our solar panel reviews. I think it’s important to discuss how well your panels will hold up over time, as this ultimately determines your lifetime solar savings. I look at 18 different panel specifications to compare solar panel brands, but I think 3, in particular, are crucial to consider in Arkansas. Those include the efficiency rating, the degradation rate and the max wind load.

The efficiency rating tells you what percentage of the available sunlight your panels will be able to convert into usable electricity for your home. The higher the efficiency rating, the more power your panels will generate in any given conditions, and the more you’ll save on your electric bill. This is important for Arkansas residents to consider because the average electricity usage is well above the national average, which means there’s more potential to save with high-efficiency panels.

The degradation rate of a panel tells you how much efficiency your equipment will lose over time as it ages. All panels lose efficiency, but they do so at different rates. A faster degradation rate will mean less power production down the road, which reduces the long-term savings you see from your panels. Again, this is crucial in Arkansas because a panel that degrades slowly will end up saving you more money over time, especially since energy consumption is unusually high in the state. The Maxeon and REC panels from Perihelion both have industry-leading degradation rates, guaranteeing 92% of the starting efficiency remains after 25 years. Most tier-one panels guarantee between 85% and 92%, so these brands tie for the best available.

Finally, I recommend looking at the max wind speed rating. This tells you what force — measured in Pascals (Pa) — your panels can resist from the underside without sustaining damage. This is crucial in Arkansas because of the frequent tornado and severe thunderstorm activity. Tier-one panels have an average wind rating of 3,520 Pa. Maxeon and REC are both well above that average, with 5,400 and 4,000 Pa, respectively. As such, both brands should be able to stand up to the extreme weather in your area.

Warranties and Guarantees

I also think it’s important to consider the warranty coverage you get with your system, as this is what guarantees long-term performance and savings. I recommend looking at four different types of warranty coverage to determine how well protected your investment is.

First, I look at the equipment warranty, also called the manufacturer’s warranty. This coverage comes from the manufacturer but is passed to you through your installer. It protects you from damages resulting from manufacturer defects, and it typically lasts for 25 years. The REC panels from Perihelion matches the industry average of 25 years, but Maxeon panels come with a 40-year manufacturer’s warranty, which is the best in the industry.

Second, I look at the performance warranty, which guarantees a certain level of performance from your panels over the warranty period. Most manufacturers offer a 25-year performance warranty and guarantee between 85% and 92% of your panels’ starting efficiency will remain after that time. Both REC and Maxeon panels from Perihelion guarantee the full 92%, which is outstanding and should lead to greater long-term savings. Maxeon also has an extended performance warranty that lasts for 40 years, once again making it the best-protected panel in the industry.

Next, I look at workmanship warranties. These come from your installer, in most cases, and they guarantee that the labor to install your system won’t be the cause of any equipment damage. Companies that offer a lengthy workmanship warranty typically provide more peace of mind that you’ll be getting a safe and professional installation that will be free from defects for decades to come. Unfortunately, Perihelion doesn’t offer anything in the way of a workmanship warranty, although it does use NABCEP-certified installers that should offer some peace of mind that the installation work will be solid.

Finally, I look to see if the installer offers a roof leak warranty, which guarantees that the roof penetrations made to install your panels won’t leak for the length of the coverage. This is an especially nice perk to have in Arkansas, as the state sees around 140% of the average national rainfall per year. Perihelion doesn’t offer a roof leak warranty, either, so you’re only going to get manufacturer warranties if you choose this provider.

Perihelion Solar Company Reputation 

22.5/25

Solar is a booming industry, and where there’s such high demand, there are also going to be less reputable companies looking to turn a profit, even if it means a poor customer experience. That’s why I think it’s so important to assess any company you’re considering based on its reputation in the industry. I do exactly that with each installer I review, and Perihelion scores quite well.

First, the company was founded in 2018, so it has 6 years of experience under its belt. In a competitive space like solar, I often see companies pop up and quickly go out of business just a year or 2 later when they realize they can’t keep up with the competition. When that happens, they can void some of your warranty coverage. I like to see providers with 5+ years of experience and proven track record, and Perihelion has that.

As mentioned earlier, Perihelion uses NABCEP-certified installers, which means its technicians go through far more specialized training for solar installations than uncertified installers do. Short of a workmanship warranty, this is the best way to ensure you get a professional and safe installation, in my opinion. The company is also a member of the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), which suggests that it has a financial investment in the local industry. This doesn’t prove anything, but in my opinion, it’s a good sign that the company is here to stay and cares about the local solar market for more than just profit.

I also do a review of customer ratings for each installer I review, including a look at the Better Business Bureau (BBB), TrustPilot and Google Reviews. Perihelion has an A+ rating with the BBB, and while it doesn’t have any customer reviews on the BBB or TrustPilot, it does have a 5-star rating on Google Reviews. This is exceedingly rare in the solar industry, and in my opinion, it’s a good sign that you’re going to get stellar customer service during and after your installation.

Consumer Reviews and Testimonials

In addition to looking at the total review scores for each provider, I also read through dozens of customer reviews to see what the company does well and where it falls short of customer expectations. All of the reviews I read through rave about the company’s customer service, communication and attention to detail. There’s not a single complaint in the reviews about Perihelion dropping the ball, so I have to assume that you’ll get similar service for your installation. I’ll include 2 positive reviews below — since there are no negative reviews — so that you can get a sense of what to expect if you choose Perihelion.

“Perihelion Solar helped me go green with their solar array installation. It was a well organized installation. They helped me understand the process to start with. I evaluated 3 to 4 solar installers but Perihelion’s pricing was much better than competitors. You talk to their chief electricians directly and not a salesperson. Andy and his team were with us until the City council evaluation of the installation was complete. Due to weather and other issues, installation [was] prolonged for a week, but the entire crew was patient enough to complete it without any issues. On the after-installation support, they are next to best. An inverter went off after months of installation. They coordinated with the inverter agents, and Andy came down in person to have it installed. They are a new team and with the dedication that they show, I believe they should go places. I wish them all the best and would recommend to any one who wants to go solar.” — Vaidy V. via Google Reviews

“The folks at Perihelion are amazing. They installed our rooftop solar array and battery backup in late 2020. This was during the winter Covid peak, and they were always very courteous and careful. Their prices were unbeatable, they used cutting-edge equipment (panels, microinverters, batteries), and their craftsmanship was excellent. They made sure the setup was all done perfectly and that we fully understood how every part of the system worked. They helped with every step along the way, including design, net metering, financing and final grid connection. Our system works flawlessly, and we don’t even notice we are running on solar until it comes time to pay our tiny electricity bill (last month was only $11). Perihelion really strives to make the customer happy. I can’t recommend them highly enough!” — Douglas B. via Google Reviews

Perihelion Solar Customer Service 

10/10

The last portion of our rating is a customer service score, which I personally come up with. This is the only subjective part of our solar installer review process, and I base it on the dozens of customer reviews I read through, as well as on a call I make to the provider acting as a secret shopper.

In terms of the customer reviews I read, it’s hard to find any fault with Perihelion. It’s clear based on the reviews online that the company puts customers first and ensures that each homeowner is pleased with their system. Combined with the fact that Perihelion has a perfect 5-star rating on Google Reviews, I can only assume that you’ll get outstanding customer service from this provider.

My secret shopper call suggests the same. I was connected with a human representative quickly, and they were friendly and knowledgeable, able to answer questions and were even knowledgeable about the recent change to the net metering laws in Arkansas and how they would make solar batteries a wise decision. If the service during and after the installation are similar — and they seem like they will be, based on customer reviews — I would absolutely consider going solar with Perihelion for my own home.

Why We Chose New Farm Solar

New Farm Solar is one of the few solar installers in Arkansas that installs both rooftop and ground-mount solar arrays, which opens up your solar installation options. In an area like Arkansas, where the average plot size is significantly larger than the national average — close to half an acre — ground-mount is a popular option. The state also sees above-average rainfall, so avoiding roof penetrations can reduce your risk of roof leaks after solar adoption.

Much like Perihelion, New Farm Solar also has a stellar reputation in the local industry with perfect 5-star customer ratings on Google. This means you’re very likely to have a great experience before, during and after your installation, which should give you some peace of mind that your equipment will last for decades and continue providing you with monthly savings on your utility bills.

New Farm Solar is a great option, but there are some downsides to consider, too. It’s another bare-bones installer, so it’s not the best option if you’re looking for a customized system that includes energy efficiency upgrades. It also doesn’t offer a workmanship or roof leak warranty, although I believe these are less important with a ground-mount system, which I think is the best route to go if you choose this company.

What I Like About New Farm Solar

New Farm Solar is a small, local installer that has a reputation for providing outstanding customer service and communication. You’re likely to be pleased with the experience and feel like you’re in good hands throughout the process. The company uses NABCEP-certified installers, which should give you even greater peace of mind, and it has a decade of experience to instill even more confidence.

All installations also come with a free self-monitoring app that lets you track your system performance, but they also include free professional monitoring, which means the burden of identifying issues that could lead to a dip in long-term savings is on the company rather than on you. This can help uncover problems before they become severe and end up costing you money.

What I Don’t Like About New Farm Solar

New Farm Solar doesn’t offer any services beyond the basics, so if you’re looking to couple your panels with add-on services like EV chargers or energy efficiency upgrades for your home, this likely isn’t the company for you.

Additionally, New Farm Solar doesn’t accept leases or PPAs. I typically don’t recommend these financing options, but they are the only ones that require no money down, so I prefer the option to be there for affordability. Solar arrays are more expensive in Arkansas than they are in most other states, so $0-down financing options would be nice to keep solar as accessible as possible.

New Farm Solar Installation Process and Timeline

New Farm Solar doesn’t include an estimated timeline for its installations, but based on customer reviews, I’d expect there to be minimal delays in the process. I think a timeline of between 6 and 8 weeks — the average in the industry — is a reasonable expectation with this provider.

The installation process is standard. You’ll have an in-person inspection, during which a technician will inspect your roof, review your energy needs and determine your home’s solar viability. The company will then design a system that suits your property, provide a formal estimate and pull permits once you sign your contract. Once permits are approved, its in-house installers will install your system and then schedule final inspections before activating your panels.

New Farm Solar Standard Services & Financing 

20/25

New Farm Solar does a good job of providing the basics for solar installations. First, it uses in-house installers, which I prefer because it reduces the risk of delays and poor communication over a company that outsources the labor to a third party.

It also offers solar batteries. As I mentioned before, Arkansas recently downgraded its net metering policy and now credits you with the avoided cost per exported kWh. Installing a battery effectively gives you access to the old net metering deal, which was far superior and led to greater solar savings over time. I also like that New Farm Solar offers batteries because it is nice to have the option of backup power through power outages.

New Farm Solar also includes a free self-monitoring app with all of its installations, so you can track your system’s production and your energy consumption using the mobile app. This is a nice perk to have because you can identify production issues early and get a repair underway to protect your long-term savings.

Cost and Financing Options

New Farm Solar only loses points in this portion of our rating system because it only accepts cash and solar loans. The financing option you choose will have a major impact on your system cost and savings, so more options would be nice to have.

With a cash purchase, you pay for your system upfront, making it the least accessible option. Cash purchases are less realistic in Arkansas than most other states because the average cost to convert to solar is around $34,870 before incentives, much higher than the national average of $29,970. However, while the initial cost is high, you do get access to the ITC — an average potential value of $10,461 in Arkansas — and you see the highest long-term savings of any option — a net total of $26,613 in Arkansas, according to our research.

A solar loan is more accessible because you only have to pay a small down payment to go solar. You then pay monthly loan installments to cover the remaining cost. This means you’ll pay interest, which reduces your net savings by an average of $5,000, but your net savings over time will still average around $21,600, which is outstanding. Loans still give you access to the ITC.

A solar lease is like a panel rental agreement, where you pay a monthly rental fee for your panels and then get to use the power they generate for free to reduce your electric bills. You’ll only save a total of around $5,000 and won’t be able to take the ITC, but it’s a far more accessible option because you pay nothing upfront. PPAs are similar arrangements, but instead of paying a monthly rental fee, you get your panels installed for free and then agree to buy electricity from your installer rather than your utility company, usually at a reduced rate.

New Farm Solar doesn’t accept leases or PPAs, so if you’re looking for a no-money-down option, you’ll have to choose a different provider. However, I do recommend a cash purchase or solar loan, so I still think New Farm Solar is a great option that will lead to the highest lifetime savings.

New Farm Solar Extra Services Offered 

0/5

Unfortunately, New Farm Solar only covers the basics of solar installations, including panels, solar batteries, inverters and mounting equipment, but its services stop there. It doesn’t offer any of the add-on options I typically look for from solar companies.

First, it doesn’t handle roof repair or replacement. Your roof should be in good condition and have at least a decade of useful life left in it before installing panels on top. Otherwise, you’ll have to pay to remove and replace your panels shortly after installation to replace your roof. Solar installers that handle roof work make it easy to go solar even if you do need roof work done prior, as they can handle everything at once. New Farm Solar doesn’t, so you’ll have to find a third-party company to tackle roof work, if necessary. You can, however, get around this by choosing a ground-mount system, which this installer offers.

It also doesn’t offer any energy efficiency upgrades, like smart electric panels, HVAC upgrades or window and door replacement. These are nice perks to have in Arkansas, especially because the monthly electricity consumption rate is well above the national average. Efficiency upgrades can help you get the most value and savings from your panels, so it’s kind of a shame that New Farm Solar doesn’t offer any.

The company also doesn’t install EV chargers. As I mentioned before, Arkansas has been slow to adopt EVs, so the lack of at-home charging isn’t a huge deal. However, I do expect adoption to continue to grow in the future, and having the option to install a charger alongside your panels would be nice since you can apply the ITC to that add-on equipment to save some money.

Finally, New Farm Solar doesn’t offer professional monitoring, so you’ll have to monitor your system using the mobile app you get access to to keep track of production and identify issues before they lead to system outages and loss of savings.

New Farm Solar Environmental Impact & Sustainability Practices 

7.5/10

Going solar is great for the environment because every kWh you get from the sun is a kWh that doesn’t require the burning of fossil fuels to generate. Converting to clean energy is one of the best things a homeowner can do to reduce their carbon footprint. However, I still think it’s important to choose a panel from a manufacturer that itself is relatively sustainable. I look for installers who work with panel manufacturers that use recycled materials, make it easy to recycle their old panels, manufacture predominantly in the U.S. and don’t have a history of issues with poor working conditions, unfair pay, forced labor and unethical business practices.

New Farm Solar uses panels manufactured by Silfab, REC, QCells and Canadian Solar. All of these brands tie for the most sustainable options among tier-one panels. They all make use of recycled materials, they all have end-of-life panel recycling programs and none of them have a history of ethical issues in the workplace. All of them lose some points in terms of sustainability because they’re mostly manufactured outside of the U.S., but I still think they’re some of the best brands for sustainability.

New Farm Solar Equipment Quality & Reliability 

18/20

I also compare companies based on the quality and reliability of the products they offer, as well as on the warranty coverage they provide to protect your solar investment. I look at 18 factors to compare panel brands, but I think 3 of those are particularly important in Arkansas: panel efficiency, degradation rate and wind resistance.

The panel efficiency tells you how efficiently the equipment will convert available sunlight to usable electricity. Higher efficiency ratings give you a better chance of offsetting your electric bills, especially in areas like Arkansas, where consumption is well above average. Most tier-one brands have efficiency ratings that top out at 22% or higher. All of the options from New Farm Solar hit that number except for Silfab, which is just below the average at 21.4%. Canadian Solar has the most efficient panels of those available from this installer, with peak efficiency reaching 23.3%, one of the highest in the industry.

Next, I look at the degradation rate, which tells you how much of a panel’s starting efficiency will remain after 25 years. Lower degradation rates mean more efficiency available over time, which should lead to greater savings in the long run. Again, this is especially important in areas where electricity consumption is above average, like it is in Arkansas. Most brands guarantee between 85% and 92% remaining after 25 years. All of New Farm Solar’s brands fall within that range, with REC being the best option. REC panels guarantee the full 92% after 25 years, meaning they should lead to the highest long-term solar savings in Arkansas.

Finally, the max wind load tells you how much upward force from wind your panels can withstand. This is important in Arkansas because of the frequent thunderstorms and tornado activity, both of which pose a greater threat to rooftop solar arrays. The average rating among tier-one panels is 3,520 Pascals (Pa). Unfortunately, Canadian Solar panels only have a rating of 2,400 Pa, meaning they’re not the most durable option for standing up to the strong winds in Arkansas. All of the other brands are above average, with Silfab being the most durable with a wind speed rating of 5,400 Pa.

Warranties and Guarantees

In addition to panel specifications, I think it’s important to look closely at the warranty coverage you get from your installer. I look at 4 types of solar panel warranties to gauge how well your system will perform over time and hold up to the elements.

First, I look at the equipment warranty, which comes from the manufacturer and protects you from damages related to manufacturer defects. Most manufacturers offer a 25-year equipment warranty, and all of the brands that New Farm Solar installs meet this standard.

Second, I look at performance warranties, which also come from the manufacturer. These guarantee that your panels will hold a certain percentage of their original efficiency — usually between 85% and 92% — over the warranty term, which is typically also 25 years. All of the brands offered by New Farm Solar meet this standard as well, and Canadian Solar and Silfab go above and beyond by offering a 30-year performance warranty.

Next, I look for a workmanship warranty, which covers the installation labor and ensures poor installation technique doesn’t lead to system damages. The average workmanship warranty lasts for 12 years. Unfortunately, New Farm Solar doesn’t offer a workmanship warranty at all. The company does use NABCEP-certified installers, who are far less likely to make mistakes thanks to their specialized training, but I still do wish the provider offered some kind of warranty for the labor.

Finally, I look to see if the installer guarantees your system will be free of roof leaks. Most installers don’t offer this at all, and New Farm Solar is one such company that doesn’t. This isn’t an issue if you go with a ground-mount system, which I recommend New Farm Solar for, but I’d still like to see a roof leak guarantee for its roof-mounted systems, especially since Arkansas sees above-average rainfall.

New Farm Solar Company Reputation 

22.5/25

Even in areas like Arkansas that have relatively few options for solar installation companies, the reputation of the provider is an important thing to consider, as every installer is different and offers unique customer service and issue resolution. I’m happy to report that New Farm Solar scores quite highly in our ratings when it comes to its reputation in the local solar market.

The company has been around since 2014, which suggests that it’s here to stay. A lot of solar companies that pop up end up going out of business just a few years later when they find they can’t keep up with the competition. If your installer does go under, your warranty coverage and post-installation support can go with it. New Farm Solar’s decade of success suggests that it and its long-term support are here to stay, so you get some peace of mind that you’ll have a provider to lean on if something goes wrong down the road.

As I mentioned before, it also uses NABCEP-certified installers, who get specialized training for photovoltaic (PV) installations. This provides even more peace of mind that you’re getting true professionals to install your equipment. It’s not an SEIA member, so there’s no evidence of a financial investment in the solar industry, and it does lose some points in our ratings accordingly.

Most importantly, in my opinion, customers rave about the customer service they get from this installer. New Farm Solar has an A+ rating with the BBB, as well as a perfect 5-star customer rating on both the BBB and Google Reviews. It’s relatively rare to see customer ratings this high in the solar industry, especially for a company that’s a decade old. These scores give me confidence that New Farm Solar will provide an outstanding customer experience and will stand behind its products and workmanship, even without the warranty coverage to guarantee it.

Consumer Reviews and Testimonials

I also spend some time reading through customer reviews to see what each provider does well and where, if applicable, it falls short. A lot of companies, for example, have great pre-sale service but then disappoint customers if they fail to keep their systems up and running properly after the installation. I’m happy to report that New Farm Solar’s customers are pleased from the first sales appointment through the installation and beyond. I typically include 1 negative and 1 positive review to showcase the best and worst service a company may provide, but given the lack of negative reviews, I’ll include 2 positive ones below to give you a sense of what you can expect.

“Great experience! The New Farm crew is knowledgeable, honest, friendly, finished ahead of schedule, and available to answer questions. A combination of talent rarely seen these days. I highly recommend anyone looking for a solar install to give these guys a call.” — Freyja R. via Google Reviews

“The friendly, honest & professional staff was well coordinated during the development and installation of my system.  Each team member was patient and informative in addressing my multitude of questions, respecting my curiosity as we identified the best system for my needs, making recommendations to service two households on my farm including a small battery back-up for when the grid goes down. Terrific guidance all the way through!! The installation team was equally as informative and answered all my questions, explaining details of equipment installed.  The follow-up support has been outstanding, and I’m assured that if/when a problem arises, the New Farm team will be there for me!!   Couldn’t be more pleased with both the service & the solar system which is a long awaited dream come true!” — Pat S. via Google Reviews

New Farm Solar Customer Service 

10/10

The final portion of our company review is a subjective score that I personally assign to each provider. I base this on the many customer reviews I read through — which give me a good sense of the real-world service and post-installation support the company provides — as well as on a secret shopper call I make to each company.

The customer reviews couldn’t be more positive, and every single customer raves about communication and professionalism from the provider. I also called New Farm Solar as a secret shopper and was pleased with the upfront service I got. The representative was friendly and informative, took some time to discuss the company’s offerings and offered to send a representative out to assess my project and offer some customized recommendations. Overall, I think New Farm Solar is a great choice if you’re looking for quality customer service and a company that will go above and beyond to ensure you’re happy with your system.

Why We Chose Shine Solar, LLC

Shine Solar is one of the few solar companies in Arkansas that offers services and products that give you the option to customize your system based on your needs. Unlike our first 2 picks, it installs the basics but also handles roof repair and replacement, making it a one-stop shop for going solar. It also offers energy efficiency upgrades and professional system monitoring to help you get the most value out of your solar array.

Shine Solar also stands apart from a lot of the local solar installers in Arkansas because it includes a 12-year workmanship warranty with all of its systems. This is right in line with the industry average, but companies like Perihelion and New Farm Solar don’t offer any labor warranty, so Shine provides a bit more peace of mind that your installation will be professional and problem-free.

There are, of course, some downsides to consider, too. Shine Solar doesn’t accept leases or PPAs, so the 2 options you have will require that you make some type of upfront payment. Leases and PPAs are more accessible because they don’t require any money down.

What I Like About Shine Solar, LLC

Shine Solar offers a workmanship warranty and uses high-quality solar panels that are built to stand up to the extreme weather that frequents Arkansas. The state is located in Tornado Alley, and the Silfab panels Shine Solar works with have the highest max wind load rating among tier-one panels. That means they have the best chance of resisting damage from strong winds that rip through the state. The workmanship warranty and the use of NABCEP-certified installers should give you added peace of mind that the installation labor won’t lead to related issues or damages.

I also love that Shine Solar offers roof work and energy efficiency upgrades, including insulation upgrades. This shows not only that the provider can tackle all of the labor you might need to get panels on your roof but also that it understands that solar is just one part of the process of reducing your energy consumption and carbon footprint.

What I Don’t Like About Shine Solar, LLC

Shine Solar has a workmanship warranty, but it lasts for about half the industry average. I love that it covers roof leaks, which are often the primary concern homeowners have when going solar. The risk of leaking is higher in areas like Arkansas, where annual rainfall is well above the national average. I’d also really love to see roof leaks covered.

Shine Solar also doesn’t accept leases or PPAs. I don’t recommend these to most homeowners, but those who can’t afford a cash purchase or qualify for a loan won’t be able to go solar with Shine since it doesn’t accept no-money-down options. Leases and PPAs would be especially beneficial in a state like Arkansas, where the large system size requirements mean the average installation cost is well above the national average — around $35,000 as opposed to the $29,970 that’s typical throughout the country before incentives.

Shine Solar, LLC Installation Process and Timeline

Shine Solar doesn’t go into details about how long its installations will take from start to finish, but I’d expect you to have to wait between 6 and 8 weeks from the initial consultation to the day your system is active, which is the standard in the industry.

The actual process is about the same as you’d expect from any other installer. You’ll have an in-person inspection so that a representative can inspect your roof and assess your home’s solar viability. Shine will then design a system custom fit to your home and provide you with a contract and formal estimate. Once you approve, the company will file for permits and order the necessary equipment. After permits are approved, in-house reps will come to install your equipment before scheduling final inspections and activating your panels.

Shine Solar, LLC Standard Services & Financing 

20/25

Shine Solar tackles all the basics of a solar installation, so it scores well in our ratings when it comes to standard services and financing options. First, it uses in-house installers. I prefer companies that don’t outsource labor because it means you can hold a single company responsible for any issues you have during the process. The representatives are also working to uphold one company’s reputation, so you’re generally more likely to get a professional and courteous team of technicians on site for the installation.

Shine Solar installs panels, inverters and batteries, along with racking equipment, inverters and wiring to make it a one-stop shop for the basics. Batteries are a great option to have for backup power, and, now that the net metering policy in Arkansas has been downgraded, batteries also provide a financial benefit in your area. Arkansas no longer has one-to-one net metering, which means batteries let you store excess power on-site and then call on that stored power without having to pay the difference between the retail rate and the avoided cost rate. A battery will also offer backup power during blackouts. This is a nice option to have, especially in a state like Arkansas, where extreme weather is common.

Like most installers, Shine Solar gives you access to a free solar monitoring app that lets you track your production and identify performance issues early. This could lead to greater savings over time since you can call for repairs early on if there is an issue.

Cost and Financing Options

There are 4 primary solar financing options you can use: cash purchases, loans, leases and PPAs. The one you choose will have an impact on your upfront cost and long-term savings.

A cash purchase is the most expensive upfront, which also means it’s the least accessible option overall. It’s even less accessible in Arkansas than most other states because the average system cost is around $5,000 higher than the national average. However, paying in cash also leads to the highest long-term savings — an average of $26, 613 in Arkansas, based on our research — making it the best option overall, in my opinion. It also leads to immediate panel ownership, so you can take the ITC, which provides an average potential value of around $10,500 in Arkansas.

I think a solar loan is the next best option. It’s far more accessible because you’re only required to pay a small down payment rather than the full cost of the system. However, you will pay around $5,000 more for your system over time because of the interest rate. Even with that higher cost, your lifetime savings should average around $21,600, and you can still take advantage of the ITC.

Leases and PPAs are no-money-down options, making them the most accessible options. I don’t recommend these because they lead to much lower savings, usually somewhere between $4,000 and $5,000 over the life of your contract, and they don’t let you take the ITC. Shine Solar doesn’t accept leases or PPAs, so it’s probably not the right company for you if you’re looking to prioritize upfront affordability over long-term net savings.

Shine Solar, LLC Extra Services Offered 

4/5

Shine Solar really excels when it comes to its add-on services and equipment options, getting nearly perfect scores for extra services in our ratings. First, it handles roof repairs and replacements in-house. You’ll need at least a decade of life left in your roof to make sure it’s safe and beneficial to install solar panels. If your roof is old or damaged, you’ll need to pay to remove and replace your panels to make necessary repairs shortly after the installation, which will needlessly add to long-term expenses. It’s nice to have the option for in-house roof work, as you can get everything done at once and have a single company that’s responsible for any roof leaks or problems following the solar conversion.

Shine Solar also offers new insulation services using a product called Aeroseal. This is a high-efficiency type of insulation that can reduce heating and cooling costs, something that can get particularly expensive in a more extreme climate like the one in Arkansas. New insulation can help you maximize your solar savings and reduce your carbon footprint even further, making it a financially beneficial and sustainable option alongside your solar conversion.

Shine also includes professional solar monitoring with all of its installations, so while you’ll have the ability to monitor your system’s performance using a mobile app, the installer will actually be responsible for identifying problems for you. This should lead to faster solutions, which helps protect your savings over time.

The only add-on service Shine doesn’t offer is EV charger installation. EV adoption has been slow in Arkansas, so I don’t think this is a huge downside. However, I do think adoption will continue to grow, so having access to at-home charging would be nice to future-proof your solar system.

Shine Solar, LLC Environmental Impact & Sustainability Practices 

7.5/10

Converting your home to solar means reducing your reliability on your utility company, which almost always means reducing your reliance on fossil fuels as a source of energy. As such, going solar is always going to have a positive impact on the environment. However, not all panels are created equally, so I still think it’s important to choose a panel from a manufacturer that is as sustainable as possible. I have reviewed the best solar panel brands in the industry and have come up with a sustainability score for each.

Shine Solar installs Silfab panels, which tie with a few other tier-one panel brands in terms of how sustainable they are. Silfab uses recycled materials in their manufacturing process, it has an end-of-life recycling program to help keep their old panels out of landfills and it doesn’t have a history of ethical issues in the workplace, like poor working conditions, forced labor or slave labor. Silfab loses a few points in our solar panel reviews because the manufacturing primarily takes place outside of the U.S., but it’s still one of the most sustainable brands, according to our rankings.

It’s also worth noting that Shine Solar has a scholarship program to help students with an interest in renewable energy. I love to see this kind of program that helps promote sustainability careers, and I believe it has an overall positive impact on the world around us.

Shine Solar, LLC Equipment Quality & Reliability 

21/25

I also look at 18 different specifications for each of the brands our recommended installers work with to see how likely they are to stand up to long-term use and, perhaps more importantly, the extreme climate and weather conditions in Arkansas. Of those 18 factors, I think 3 are especially important in your area: the panel efficiency, the panel degradation rate and the wind load rating.

The panel efficiency tells you how efficient the panel is at converting solar energy into usable electricity for your home. This is a crucial spec to think about no matter where you live because higher efficiency ratings mean more energy production and utility bill offset, which translates to greater savings. It’s especially important in Arkansas, where homeowners use around 120% of the national average volume of electricity each month. Silfab panels top out around 21.4% efficiency. This is slightly below the average among tier-one brands — 22% and higher — but I still think it’s close enough to make it a solid option for savings in your area.

The panel degradation tells you how quickly that efficiency degrades. Slower degradation rates will yield higher savings over time, so again, this is an important consideration in areas like Arkansas, where the consumption rate is well above average. Silfab panels guarantee that 90.8% of the starting efficiency will remain after 25 years, which is in line with the industry standard — between 85% and 92%. Silfab also has a 30-year performance warranty, which is above the average of 25 years, making it a solid option in Arkansas for long-term savings.

Finally, the wind load rating tells you how much force the panels can resist from the underside. In real-world conditions, that force will only come from wind. Wind-related damages are a major concern in Arkansas because of the extreme thunderstorms and frequency of tornado activity in Tornado Alley. Silfab panels have the highest wind load rating I’ve seen among tier-one panels — 5,400 Pascals (Pa), well above the industry average of 3,520 Pa — making them an ideal option for Arkansas residents.

Warranties and Guarantees

I also assess the warranty coverage available from each provider, as this is what guarantees long-term performance and, in turn, lifetime savings. I look at 4 types of warranties to assess each provider.

First, I consider the equipment warranty, also called the manufacturer’s warranty. This comes from the panel producer and protects your system from damages related to manufacturer defects. The standard coverage lasts for 25 years, and Silfab panels provide exactly that, which is great.

Second, I look at the performance warranty, which guarantees a specific degradation rate. Most tier-one panels guarantee that between 85% and 92% of your panels’ starting efficiency will remain after 25 years. As mentioned above, Silfab guarantees 90.8%, putting it among the best in the industry for long-term performance and solar savings.

Third, I look at the workmanship warranty. This comes from your installer and guarantees that you won’t run into system damages that result from poor installation technique. Workmanship warranties usually fall around 12 years. Shine Solar does provide peace of mind with a labor warranty that lasts for the average 12 years. Compared to our top picks that don’t offer any workmanship warranty, Shine Solar stands out as a company that provides that peace of mind for system longevity.

Finally, I consider roof leak warranties. Most companies don’t offer this, but I think it’s particularly important in Arkansas, where average rainfall is around 40% higher than the national average. Above-average rainfall means a higher risk of roof leaks and related water damage, so I’m pleased to find that Shine includes roof leak coverage in its 12-year workmanship warranty.

Shine Solar, LLC Company Reputation 

21.5/25

I’m also happy to report that Shine Solar scores quite high in terms of its reputation in the local solar industry. To arrive at this score, we look at company memberships and certifications, and I also assess customer review ratings on sites like the BBB and Google Reviews.

Shine Solar was founded in 2016, so it has 8 years of experience under its belt. I try to promote companies with some longevity, as this suggests they’ll stick around for the long haul and will keep your warranty coverage intact long after your system starts generating power for your home. I prefer companies with a decade of experience and longevity in the industry, so Shine does lose a few points for its 8 years of experience. Shine Solar isn’t an SEIA member, either, so it loses some additional points accordingly. SEIA membership suggests a financial commitment to the industry, which further helps establish a company’s success and longevity.

Shine Solar does, however, use NABCEP-certified technicians. Certification requires training beyond what the State of Arkansas demands for solar professionals, so this should instill some additional confidence that your installation will pass inspection and be problem-free.

In terms of customer review ratings, Shine Solar scores well above the industry average, too. It has an A+ rating and a 4.71-star customer review score on the BBB, as well as a 4.5-star rating on Google Reviews. These aren’t quite as impressive as the 5-star ratings that Perihelion and New Farm Solar have, but they’re still well above the industry averages of around 3 stars, and they suggest that your experience will be a positive one from the first inspection through installation and beyond.

Consumer Reviews and Testimonials

In addition to looking at the aggregate customer ratings, I think it’s important to see what, specifically, a company does well and where it falls short. Most of the reviews are positive and mention high-quality customer care, honest and informative salespeople and a long-term commitment to customer satisfaction even after the system is installed. Negative reviews mention some slow responses to issues after the installation, as well as missed expectations in terms of production. However, in reading through the company’s responses, it does seem like Shine Solar wasn’t at fault for the majority of these complaints.

I’ll include 1 positive and 1 negative review below to paint a picture of the company’s customer service.

“We have been very satisfied with Shine Solar company. Totally recommend this company if you are looking for solar and HVAC.  The installation was done professionally throughout both of our installments. Our salesman answered all our questions concerning both installments. He was very detailed in the process and when we had questions, he answered promptly. We never felt pressured into our purchase. HVAC team was prompt, professional and very patient with our questions. Our house stays cool in the summer and warm in the winter months. Solar team did an excellent job setting up our solar. We were kept informed through the entire process. The apps to see how much the solar is producing are wonderful. Looking for solar? HVAC? Look at Shine Solar!” — Antonia S. via Google Reviews

“We bought solar panels with the battery because one winter we went 2 whole weeks without power. We’ve had the solar panels about 4 years now, and on 3 different occasions we’ve lost power from the grid, just to find out our battery is not charging, or our system isn’t reporting. So the whole reason we wanted the panels was to not ever lose power, and yet we still lose power every time as if we didn’t have them. We’ve been waiting since February for them to come install a part to fix it, and they have just started ignoring us. It is September. We keep emailing, calling, texting. If we do reach someone, it’s always someone new, and they say they’ll get an update for us and then never call back. This company is a scam. Do not buy from this company.” — Miranda P. via Google Reviews

I should note that Shine Solar replied to the negative review above and explained that it’s an issue with the Wi-Fi connection, so it does seem like it’s a problem that the homeowner will need to fix. They also noted that the system is still producing and that the connection to internet will show that production once fixed.

Shine Solar, LLC Customer Service 

10/10

The last portion of our company review process involves reading through customer reviews to get a sense of how it treats real customers, and I’m pleased to report that Shine Solar appears to go above and beyond for all of its customers. Of the dozens of reviews I read, it seems clear that Shine cares about its customers, makes honest representations during the sales process and is ready and willing to fix issues that may pop up after installation. These are key things I look for in a solar installer, especially since you’ll likely be spending thousands of dollars on your solar array.

I also called Shine Solar as a secret shopper to get a firsthand experience with the provider. The company was quick to respond to my inquiry, and the rep was friendly and helpful. I didn’t feel pressured into scheduling an in-person inspection and consultation, and the rep knew about and explained the recent changes to Arkansas’ net metering policy. They explained the new financial benefits of solar batteries, which impressed me, as the policy is just a few days old. In my book, upfront customer service doesn’t get much better than that.

Why We Chose Stitt Solar

Stitt Solar is one of the few solar installers in Arkansas that provides a workmanship warranty that’s well above the industry standard and lasts for 20 years. It also offers 3 panel brands, 1 of which — Canadian Solar — includes a manufacturer’s warranty that’s in line with the industry standard — 25 years. Provided you choose that brand from Stitt, you’ll get some of the best warranty coverage available among our picks for the best solar companies in Arkansas.

Stitt Solar also has an outstanding reputation for quality customer service, communication and commitment to its warranty coverage. It has a 4.9-star review on Google, which is especially impressive since the company has been in business since 1978. Going with Stitt means you get service from a company with decades of experience that still proves it puts customers first.

Stitt Solar comes with some drawbacks, too. For one, it has a great workmanship warranty, but it doesn’t offer a roof leak warranty. Roof leak coverage would be nice, especially since Arkansas sees above-average rainfall each year that increases the risk of leaking and water damage. Additionally, the company really only handles the basics, so it’s not the best choice if you’re looking for customization options or add-on services.

What I Like About Stitt Solar

My favorite thing about Stitt Solar and the thing that would primarily make me consider this company is the warranty coverage you get. The workmanship warranty lasts for 20 years, which instills confidence that you’re getting a system installed by true professionals who know what they’re doing and stand behind their work. This is much better than the industry standard, and it’s far better than not having any workmanship warranty — which you’d get if you went with Perihelion or New Farm Solar — and it’s nearly double what you’d get from Shine Solar.

Stitt Solar also uses an in-house installation team, uses high-quality panel brands — including LONGi, which ranks highest among all tier-one panel brands in our solar panel reviews — and maintains outstanding customer reviews that should provide further peace of mind that you’re in good hands when choosing this provider.

What I Don’t Like About Stitt Solar

I think the biggest downside to going with Stitt Solar is that it doesn’t accept leases or PPAs. This is kind of a double-edged sword because I don’t generally recommend these options, but they do help keep solar accessible to far more people. Leases and PPAs save you much less money over time, but they also don’t require any money down and lead to immediate savings in most cases. In a perfect world, Stitt Solar would accept these $0-down options but still prioritize cash purchases and loans.

Stitt Solar is also a bare-bones installer. It installs the basics, including panels, batteries, inverters and auxiliary equipment like racking systems and wiring, but beyond that, it doesn’t offer any equipment. If you want to couple your system with energy efficiency upgrades, EV chargers or roof work, you’ll need to have them installed separately or contact a third-party company and coordinate to have everything done at once. This is just less convenient and more time-consuming than a company that does everything in-house.

Stitt Solar Installation Process and Timeline

Stitt Solar clearly explains its installation process on its website. You’ll start with a free energy consultation and property inspection, after which the team will design a system that meets your needs. Once you sign your contract, Stitt will pull permits for the work and order necessary equipment. When the permits are approved, its in-house team of installers will install everything and then schedule final inspections before connecting your system to the grid and activating your panels.

Stitt doesn’t offer an estimated timeline on its website, but I’d expect the typical 6- to 8-week wait from the initial inspection to the day your system starts generating power for your home.

Stitt Solar Standard Services & Financing 

20/25

Stitt Solar covers the basics fairly well and scores quite high in our ratings when it comes to its standard services. First, it uses an in-house installation team for all of the labor. I think this is preferable to a company that outsources all of its labor, as it helps avoid miscommunication and issues with third parties not providing the kind of service Stitt Solar promises. You also have a single company to hold responsible if something goes wrong, so there’s no risk of different companies pointing fingers at each other and trying to pass blame.

Stitt Solar is also a certified Tesla Powerwall installer, so it offers solar batteries alongside panel installation. Batteries are more of a necessity than ever before in Arkansas because of the state’s recently downgraded net metering program. Basically, any energy you overproduce with your panels gets sent to your utility company, and then you can call on the excess at any point to offset usage when your panels underproduce, like at night or on cloudy days. However, you no longer get credited at a one-to-one rate, so batteries can help you increase your solar savings over time, making them a good option. Another benefit batteries offer is providing backup power during outages. Power outages are a risk in Arkansas, given the extreme weather, but having solar batteries comes with a high expense and only provides that sole benefit.

You also get access to a solar monitoring app when you go solar with Stitt. This gives you access to your solar production and energy consumption, which can help you identify production issues and potential damages early on. Getting a fix in place sooner can help you maintain savings, so access to a monitoring app is always a good thing.

Cost and Financing Options

Stitt Solar only accepts cash and solar loans, so it loses some points in our ratings for the lack of leases and PPAs. The way you financing your system plays an important role in your upfront cost and savings over time, so having more options gives you more freedom to customize your cost and savings.

With a cash purchase, you’ll have to pay your entire system cost upfront. This is the least accessible option, and it’s less realistic in a place like Arkansas, where the average cost of going solar is around 40% higher than the national average. Cash does come with the highest savings possible, though — an average of around $26,600 — and it lets you take the ITC, a solar incentive that provides an average potential value of $10,461 in Arkansas.

A solar loan is the next best option in terms of long-term savings. You’ll pay much less upfront in the form of a down payment, so it’s far more accessible than paying cash, but you’ll then pay interest on the loan, which adds an average of around $5,000 to your total. That reduces your net savings, so you can expect to save an average of about $21,600 total. Loans still let you take the ITC.

Solar leases and PPAs are arrangements that get you your panels installed for no money down in most cases, making them the most accessible options. However, they save far less over time — usually between $4,000 and $5,000 — and they preclude you from taking the ITC, so you miss out on a tax credit averaging over $10,000. Leases and PPAs also don’t lead to panel ownership, so they can cause issues if you sell your home before your contract is up.

Note that Stitt Solar doesn’t accept leases or PPAs, so going solar with Stitt is going to require a fairly substantial payment upfront. Again, I don’t recommend these financing options because they save you less and prevent you from taking some solar incentives, but I do like to see companies offering them to keep solar open to as many people as possible.

Stitt Solar Extra Services Offered 

1/5

Stitt Solar covers the basics well, but it falls short when it comes to add-on services and customization options. First, it doesn’t offer any roofing services. Before you install solar, you have to make sure your roof has enough useful life left in it so that you’re not needlessly paying to remove and reinstall your panels in a few years to carry out roof repairs or a replacement. Solar installers that offer solar installations and roof work make the process a bit simpler, as they can complete everything you need to convert to clean energy. Plus, if something goes wrong, you have a single company to hold responsible.

Stitt Solar also doesn’t offer any energy efficiency upgrades. Arkansas has a somewhat extreme climate, and with 40% of utility bills going toward heating and cooling, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. Efficiency upgrades like smart thermostats, window and door replacements and insulation upgrades would be great options for maximizing efficiency and boosting the value of your solar array, so it’s kind of a shame that Stitt Solar doesn’t offer any of these services.

Stitt also doesn’t install EV chargers. EV adoption in Arkansas has been slower than it has in most other states, but as the popularity of EVs continues to rise, I expect more and more solar customers will want to add on the option of at-home charging. Right now, I don’t think it’s a huge deal that Stitt doesn’t provide this, but I do like to see companies offering it, especially for customers who want to future-proof their solar arrays in preparation for getting an EV.

Finally, Stitt Solar doesn’t provide professional monitoring for systems. You do get access to monitor your own system via a mobile app, but I like to see installers providing professional monitoring in addition to app access, as it takes the responsibility of identifying production issues off of you.

Stitt Solar Environmental Impact & Sustainability Practices 

7.5/10

Going solar is one of the best ways to reduce your carbon footprint and the negative impact you have on the environment because you’re effectively trading the burning of fossil fuels for a renewable energy source. However, there’s still some variation in how big of a positive impact you have, as not all solar panel brands are equally as sustainable. To assess a brand’s sustainability, I look at a few factors, like the use of recycled materials, the presence of end-of-life recycling programs and more.

Stitt Solar installs panels from LONGi, Canadian Solar and Jinko Solar. Of these 3 options, I’d recommend Canadian Solar for sustainability. It uses recycled materials in its manufacturing process, has a recycling program for old panels and doesn’t have a history of slave labor, unfair wages or other ethically unsustainable business practices. LONGi scores a bit lower because it doesn’t use recycled materials during production, and Jinko scores even lower because it doesn’t use recycled materials but also was recently accused of using forced labor. Canadian Solar is the option I’d recommend from Stitt if you want to maximize your sustainability efforts.

Stitt Solar Equipment Quality & Reliability 

18/25

Stitt Solar scores quite well when it comes to the quality and reliability of its products and services, which is a big reason why we chose this as the best solar installer in Arkansas for warranty coverage. I start my assessment of quality and reliability by comparing the panel brands each company offers. I look at 18 different panel specifications, but I think 3 are particularly important for Arkansas solar customers. Those include panel efficiency, panel degradation rate and maximum wind load.

Panel efficiency tells you how much of the available sunlight your panels can convert into usable electricity. Higher efficiency ratings yield higher savings because they offset more of your electric bill by producing more energy. High-efficiency panels are especially important in Arkansas because homeowners in the state use significantly more electricity than most Americans — 1,060 kWh per month as opposed to the national average of 881 kWh. The best tier-one brands have efficiency ratings over 22%, and all of the brands Stitt Solar offers top 23%, which is outstanding. All 3 brands are stellar options in Arkansas for maximizing solar savings.

The degradation rate tells you how quickly your panels lose their efficiency. Slower degradation rates are better because they guarantee a higher level of production over time, which, again, helps maximize your long-term savings. Most tier-one panel brands guarantee that between 85% and 92% of the starting efficiency will remain after 25 years, and the higher the remaining percentage, the more your panels should save you in the long run. All 3 panel options from Stitt guarantee 89.4% after 25 years, so they all fall within the typical range. As such, they should all be good options for securing savings for decades to come.

Finally, the max wind load rating tells you how much force your panels can withstand from the underside before they’re at risk of damage. This is crucial in Arkansas because strong winds are common during tornadoes and severe thunderstorms, both of which are prevalent in the area. Panels with higher wind load ratings should stand up better to the extreme weather in the area. Unfortunately, all 3 panel brands from Stitt Solar have wind load ratings of just 2,400 Pascals (Pa), which is below the average for tier-one panels — around 3,520 Pa. They should stand up to winds that hit around 140 mph, which is still outstanding, but I’d personally prefer a panel with a higher rating for greater peace of mind.

Warranties and Guarantees

In addition to comparing panel specifications, I also look at the warranty coverage offered by each provider, and this is where I feel Stitt Solar shines. I look at 4 types of warranty coverage that are available for solar systems.

First, I consider the equipment warranty, which comes from the manufacturer and covers damages resulting from defects. Most tier-one panel brands include 25 years of coverage for manufacturer defects. Canadian Solar is the best option from Stitt for this coverage, as it meets the industry standard. LONGi and Jinko only offer a 12-year equipment warranty, so they offer less peace of mind.

Second, I look at the performance warranty, which is what guarantees your panels won’t lose more efficiency than what’s stated in the degradation rate. The standard for tier-one panels is to guarantee between 85% and 92% of the efficiency remaining after 25 years. All of the brands from Stitt Solar fall within this range, and they all include above-average coverage that lasts for 30 years — about 20% better than the industry average.

Third, I look at the workmanship warranty. This comes from the installer in most cases and protects you from problems that stem from poor installation technique. In my opinion, this is more important than the equipment and performance warranties, and it varies more among providers than the previous warranty coverages. The standard in the industry is a 12-year labor warranty, and Stitt Solar is one of the few installers in Arkansas that meets that average. For comparison, our top 2 providers don’t offer a workmanship warranty, and Shine Solar provides just 12 years of coverage. This is one area where Stitt stands apart from a lot of the local competition, and a longer warranty for labor ultimately means greater peace of mind and a lower risk of out-of-pocket repair costs.

Finally, I look to see if the provider offers a roof leak warranty. This coverage guarantees that your roof penetrations won’t leak, which gives you even more confidence in the installer’s abilities and expertise. Most companies don’t offer a roof leak warranty, and Stitt is one of them that doesn’t. This is a bit of a let down, especially since Arkansas sees above-average rainfall that increases the risk of leaks, but I do think the solid workmanship warranty is still a major upside to choosing this provider.

Stitt Solar Company Reputation 

21.5/25

As I mentioned before, Stitt has a remarkable reputation for keeping customers happy, and it has upheld that reputation since the 1970s, making it all the more impressive of a feat. Unsurprisingly, it scores very well in our ratings in terms of its overall reputation.

I look for solar installers that have proven they have what it takes to succeed and continue to grow in the solar industry, which is an unusually competitive one and one that changes constantly. Having been around since 1978, Stitt Solar is a true veteran in the local solar market. The fact that it has maintained its reputation for nearly 50 years is something very few installers have been able to do, and it speaks volumes about the company’s longevity in the future. You can bet on Stitt Solar remaining in business, which means the stellar warranty coverage you get will also stick around.

Stitt loses some points in our ratings because it doesn’t use NABCEP-certified installers. NABCEP certification demands a higher level of PV-specific training and helps establish a company’s ability to install solar equipment properly and without issue. I will say that Stitt’s experience and customer ratings speak for themselve in terms of professionalism and expertise, but I would still like to see the provider go one step further and maintain NABCEP certification.

It also loses some points because it’s not an SEIA member. SEIA membership proves a financial commitment to the solar industry, which helps establish that the company is here to stay and will keep your warranty coverage intact. Once again, though, I think this is less of a big deal for Stitt Solar than most other installers because the company has 40+ years of experience and success behind it.

Stitt really shines when it comes to customer reviews and ratings. It has an A+ rating on the BBB, and, more impressively, maintains a 4.9-star rating on Google Reviews. Notably, the only 1-star review is from a customer who didn’t get service from Stitt but was unhappy that the company wouldn’t service a system that another company tried — and failed — to install. This kind of rating is unprecedented in the solar industry, especially for a company that has been serving customers for decades. If I were choosing a provider based on company reputation, Stitt Solar is the one I’d turn to in Arkansas.

Consumer Reviews and Testimonials

I read through dozens of customer reviews for each solar installer I assess to get a sense of the actual issues the company runs into and to see where it excels. All of the reviews from Stitt Solar — with the exception of 1 from a non-customer — are overwhelmingly positive. Customers rave about how honest and straightforward the salespeople are, how communicative the company is throughout the entire process and, most importantly, how ready and willing Stitt is to step in and stand behind its warranty promises and guarantees. There are some one-off comments about some delays during the installation process, but it’s clear that Stitt did everything it could to make the situation right and provide outstanding customer service.

I’ll include 2 reviews below that I believe showcase Stitt Solar’s ability to excel when it comes to making customers happy and ensuring they are satisfied with their systems.

“Stitt Solar just installed our solar array. They were so responsive and worked with me to decide on the number of panels and our goals in reference to the electric bill. Stitt, and particularly Stephen, made the process easy. The panels were up within weeks. And, they took care of paperwork with the electric company and arranged for post-installation certifications. I am enjoying the app. You can follow the amount of energy that your array is producing and the amount you might be importing. Thank you, Stitt Solar.” — Karen C. via Google Reviews

“I did my research and feel these are the best solar panels and inverters on the market. Sales took their time to get all my questions answered and met me at site. The  Installation crew was great. Everybody there is very friendly. Only real issue was 6 weeks between installation and setup of monitoring and utility meter change out and turn on. There was some employee change over at time that contributed to that but also some simple process changes could be implemented to reduce that time greatly. I lost a month of energy production due to those issues and why 4 stars instead of 5. I also wish the monitoring had the same 25 year warranty as the rest of the equipment.” — Robert S. via Google Reviews

Stitt Solar Customer Service 

10/10

The final part of our solar installer review process involves me reading through customer reviews to see where the company shines and where — if at all — it falls short of customer expectations. I also call each provider as a secret shopper to see what its initial customer service is like. Stitt Solar absolutely does not disappoint when it comes to customer service, so I couldn’t give it anything but a perfect score.

Just about every single review online includes a perfect score, and those that don’t mention what I believe are minor issues, like some delays during installation. The important things — like standing behind warranty coverage and being honest when it comes to discussing the perks of solar — are all things Stitt gets right. My secrete shopper call also went as smoothly as it possibly could have. The representative was friendly and professional, and they were knowledgeable about the process and Stitt’s products and services. All in all, I’d be thrilled to work with Stitt if I were going solar in Arkansas.

Why We Chose Seal Solar

Seal Solar is another company that’s well known in Arkansas for providing outstanding customer service, as is evidenced by the company’s 4.9-star rating on Google Reviews and its A+ rating with the BBB. This is the company I recommend for any prospective solar customers who are worried about their solar provider disappearing or becoming unresponsive after making the sale or installing the system. It has over a decade of experience, and still just about every customer raves about the quality of service and customer care they received.

Other providers on our list have similarly high ratings, but reading through the actual reviews, it’s abundantly clear that Seal Solar has the customer’s best interest at heart. People mention an honest, thorough and simple sales process, a clean installation with no hiccups and the company’s commitment to quality care for years after the installation. This is what I believe sets it apart from the rest of the installers in Arkansas.

While Seal Solar provides incredible customer service, there are some downsides to consider, too. Like some other providers on our list, it’s really lacking when it comes to add-on services, and it doesn’t accept leases or PPAs, so the financing options available will be quite expensive upfront.

What I Like About Seal Solar

As I mentioned already, I think the best thing about Seal Solar is the quality care you’ll receive throughout the entire installation process and beyond. It couples that care with a 10-year roof leak warranty, which is relatively uncommon in the solar industry. This is especially helpful for providing peace of mind in Arkansas, where above-average annual rainfall puts rooftop solar at an increased risk of leaking and water damage.

Seal Solar has 12 years of experience, making it a solar veteran. This kind of longevity in the industry suggests that the company is here to stay, which means your warranty coverage is, too. Again, that’s extra helpful in Arkansas due to the extreme weather and heavy rainfall.

Finally, Seal Solar offers price matching, so if you find a different company that will install an equivalent system at a lower price, you could save some money and get superior customer service by going with Seal instead.

What I Don’t Like About Seal Solar

One downside to Seal Solar is that it more or less just offers the basics. It couples panels and batteries with EV charger installations, but if you’re looking for roof work before going solar, or you want energy efficiency upgrades or professional monitoring for your system, you’ll have to look elsewhere.

Additionally, Seal Solar only offers a 1-year workmanship warranty, which is far shorter than the industry standard of 12 years. I think the company’s reputation helps lessen the blow of such a short coverage period, but I’d still love to see a longer warranty for greater peace of mind, especially since you’ll be spending thousands of dollars on your solar array.

Seal Solar Installation Process and Timeline

Seal Solar doesn’t offer any information as far as how long it takes to go from your initial consultation to the day your panels are generating power for your home. I expect that it would be around the industry average of 6 to 8 weeks, though. I’m basing this partially on a lack of complaints in customer reviews regarding delays.

The process of going solar with Seal is nothing novel, and you’ll go through similar steps to what you’d see from most other companies. You’ll start with an in-person inspection so that Seal can check your roof condition, assess sunlight availability and gauge your energy needs. The provider will then design a system custom fit to your home and present you with a formal estimate. Once you agree, Seal Solar will take care of all of the permitting before installing your equipment. Your rep will then schedule final inspections before turning your system on.

Seal Solar Standard Services & Financing 

20/25

Seal Solar does the basics of solar well, so it scores quite high in our ratings. It uses in-house solar technicians, which I think is important for avoiding communication issues and potential finger-pointing if something goes wrong. You have a single entity to hold responsible for any issues, which helps keep the process simple and straightforward. I think this is a big reason why Seal Solar is able to maintain such positive ratings.

Seal Solar installs solar batteries, which I think are great options, especially since they now offer a financial benefit in Arkansas. The state used to have a one-to-one net metering policy, but that changed on October 1st. Now, solar batteries are really the only way to get maximum value for your excess power, and they can and usually will provide a financial benefit. Additionally, they can provide backup power during outages, which is especially helpful in Arkansas, given the frequency of extreme weather in the area.

Every Seal Solar system also comes with a free mobile app that lets you monitor your system. Self-monitoring can help you identify and fix issues with production quickly to maintain savings and avoid more costly repairs or replacements. You can even see energy consumption data on the app, which you can use to reduce how much electricity you consume. This can be especially helpful in Arkansas, as the average consumption is well above the national average.

Cost and Financing Options

Seal Solar accepts cash and solar loans, so it loses some points in our ratings for not accepting leases or PPAs.

Paying in cash means you’ll have to pay for your entire system upfront, making it the most expensive option initially. However, since you own your panels outright and won’t pay any interest, you’ll see the highest savings possible — an average of $26,613 in Arkansas, based on our research. Paying in cash also means you can take advantage of the federal ITC, which is one of the most beneficial solar incentives in Arkansas. This perk alone holds an average potential value of over $10,400.

Solar loans are much more accessible because you’re only required to pay a small down payment upfront. You’ll then pay the balance in monthly installments. Those monthly payments will include interest, which typically adds around $5,000 to your total system cost over time and reduces your net savings by the same amount. Still, you’ll save an average of around $21,600 using a solar loan, and you can still take advantage of the ITC.

Leases and PPAs are appealing because they don’t require any money down, and they sometimes don’t require a credit check. They’re the most affordable upfront and are therefore the most accessible. I don’t recommend leases or PPAs because your lifetime savings will be between $4,000 and $5,000, which is still good but a far cry from the $26,000+ you’d save if you paid in cash. Even though I recommend going another route, I still like to see companies offering these no-money-down options to help keep solar as accessible as possible.

Seal Solar doesn’t accept leases or PPAs, so if you know you want one of these financing options, you’ll have to choose a different company.

Seal Solar Extra Services Offered 

1/5

As I mentioned above, Seal Solar offers most of the basics, but it’s not the best company if you’re looking to customize your system with add-ons. Seal doesn’t handle roof work, so if you need a replacement or repair before installing panels, you’ll have to coordinate with a roofing company. This is less convenient than just having one company tackle everything, especially since you’ll have to spend time researching and choosing a roofing company in addition to picking a solar installer.

Seal Solar also doesn’t offer any energy efficiency upgrades, like HVAC installations, window and door installations, insulation packages or smart thermostats or electrical panels. This isn’t a big deal if you know you just want solar equipment, but if you’re looking to maximize your positive impact on the environment or want to reduce your energy consumption while also converting to clean energy, Seal Solar isn’t the right company for you.

Seal also doesn’t offer professional monitoring. You do get access to a self-monitoring app that lets you track your consumption and production data to identify production problems and get repairs underway sooner, but having a company that watches your production and system performance for you takes the responsibility off of you and makes your life a bit easier.

Seal Solar does get 1 point in our rating section for add-on services because it installs EV chargers. EVs are growing in popularity around the country, and some states are even passing laws that mandate that a certain percentage of newly registered vehicles be zero-emission. Right now, access to at-home charging is nice to have if you own an EV or are considering buying one, but I think it will be even more crucial in the future as adoption continues to expand.

Seal Solar Environmental Impact & Sustainability Practices 

7.5/10

If you’re looking to have a positive impact on the environment, going solar is one of the best things you can do as an individual. It cuts down on CO2 emissions and pollution while also reducing your reliance on fossil fuels. Any panel brand will help you achieve those perks, but I still think it’s important to choose as sustainable of a brand as possible. I reviewed all of the tier-one panel brands and compared them based on the sustainability of each manufacturer.

Seal Solar installs Silfab panels, which tie with a few other brands for first place in our sustainability rankings. Silfab uses recycled materials during production, has a recycling program available to keep old panels out of landfills and doesn’t have a history of ethically unsustainable business practices, like forced labor, unsafe working conditions or racism in the workplace. The only reason Silfab loses points is because the panels are manufactured outside of the United States, but overall, I think this is a great brand for maximizing your positive effect on the environment.

Seal Solar Equipment Quality & Reliability 

17/25

In addition to assessing each panel brand’s sustainability, I also look at the quality of the equipment and how reliable it is. I assess panels based on 18 specifications, and I think 3, in particular, are important considerations in Arkansas and have the greatest impact on your system’s longevity. Those include the panel efficiency, the degradation rate and the maximum wind load rating.

The panel efficiency tells you how much of the available sunlight on your roof your panels will be able to collect and convert into energy you can use in your home. The higher the efficiency rating, the more electricity your panels generate, the more consumption you can offset and the greater your solar savings will be. High efficiency is particularly important in areas where consumption is high, like Arkansas, where homes consume around 20% more power than most U.S. residents. The average efficiency rating among tier-one panel brands is around 22%. Silfab falls just a touch short of this, topping out at 21.4%. As such, it’s not the best brand for maximizing production, but it’s close to the average.

The degradation rate of a panel tells you how quickly you lose that efficiency. All panels become less efficient over time, but how long they hold their original efficiency dictates your long-term savings and tells you about how long you can expect your panels to continue to offset your electric bills. Most tier-one brands guarantee that your panels will retain between 85% and 92% of their starting efficiency after 25 years, and Silfab falls comfortably in that range, guaranteeing 90.8%.

The wind load rating tells you how much pressure your panels can withstand from the rear before getting damaged, which is an important consideration in areas that see strong winds. Arkansas is in Tornado Alley and sees more severe thunderstorms and tornado activity than most other states. I believe a high wind load rating is all but necessary in the area to guarantee panel longevity. Silfab panels have an industry-leading max wind load rating of 5,400 Pascals (Pa), which is well above the industry average of 3,520 Pa. As such, the panels available from Seal Solar should be able to stand up to just about anything that wouldn’t also destroy your home.

Warranties and Guarantees

Panel specs are important, but I also think it’s crucial to consider the warranty coverage you get from your solar installer. I look at 4 different types of solar warranties when reviewing installers: equipment warranties, performance warranties, workmanship warranties and rook leak warranties.

Equipment warranties come from the panel manufacturer and get passed to you through your installer. These cover manufacturer defects, which can cut down on your production and, in turn, your solar savings. Most manufacturers offer a 25-year equipment warranty, and the Silfab panels available from Seal Solar provide just that.

Performance warranties guarantee a specific degradation rate. Warranties that ensure a slower degradation rate mean your panels will continue performing well for longer and ultimately lead to greater savings over time. The standard performance warranty guarantees that between 85% and 92% of your panels’ original efficiency will remain after 25 years. Silfab falls within that range and actually provides a 30-year guarantee, which is slightly better than the industry average.

Workmanship warranties usually come from your installer and cover the installation labor. They can help insulate you from out-of-pocket costs to repair problems that result from a faulty installation. The industry standard is 12 years, and unfortunately, Seal Solar only offers a 1-year workmanship warranty. I’ve heard from industry professionals that most issues with the installation will become apparent shortly after installation anyway, but I’d really love to see a better guarantee from Seal.

Finally, roof leak warranties guarantee that your roof penetrations won’t leak for the warranty term. Roof leaks are some of the most common issues with rooftop solar panels, so this coverage always provides some much-needed peace of mind. They’re especially helpful in places like Arkansas that see above-average rainfall and have an increased risk of roof leaks. I’m happy to report that Seal Solar offers a 10-year roof leak warranty, which is much better than most companies, as the standard is no roof leak warranty at all.

Seal Solar Company Reputation 

22.5/25

I mentioned before that Seal Solar has outstanding customer reviews, but it also has a pristine reputation in the local solar industry. First, it was founded in 2012, so it has 12 years of experience installing solar arrays. This means a lot in the solar industry, which is highly competitive and constantly changing. A lot of companies pop up and go out of business in just a few years, often taking your warranty coverage with them. Seal Solar’s longevity in the industry proves that it has what it takes to maintain a level of success despite the competition, which should instill some confidence that both the company and your warranty protection are here to stay.

Seal Solar also uses NABCEP-certified installers. Obtaining NABCEP certification requires specialized training above and beyond what the State of Arkansas mandates, so you’re guaranteed to get a professional, highly-trained installer handling your installation. This provides further peace of mind that your system will be problem-free.

Seal loses some points in our ratings because it’s not an SEIA member. Maintaining membership shows that a company is financially invested in the solar industry, which helps prove its commitment to sticking around and keeping your warranty coverage intact. I don’t think this is as big of a deal for a solar veteran like Seal Solar, but I do still like to see companies maintaining SEIA membership.

Seal Solar also has an A+ rating with the BBB, which is a good sign, but more importantly, it has near-perfect customer ratings on Google Reviews. In its 12 years of serving Arkansas, it has maintained a 4.9-star customer rating, which is outstanding and well above the local average, which sits around 3 stars. These ratings all but guarantee that you’re going to get incredible service and have a positive experience when going solar with Seal.

Consumer Reviews and Testimonials

In my opinion, it’s more important to read through customer reviews than to look at aggregate scores, as actual customer comments help paint a picture of the service you’ll receive. Nearly all of the reviews for Seal Solar are positive, and customers touch on what I believe are the most important things you should look for in an installer. Those include good communication, an honest approach to solar sales and an ongoing commitment to keeping customers happy with their systems. There are just 2 negative reviews, one of which suggests a misunderstanding on the part of the customer, and the other of which is unresolved thus far but mentions higher bills than before going solar.

I’ll include a positive and negative review below that I think provide a complete picture of what you can expect from Seal Solar.

“My experience with Seal has been great! Phil on the sales team helped me out a ton, even when I made everything more complex by bundling my Solar and HVAC replacement under the same loan. He was super gracious and very quick to answer any questions that I had. Mari in the office called me every week after I had agreed on the purchase to keep me updated on timelines and progress for the project. The install team was very efficient and  finished the job in a single day. They didn’t communicate very well with me, but that wasn’t enough to knock off a star. I have only had the panels for one week but can already tell the service is going to be excellent. I had to troubleshoot the system once (turns out the electrician from the city hadn’t turned it on correctly) and Seal was very quick to hop on the phone with me and walk through all the steps.” — Nate A. via Google Reviews

“My energy bill doubled after installation. After 23 months of higher than before bills turned it off for w months bills went back down. After numerous complaints [to] Seal Solar, [the] problem [is] still not resolved.” — Kenny B. via Google Reviews

I should mention that your energy bills will never increase after going solar with a cash purchase or solar loan, so I can only assume that the negative review above is referencing a complete monthly bill that includes both the electric bill and the solar loan payment. Note that monthly payments could be higher initially with a solar loan, although they’re usually lower. Additionally, you will almost always see net savings over time, even if your monthly bills are higher at first.

Seal Solar Customer Service 

10/10

The last section of our solar installer reviews is the only subjective part of the process. I assign this score based on dozens of customer reviews I read through, as well as a secret shopper call I make to the company.

As I already mentioned, the customer reviews for Seal are incredible, and it’s clear that the company does everything it possibly can to make converting to solar as comfortable of a process as possible. Combined with the company’s willingness to stand behind its work and products, I had no choice but to give it full marks for customer service.

I also called Seal Solar as a secret shopper and had a pleasant and informational conversation with one of the reps. They were knowledgeable about the conversion process and were able to answer questions I had honestly and succinctly. Based on customer reviews and my initial experience, I’d be comfortable choosing Seal Solar to install panels on my own home.