How much does solar cost?
Today, solar costs less than traditional electricity in many markets. We can install your system with no upfront cost, and you can pay less for clean, abundant solar energy.
How does solar power work?
The solar panels are made up of photovoltaic (PV) cells, which convert sunlight into direct current (DC) electricity throughout the day. A discreetly placed inverter converts the DC electricity into alternating current (AC) electricity, which is what your home utilizes. When your solar power system produces more power than you need, it feeds the power back into the electricity grid.
Will my system still be connected to the utility grid?
Yes, all our systems are connected to the utility grid. During the day, your property will draw energy from the solar system and feed any excess energy back to the grid. At night, you’ll continue to draw energy from the grid as you do now.
Why should I consider solar energy?
Unlike fossil fuels, solar energy is a technology, not a fuel, and consumers can expect continuous improvements. Investing in solar energy will improve energy efficiency and reduce monthly energy costs.
What solar systems do you offer?
We offer two types of photo-voltaic (PV) arrays, rooftop and ground mounted, for both residential and commercial members.
Does Ozarks Natural Energy offer financing?
Ozarks Natural Energy has preferred solar partner(s) that can offer affordable financing for your solar investment. Our partner(s) will provide solar customers with reliable access to a range of solar financing options to meet the different needs of many homeowners. They offer financing solutions with no money down options.
How do you calculate the cost?
The total cost of installing a solar array depends on the size of the system. Our partners will perform an energy analysis and site assessment to customize a system to fit your individual needs. Once you have decided on a roof or ground mounted system, an energy advisor will schedule a consultation and provide an estimate.
Are there tax incentives for solar installations?
Most solar installations qualify for a Federal Solar Tax Credit. For more information about Federal Solar Tax Credits visit the IRS Website. What kind of energy savings can I expect? The average residential member consumes approximately 1200 kWh a month. A 5-kW solar system generates on average 625 kWh per month or 7500 kWh per year, saving you almost 50 percent on energy costs.
How long until I’m solar powered?
After an onsite visit, assessment, and proposal accepted, installation will be scheduled. An average 5 kW system installation takes one week to complete. *Installation completion time will vary based on the size of the system.
Can I insure my solar array?
We recommend insuring your new asset. Most insurance companies will allow you to include the system under your homeowner’s insurance policy.
Will there be an impact on my property taxes?
Studies show that the installation of a solar system can increase the value of your home by up to 20 percent. Please refer to your state tax codes for potential property tax impact.
How much electricity will my solar system produce?
We recommend you using a national calculator like National Renewable Energy Laboratory PVWatts Calculator for guidance. If you are planning on a rooftop system, there are several variables that determine how much your system will produce on average. The pitch of your roof and orientation of the panels on the roof matter in your overall solar production. The typical system in Northwest Arkansas or Northeast Oklahoma with full sun exposure will produce approximately 1,382 kilowatt-hours (kWh) per year for every 1 kilowatt (kW) of system capacity.
Can I put a solar system somewhere else other than my roof?
Yes. If your property is large enough to accommodate a ground-mounted system, and the location is not shaded by trees or other obstructions, then the system will work similarly to a roof-mounted system.
Can a solar system supply all my home’s electricity needs?
For most customers, solar with proper direction orientation will provide approximately 40 to 50 percent of their home’s electricity, regardless of how large a system is installed. Installing a larger solar system cannot overcome these limitations. Instead, a larger system will produce more energy when the sun is shining. If the system produces more electricity than your home needs during these times, the excess production will flow to the electric grid rather than the home.
Will I be able to produce power during an outage?
No. The inverter, which is one of the key components of a solar system, needs power continuously to function; therefore, you must remain connected to the grid. If the grid goes off during an outage, so does the inverter.
How long do solar panels last?
A typical solar panel has a 20 to 25-year life cycle. Our trusted solar partners will offer warranties on certain parts of the system. Please ensure that you talk with your contractor of choice on warranties related to your system so you have a better understanding of what is covered.
Can I go solar without purchasing a new solar system?
Yes. Ozarks Natural Energy owns and operates a one-megawatt (1 MW) community solar facility located in Northeast Springdale. Arkansas residential and commercial customers can purchase shares of electricity produced by this facility. Visit our Community Solar page for details.
Will I still receive an Ozarks Electric bill after my solar system is installed?
Yes, customers will still receive a bill for a portion of their electricity usage because, in most cases, their solar system will not produce enough power to offset the home’s entire electric consumption. Members will also continue to be billed a customer charge, taxes, security lights and any service fees that cannot be paid with solar generation to recoup the costs associated with maintaining the distribution grid that traditional and solar members rely on to receive their power.
