Discover the Power of Solar Energy in Arkansas!
Welcome to Arkansas, a state renowned for its diverse landscapes ranging from the Mississippi River valleys to the Ozark and Ouachita Mountains, and now emerging as a promising player in the solar energy sector. Despite its moderate climate and varying seasons, Arkansas offers significant solar power potential thanks to its ample sunlight throughout the year. This untapped resource presents a valuable opportunity for homeowners and businesses to explore the benefits of clean, renewable energy. With state incentives aimed at reducing initial installation costs and a growing community interest in sustainable living, Arkansas is on the brink of a solar revolution. Discover how tapping into the sun’s power can light up your home, lower energy bills, and contribute to a healthier environment in the Natural State. Join us in leveraging the sun’s endless energy and step into a brighter, greener future in Arkansas.
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Arkansas State Solar Incentives
Sustainable Building Design Revolving Loan Fund
The ABA Revolving Loan Fund offers interest-free loans for facility renovations exceeding $250,000 at state agencies and institutions, funded by ARRA and Arkansas state.
Solar Hot Water Contractor Licensing
Arkansas offers three specialty licenses for solar thermal installers: Restricted Solar Mechanic, Supervising Solar Mechanic, and Solar Mechanic Trainee. The licenses come with different responsibilities and requirements.
Green Building Standards for State Facilities
Arkansas encourages state agencies and educational institutions to use LEED and Green Globes rating systems for public building projects. The state aims to reduce energy use by 30% by 2017.
Interconnection Guidelines
Arkansas legislation enacted in 2001 requires net-metering rules for renewable-energy systems. These rules were approved in 2002 and include interconnection requirements for net metering facilities. Safety standards must be met and customers must cover any equipment costs. A manual disconnect switch is mandatory to prevent back-feeding during utility downtime. Utilities can charge a one-time fee for preliminary interconnection site reviews or at the time of interconnection.
Net Metering
Arkansas has enacted several legislations and amendments regarding net metering rules for renewable-energy systems. Eligibility and availability, net excess generation, renewable energy credits, meter aggregation, and interconnection are covered under these rules.
Federal Solar Incentives
USDA - Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) Grants
REAP, administered by USDA, provides financial aid to small rural businesses and agricultural producers for sustainable energy projects. Grants cover 25% of the project cost, up to $25 million.
Interconnection Standards for Small Generators
New FERC order mandates small generators under 20 MW to maintain operation during abnormal frequency and voltage events, enhancing interconnection efficiency.
USDA - Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) Loan Guarantees
The Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) supports agricultural producers and rural businesses in the US by providing financial aid for renewable energy projects and energy efficiency improvements.
Clean Renewable Energy Bonds (CREBs)
Clean Renewable Energy Bonds (CREBs) were used by public entities to fund renewable energy projects. They were repealed in 2017.
Qualified Energy Conservation Bonds (QECBs)
Qualified Energy Conservation Bonds (QECBs) financed energy projects by local governments. Discontinued in 2018, they offered tax credits as interest to bondholders.
Office of Indian Energy Policy and Programs - Funding Opportunities
The DOE's Office of Indian Energy Policy and Programs aids tribes in attaining energy self-sufficiency and economic growth through renewable energy and energy efficiency technologies.
Fannie Mae Green Financing – Loan Program
Fannie Mae's Green Financing offers loans for multifamily properties aiming for energy and water efficiency improvements. Eligible properties can access favorable rates and additional loan proceeds.
Energy-Efficient Mortgages
Energy efficient mortgages (EEM) allow homeowners to finance energy-saving renovations or purchase new energy-efficient homes. These loans, insured by the U.S. government, aim to promote energy efficiency.
Green Power Purchasing Goal for Federal Government
The Energy Policy Act of 2005 set a goal for federal buildings to use 7.5% renewable energy by 2013. This target was increased to 30% by 2025 but later rescinded in 2018.
USDA - High Energy Cost Grant Program
USDA's grant program, enhancing energy generation in rural areas, concluded its latest application period on July 6, 2021. Updates can be found on the program website.
Residential Energy Conservation Subsidy Exclusion (Personal)
US law exempts energy conservation subsidies provided by utilities from taxation but requires adjustments for federal tax credits. IRS guidance on solar rebates is unclear.
Residential Renewable Energy Tax Credit
H.R. 5376 extends tax credit for energy storage systems and excludes biomass heaters, with credit amounts varying by technology type and installation date.
U.S. Department of Energy - Loan Guarantee Program
The Inflation Reduction Act has allocated $11.7 billion to the LPO for new loans, boosting loan authority by $100 billion, and setting up the Energy Infrastructure Reinvestment Program.
Business Energy Investment Tax Credit (ITC)
The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 updates the federal Business Energy Investment Tax Credit, introducing new eligibility criteria, bonus credits, and transitions the tax credit to a new section.
Renewable Electricity Production Tax Credit (PTC)
The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 introduces changes to the federal renewable electricity production tax credit, introducing new bonus credits and eligibility criteria.
Residential Energy Conservation Subsidy Exclusion (Corporate)
U.S. energy conservation subsidies provided by public utilities are tax-exempt, but this does not extend to certain electricity-generating systems. Tax credits can't be claimed for unsubsidized expenses.
Modified Accelerated Cost-Recovery System (MACRS)
The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 allows 100% depreciation for qualified assets, impacting renewable energy technologies. MACRS classifies these technologies for depreciation purposes.
Energy and Emissions Goals and Standards for Federal Government
President Biden's Executive Order 14057 sets ambitious sustainability goals for the US, including 100% carbon-free electricity by 2030 and a fully zero-emission federal fleet by 2035.
