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New to plug-in solar?

Plug-in solar lets anyone generate free electricity — no roof, no permit, no contractor. A single panel on your balcony can meaningfully cut your bill, especially as rates keep rising.

What is plug-in solar? →How it saves you money →

Arkansas

Not yet legal

Arkansas has solid solar potential and a fast-growing solar sector, including school solar projects, but a 2023 law shifted net metering to 'net energy billing,' cutting compensation for new systems from roughly 10 cents/kWh (legacy) to about 4 cents/kWh for systems interconnected after September 30, 2024. Arkansas lacks a statewide HOA solar-access law, leaving covenants to govern. No plug-in solar legislation has been introduced as of mid-2026.

Get notified when Arkansas goes legal

Laws are spreading state by state. One email when Arkansas passes — no spam.

What You Can Use in Arkansas While You Wait

Plug-in solar that ties into your home's wiring isn't legal here yet — but a portable solar generator (a panel charging a battery you plug devices into directly) never touches your home's wiring, so it's legal in Arkansas right now, no law required.

Budget start

Jackery Explorer 300 Plus (288Wh Battery)

0.288 kWh battery · Jackery 100W panel

$299

Check price ↗

Jackery Explorer 1000 v2 (1kWh Battery)

1.07 kWh battery · Jackery 100W panel

$449

Check price ↗

Whole-apartment backup

Jackery Explorer 2000 v2 (2.04kWh Battery)

2.042 kWh battery · Jackery 100W panel

$749

Check price ↗

See the full solar backup guide

Runtime charts for real devices, more kit options, and setup steps.

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Electricity Cost Trend

↑ 4.0%/yr avg — Moderate

Rates up 22% over the past 5 years

From $0.089/kWh in 2021 → $0.108/kWh today. Every year you delay solar, your bills compound.

4.0%

avg. annual increase

Historical avg. residential rate ($/kWh)

$0.089

2021

$0.092

2022

$0.096

2023

$0.100

2024

$0.104

2025

$0.108

2026

20-year projected rate

$0.237/kWh

at 4.0%/yr escalation

Extra you'll pay over 20 yrs*

$1,056

vs. today's rates (1,000 kWh/mo household)

Best time to go solar

Now

Each year of delay = a year of higher grid bills

What a Arkansas Law Could Look Like

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Based on neighboring states

Utah (1,200W), Maine (600W), and Virginia (1,000W pending) provide the template. A Arkansas law would likely allow 600–1,200W systems to plug into standard household outlets — no permit required.

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High rates = strong economics

At Arkansas's avg. $0.108/kWh, a 600W system generating ~880 kWh/year saves roughly $95/year. Payback in as few as 8 years at current rates.

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Renters and condo owners

Plug-in solar requires no permanent installation — just an outlet. This makes it uniquely accessible to renters and condo owners who can't get rooftop solar.

FAQ

Can my HOA in Arkansas ban small plug-in solar panels?

Arkansas has no comprehensive statewide solar access law, so HOAs can restrict or prohibit visible solar equipment, including small plug-in devices, through their CC&Rs. Always check your association's governing documents first.

Is there a plug-in or balcony solar law in Arkansas?

No. As of mid-2026, Arkansas has not introduced legislation specifically addressing plug-in or balcony solar devices under 1,500W, unlike states such as Utah, Maine, Virginia, Colorado, and Maryland.

What does Entergy Arkansas pay for excess solar power?

It depends on when your system was interconnected. Systems grandfathered under the Legacy Net-Metering Schedule (interconnected by September 30, 2024) receive roughly 10 cents/kWh in credit, while newer systems fall under the Non-Legacy Net-Energy-Billing schedule at around 4 cents/kWh, per Arkansas's 2023 net-energy-billing law.

Do I need to interconnect a small grid-tie solar device with Entergy Arkansas?

Entergy Arkansas's interconnection process applies to grid-connected generating equipment generally, and there's no specific exemption for very small (sub-1,500W) plug-in solar devices under current Arkansas rules.

Stay in the Loop

We monitor all 50 state legislatures. The moment Arkansas files a plug-in solar bill, you'll be the first to know.

Legal DisclaimerLaws change. Information on this site reflects our best understanding of current statutes as of the date shown. It is not legal advice. Verify requirements with your state utility commission, local building department, and a qualified attorney before installation.