How does Arkansas compare with the national average for a solar panel installation?

Homeowners in Arkansas typically recoup about 33% of the project's cost at resale, versus ~30% nationally. Arkansas is part of the West South Central Census division, which has the 2nd-highest renovation resale returns of the 9 U.S. divisions.

What most affects the actual return in Arkansas?

Recency and condition. In Roots' model, work under 2 years old counts fully toward resale value, then depreciates toward ~20% after 10 years. A home with a documented maintenance record also typically sells closer to asking. Market conditions in the West South Central division set the regional baseline.

Where do these numbers come from?

Roots calibrates the national baseline for a solar panel installation against the 2025 Cost vs. Value Report (Zonda), then applies a West South Central-division adjustment derived from division-level averages in the 2024 Cost vs. Value Report, plus the model's own age and condition factors. Figures are modeled estimates, not appraisals.

Is a solar panel installation worth it in Arkansas?

Quick answer: It can be. In Arkansas, a solar panel installation typically returns about 33% of its cost at resale, above the ~30% national average. You likely won't recoup the full cost, but Arkansas is one of the stronger markets for it.

How Arkansas compares

Arkansas is part of the West South Central U.S. Census division, which has the 2nd-highest renovation resale returns of the 9 divisions in Roots' valuation model. In practice that means a solar panel installation that returns ~30% of its cost nationally typically returns ~33% for a Arkansas home.

The same regional adjustment applies across the division (Arkansas plus LA, OK, TX). Nationwide, the spread for this project runs from ~24% in the West North Central division to ~35% in the Pacific division. See the national breakdown for every region.

The West South Central market

Texas and its neighbors have been among the country's fastest-growing housing markets, and strong demand pushes renovation returns above the national average. Newer, sprawling suburban stock dominates, summers are punishing, and buyers pay close attention to how a home handles the heat.

In a region where air conditioning runs half the year, HVAC age and efficiency are among the first questions buyers ask.

How other projects return in Arkansas

Project	Typical return in Arkansas
Solar panel installation (this page)	~33%
Wood deck addition	~93%
Bathroom remodel	~83%
Basement remodel	~80%
Window replacement	~75%

Return figures are typical resale-return estimates from Roots' home valuation model. Actual results vary by market, home, and workmanship, and shouldn't be relied on for lending, insurance, or tax decisions.

Sources: national baseline for this project calibrated against the 2025 Cost vs. Value Report (Zonda); regional adjustment derived from division-level averages in the 2024 Cost vs. Value Report.

Protect the value you add

Whatever the project returns on paper, condition decides what you actually get: in Roots' model the value of completed work fades as it ages, and a documented maintenance record helps a home sell closer to asking. If you're planning around resale value, start with upkeep. The free maintenance checklist generator builds a seasonal schedule for Arkansas homes in about a minute.

The bottom line

“According to Roots' home valuation model, Arkansas's West South Central region has the 2nd-highest renovation resale returns of the 9 U.S. Census divisions. A solar panel installation there typically recoups about 33% of its cost, within a nationwide range of ~24% to ~35%.” — Roots home valuation model (regionally adjusted resale-return estimates)

Free tool Keep your home in the condition that holds its value The homes that hold their value are the ones that stay well maintained. Build a free maintenance checklist tuned to your home. It takes about 30 seconds and there is no signup.

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Frequently asked questions

Is a solar panel installation worth it in Arkansas?: It can be. In Arkansas, a solar panel installation typically returns about 33% of its cost at resale, above the ~30% national average. You likely won’t recoup the full cost, but Arkansas is one of the stronger markets for it.
How does Arkansas compare with the national average for a solar panel installation?: Homeowners in Arkansas typically recoup about 33% of the project’s cost at resale, versus ~30% nationally. Arkansas is part of the West South Central Census division, which has the 2nd-highest renovation resale returns of the 9 U.S. divisions.
What most affects the actual return in Arkansas?: Recency and condition. In Roots’ model, work under 2 years old counts fully toward resale value, then depreciates toward ~20% after 10 years. A home with a documented maintenance record also typically sells closer to asking. Market conditions in the West South Central division set the regional baseline.
Where do these numbers come from?: Roots calibrates the national baseline for a solar panel installation against the 2025 Cost vs. Value Report (Zonda), then applies a West South Central-division adjustment derived from division-level averages in the 2024 Cost vs. Value Report, plus the model’s own age and condition factors. Figures are modeled estimates, not appraisals.

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