Claire WhitakerBy Claire Whitaker

Updated November 2026

Arkansas net metering changes affect how much your rooftop solar system is credited for the power it sends back to the grid. This guide explains what to look for in your utility agreement, how to check your bill for changes, and what steps to take if your credits shrink. Read your current rate schedule before you assume anything, because rules can differ by utility and by the date your system was interconnected.

Find Out Which Rules Apply to Your System

Net metering rules in Arkansas are set at the state level, but the details that matter to you live in your utility’s tariff. Your interconnection date is often the deciding factor. Systems connected before a rule change may keep their original terms for a set period, while newer systems follow the updated schedule.

Shopping for one? See our guide: Net Metering in Virginia vs Virginia Community Solar: Which Should You Choose?.

Start by pulling up your signed interconnection agreement and your current rate schedule. Look for the rate code, the credit method and any language about grandfathering. If you cannot find these documents, your utility’s customer service team can confirm them in writing.

Check How Your Credits Are Calculated

Under many net metering arrangements, excess power you export is credited at a rate tied to your retail electricity price. Other arrangements credit exports at a lower avoided-cost or wholesale-based rate. Changes to Arkansas net metering rules often shift credits from the first type toward the second, which can noticeably reduce the value of each kilowatt-hour you send out.

  1. Pull your last 12 monthly bills and note the kWh you exported and the kWh you imported.
  2. Find the credit line on each bill and the rate applied to exports.
  3. Compare the export rate on older bills with recent ones to spot any change.
  4. Calculate the monthly credit value by multiplying exported kWh by the export rate.

Adjust Your System to the New Economics

If exports earn less, the financial case for oversizing your array or selling surplus power weakens. Many homeowners respond by using more of their solar output directly during the day. Running dishwashers, laundry, water heating and EV charging in daylight hours increases self-consumption and reduces the amount you need to export at a lower rate.

Battery storage is another option to evaluate. A battery can hold midday production for evening use, but it adds cost and only makes sense if the savings from avoided grid purchases justify the investment. Get a written estimate that uses your actual load profile before you commit.

Watch for Timing Differences

Some rate structures use time-of-use pricing, so the same kilowatt-hour can be worth more at 5 p.m. than at noon. Check whether your export credit varies by time of day, and whether your usage pattern lines up with the high-value periods.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Assuming old credit rates still apply without checking your tariff or interconnection date.
  • Ignoring the monthly bill summary and only looking at the total due.
  • Oversizing a system based on the old export value.
  • Skipping written confirmation from the utility when you ask about grandfathering.
  • Failing to recheck your rate schedule after the utility files any new tariff.
  • Smart energy monitor: A whole-home monitor lets you see solar production, grid import and export in real time, which makes it easier to shift loads into daylight hours. View on Amazon
  • Clamp-on current meter: Useful for checking the draw of individual appliances so you can estimate which loads are worth scheduling. View on Amazon

FAQ

Do Arkansas net metering changes affect systems that are already installed?

It depends on the terms in your interconnection agreement and any grandfathering language in the tariff. Ask your utility in writing which rules govern your system.

How can I tell if my export credit has dropped?

Compare the export rate line on your monthly bills over the past year. A lower rate applied to similar kWh exports indicates a change in your credit method.

Should I hire a professional to review my net metering terms?

For larger systems or complex tariffs, a licensed solar installer or energy consultant can help interpret the rules. Confirm any financial decisions with your utility and a qualified professional before acting.

Conclusion

Arkansas net metering changes can alter your solar savings, but you can respond by confirming your tariff, tracking your bills and shifting more use into sunny hours. Review your documents now so you know exactly where you stand. Revisit the numbers each year to catch future changes early.

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Claire Whitaker

About Claire Whitaker

Claire Whitaker is part of our editorial team and reviews and edits our home solar guides, checking product details against manufacturer specifications and owner feedback.