Arkansas vs Mississippi Solar Incentives: Which State Gets the Better Deal?
Side-by-side comparison of Arkansas and Mississippi solar incentive programs in 2026: state tax credits, net metering rules, exemptions, payback period, and projected 25-year savings.
| Metric | AR · Arkansas | MS · Mississippi |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Monthly Bill | $155 | $185 |
| Peak Sun Hours / Day | 5 ◆ | 4.9 |
| Avg $/Watt Installed | $2.95 ◆ | $3.05 |
| State Tax Credit | None | None |
| Net Metering | retail | None |
| SREC Market | No | No |
| Property Tax Exempt | No | No |
| Sales Tax Exempt | No | No |
| Avg Payback (yrs) | 9.1 ◆ | 10.1 |
| Avg 25-Year Savings | $30,200 ◆ | $27,100 |
State Tax Credit Comparison
Arkansas offers no state income tax credit. Mississippi offers no state income tax credit.
Net Metering Policies
Arkansas: retail rate net metering active. Mississippi: no statewide net metering mandate.
Net metering is often the most economically significant solar policy because it determines how excess production is valued. Retail-rate states (where you receive full retail price for exported energy) have substantially better solar economics than avoided-cost or no-net-metering states.
Average 25-Year Savings
Arkansas: $30,200 over 25 years (avg payback 9.1 yrs). Mississippi: $27,100 over 25 years (avg payback 10.1 yrs).
Verdict: Which State Wins on Solar?
Arkansas edges out Mississippi on lifetime savings primarily due to higher solar irradiance.
Note: state averages mask significant within-state variation. Your specific utility, roof orientation, and household electricity profile drive your actual numbers — use the calculator to model your home directly.