Geothermal Energy Installers in Arkansas

Little Rock skyline

Arkansas is aptly nicknamed The Natural State, from the majestic Ozark Mountains to the incredibly diverse collection of thermal springs, lush forests and flowing rivers. The abundance of hot springs in the area showcases the geothermal energy potential, which will be vital as residents transition to clean, sustainable power generation. 

How Does Geothermal Energy Work?

If you’ve ever observed an active volcano or steaming water puddles at the Hot Springs National Park, you’ve seen geothermal energy in action. Deep below the Earth is a layer of hot molten rock, which heats groundwater, creating steam and hot water, which rises through cracks in the ground. Once it reaches the surface, this fluid is harnessed to power the electricity turbines. 

Geothermal energy is considered renewable because the Earth continuously produces heat. This stable supply makes it a more reliable power generation resource than other clean energy sources like wind and solar. Modern systems have zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and have up to 20 times lower lifecycle emissions than natural gas. 

Heating and Cooling

Geothermal heat pumps facilitate the transfer of heat from within the Earth to and from a building as the seasons change. That means the pump moves heat from the ground into your home during winter and transports it away during summer. The Department of Energy estimates these systems could sustainably heat and cool over 40 million U.S. homes by 2050. 

Is Arkansas Exploring Geothermal Energy?

Geothermal electricity generation remains a relatively untapped resource in Arkansas, as hydroelectric, solar and biomass energy systems currently dominate the state’s renewable energy portfolio. 

However, plans are underway to implement next-generation geothermal technologies across the southern states of Arkansas, Texas, Mississippi and Louisiana. This project would expand the scope of geothermal generation across the regions and increase the total capacity from roughly 3,700 megawatts to 90,000 MW by 2050. Developing and deploying innovative energy storage solutions could ramp up this supply to 300,000 MW. 

Can I Install Geothermal Energy in Arkansas?

Residents can implement geothermal energy systems in Arkansas. You’ll need to contact local geothermal installers to have them assess your home’s unique installation requirements. These are the biggest considerations in any geothermal project: 

  • House size: The larger the property, the higher the capacity of the ground source heat system required
  • Land availability: The land must be large enough to accommodate the entire geothermal infrastructure. 
  • Soil composition: The subterranean properties must be able to support geothermal systems. For instance, very loose sand and gravel may be unsuitable for the installation as they are poor heat conductors. 
  • Existing ductwork system: Modern geothermal heat pumps rely on a home’s ductwork infrastructure to supply heating and cooling. If your property does not have this framework, you must have one installed before implementing a geothermal system.
  • Permits: Most municipalities require residents to obtain a permit to install a geothermal heating and cooling system. The application and review processes can take weeks or even months, impacting your project timeline. 

What to Look for in Arkansas Geothermal Energy Installers

Installing a geothermal energy system is not a DIY project. It requires specialized knowledge of subsurface engineering and condition monitoring. Knowing what to look for in a ground source technology installer is essential to selecting the right service provider. These include: 

  • Experience: You want a company that has worked on several projects similar to yours and can deliver a seamless service from start to finish. 
  • Transparent communication: A professional geothermal energy installer should be able to walk you through the process and explain the associated costs at each stage. 
  • Responsiveness: Geothermal system installations are enormous projects, so you’ll likely have many questions. Your installer should be able to respond to any inquiries promptly for your peace of mind. 
  • License and Insurance: Because of the magnitude of ground source projects, you want professional installers with the necessary license and insurance coverage. These limit your potential liability should an accident occur on your property during the process. 

There are several geothermal energy installers in Arkansas. The one you hire will likely depend on their availability in your area. 

Rood Inc. is based in Russellville but serves various cities across the state, including Little Rock, Convey and Jonesboro. The company has been in business for nearly 50 years and provides geothermal installation, repair and maintenance services.

If you live in Magnolia or its surrounding areas, South Arkansas Sales and Service Co Inc may be worth considering. The company provides all-in-one geothermal heat pump solutions with stellar parts and labor warranties. 

Dr. Energy Saver offers complete home energy audits, ground source system installations and HVAC systems across Northwest Arkansas. These projects encompass new constructions and retrofit applications depending on individual requirements. 

Benefits and Drawbacks of Geothermal Energy Installation

There are many benefits and downsides to expect when investing in geothermal systems.

Advantages

The most obvious benefit is cost savings. Geothermal systems transfer underground heat energy rather than create it, making them more efficient in power generation and can significantly reduce energy consumption. According to the Electric Cooperatives of Arkansas, these systems can lower utility bills by up to 70% without compromising indoor comfort. These systems are quieter than conventional HVAC technologies and typically have longer life spans. 

Geothermal energy is also a cleaner alternative to fossil fuels, which is essential for decreasing your home’s carbon footprint. Lastly, ground source systems work well in just about every climate, unlike solar and wind, which depend on the year-round availability of natural resources to provide clean energy. 

Disadvantages 

The biggest drawback to installing a geothermal system is the initial cost. Expect to pay anywhere from $10,000 to $40,000 to install a ground-source heat pump and related accessories for your home.

The installation process might also involve significant alterations to subterranean configurations, which may have long-term effects on the area’s geology. 

Nevertheless, the potential benefits outweigh the risks, making geothermal installations worthwhile. Additionally, you may be eligible for federal, state and local tax credits and other rebates that will make project costs more manageable. 

Explore Geothermal Energy in Arkansas

Geothermal systems are cost-effective, produce stable electricity, and have minimal environmental impact. Arkansas’s unique landscape provides a prime opportunity to mainstream this energy resource for supplying electricity to homes and businesses. Talk to your local ground source heat pump installer about tapping into the immense benefits of these systems and supporting the green energy movement.