Solar Panel Cost Guide in Arlington, MA (2023 Update)
- Arlington Solar Installation Cost: $9,179
- 25-Year Savings: $19,002
- Payback Period: 8.1 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Arlington
Let's take a look at the average cost of solar in Arlington.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Arlington, the typical cost of a solar system is 2.94 per watt. The average Arlington homeowner needs a 4.5-kilowatt system, which would cost about $9,179 with the federal tax credit, or $13,126 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
These figures are only averages, and how much solar costs for you may vary based on the amount of energy your home requires and what company you choose to go with. But, after you've paid the initial cost of installation, the ROI for most homeowners is typically good, with a net average savings of about $24,000 over 20 years on utility bills.
To calculate your potential savings and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Arlington
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-8,051 |
| 3 years | $-5,797 |
| 5 years | $-3,543 |
| 7 years | $-1,288 |
| 9 years | $966 |
| 11 years | $3,221 |
| 13 years | $5,475 |
| 15 years | $7,729 |
| 17 years | $9,984 |
| 19 years | $12,238 |
| 21 years | $14,493 |
| 23 years | $16,747 |
| 25 years | $19,002 |
Top Solar Installers in Arlington
Although you can install solar panels by yourself, it requires extra labor and expertise. Because of that, most people choose to go with a solar panel installer. Plus, if you're not certain what brand of solar panels and equipment you may need, a solar installer can help you figure that out after a site survey and consultation.
There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. Here are our suggestions:
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
See all of the solar companies in Arlington
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Arlington
Although the average cost of a solar system in Arlington is $9,179, your final cost may be above or below the average. There are several factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more important things to take into consideration.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of installing solar panels. Because of that, it's a priority to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use. There are many different solar panel brands and the one you choose also changes the cost. Usually, the brands that are more efficient tend to also be more expensive. Plus, the type of equipment you're looking to get can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Arlington provide solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing a solar system. Although solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Arlington homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installation company you choose will impact your total cost to adopt solar energy. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor. Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or extra services like electric vehicle charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $3.06 | $12,842 | $25,073 | 8.5 years |
| 8 kW | $3.00 | $16,793 | $33,760 | 8.3 years |
| 10 kW | $2.94 | $20,580 | $42,612 | 8.1 years |
| 12 kW | $2.88 | $24,202 | $51,628 | 8.0 years |
| 14 kW | $2.82 | $27,660 | $60,809 | 7.8 years |
| 16 kW | $2.76 | $30,952 | $70,155 | 7.7 years |
| 18 kW | $2.70 | $34,080 | $79,665 | 7.5 years |
| 20 kW | $2.65 | $37,044 | $89,340 | 7.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you pick the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar company, make sure you look it over carefully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you aren't sure about some of the terms, such as what to do if a part breaks or malfunctions and what services you can expect from them.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers offer the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a significant role in the company you choose.
- Installation Process: Make sure you're aligned with the company in regard to how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar system is installed, such as updating your electrical system or roof.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar system installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking its number of years in business and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
EcoWatch's Arlington, MA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Arlington?
The average cost of solar panels in Arlington is about $14,700 for a 5-kW system and $29,400 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on things like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Are solar panels free in Arlington?
You can't get solar panels for free in Arlington. However, you may still be able to install them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you'd prefer to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Is making the switch to solar worth it?
Solar panels can be a fruitful investment for many homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight and/or your electricity bills are already fairly low, solar panels might not be for you.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher level of energy production.
Our goal is to reach as many people as we can with sensible solutions like solar energy. Our team of full-time local researchers collects solar price and installation data for every city in America then compiles it to create these digestible city guides. If you want to read our solar expert's opinion on the top solar companies featured here, follow this link.
Company research was conducted by Melissa Smith and Karsten Neumeister. Local data analysis was conducted by James Savino. See something we missed or could do better? Email the editor.