Solar Panel Cost Guide in Arlington, MA (2024 Update)
- Arlington Solar Installation Cost: $12,674
- 25-Year Savings: $19,003
- Payback Period: 11.2 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Arlington
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Arlington.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Arlington it’s 4 per watt.The average Arlington homeowner needs a 4.5-kilowatt system, which would cost about $12,674 with the federal tax credit, or $18,124 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much solar panels could cost. The exact cost of installing solar panels can vary depending on several factors, such as what size system you need, your energy usage and what company you go with.Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a rewarding investment. The average homeowner in Arlington can save around $24,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.
For a free quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Arlington
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,011 |
| 3 years | $-7,687 |
| 5 years | $-4,362 |
| 7 years | $-1,037 |
| 9 years | $2,288 |
| 11 years | $5,612 |
| 13 years | $8,937 |
| 15 years | $12,262 |
| 17 years | $15,587 |
| 19 years | $18,911 |
| 21 years | $22,236 |
| 23 years | $25,561 |
| 25 years | $28,886 |
Top Solar Installers in Arlington
Although you can install solar panels yourself, it takes extra labor and handiness. That's one of the reasons almost all homeowners choose a solar panel installer. The payback period on a solar system will vary based on factors like your location and energy use, but going with a solar installer can help you reach a break-even point sooner. Your provider will be able to help you apply for incentives available in your area.
If you're searching for a solar installer in Arlington, we've organized a list of our top suggestions here:
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
See all of the solar companies in Arlington
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Arlington
The cost of installing a solar system in Arlington can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The biggest one is your system size, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the key factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have higher efficiency or power production require better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $4,060.There are several different solar panel brands and the one you choose also changes the cost. Generally speaking, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also cost more. Plus, the type of equipment you choose can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over many years, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many Arlington homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your total costs, so it’s vital to include that in your estimate as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you get to install your solar panel system can affect how much you pay. Arlington’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices due to their bigger brand name and access to bulk pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those major players.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $4.22 | $17,734 | $20,181 | 11.7 years |
| 8 kW | $4.14 | $23,191 | $27,363 | 11.5 years |
| 10 kW | $4.06 | $28,420 | $34,772 | 11.2 years |
| 12 kW | $3.98 | $33,422 | $42,408 | 11.0 years |
| 14 kW | $3.90 | $38,196 | $50,272 | 10.8 years |
| 16 kW | $3.82 | $42,744 | $58,363 | 10.6 years |
| 18 kW | $3.74 | $47,064 | $66,682 | 10.3 years |
| 20 kW | $3.65 | $51,156 | $75,228 | 10.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a large number of companies to choose from in Arlington, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind offers varying levels of quality, longevity and energy efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose plays a role in which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Reputation: Well-established companies likely have a good reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar panel system running for a long time and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re on the same page with the installer regarding how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar panels are installed, such as updating your electrical system or roof.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
EcoWatch's Arlington, MA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Arlington?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $20,300 for a 5-kW system and $40,600 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. Conversely, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
What other factors should I consider other than cost when buying solar panels?
The initial cost is a very important factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on your reasons for going solar. In cities where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to be mindful of are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Is it worth going solar in Arlington?
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 energy bills are already fairly low, solar panels might not be for you.
How long do solar panels last in Arlington?
Although the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they are completely unusable at that time. What this means is how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can decide to replace them once you've had them for that long or you can keep using them at a lower efficiency.
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.