Solar Panel Cost Guide in Arlington, VA (2023 Update)
- Arlington Solar Installation Cost: $15,618
- 25-Year Savings: $20,586
- Payback Period: 10.8 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Arlington
Find out how much it might cost to switch to solar power in Arlington.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Arlington, the average cost of a solar system is 2.75 per watt. The average solar panel system size in Arlington is around 8.1 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $15,612 for a solar installation, or $22,325 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
How much you pay can be above or below the average in Arlington based on a variety of factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire. Many homeowners find installing a solar system is a sound investment. The average homeowner in Arlington can save around $17,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar installer in Arlington for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Arlington
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,497 |
| 3 years | $-15,256 |
| 5 years | $-15,014 |
| 7 years | $-14,773 |
| 9 years | $-14,532 |
| 11 years | $-14,290 |
| 13 years | $-14,049 |
| 15 years | $-13,808 |
| 17 years | $-13,566 |
| 19 years | $-13,325 |
| 21 years | $-13,084 |
| 23 years | $-12,842 |
| 25 years | $-12,601 |
Top Solar Installers in Arlington
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can use up a lot of your time and energy. Using an installer can make swapping over to solar power much easier. Also, companies with an outstanding reputation that cost more upfront could actually save you money in the long run due to their warranties, repair services and expert design.
Working with a professional solar installer can help you make the most of your investment in solar. Here are our recommendations:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
See all of the solar companies in Arlington
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Arlington
Even though the average cost of a solar system in Arlington is $15,612, your actual cost may differ. There are several factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to keep in mind.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of installing solar panels. Because of that, it's crucial to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs. The brand and type of equipment you want for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often have a higher price tag than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you're opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Plus, if you want additional equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on power bills over many years, but they can also be a significant investment. That's why many Arlington homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable. It's a good idea to factor the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it'll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The last major cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of renewable energy solutions in Arlington, you'll have many options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment. Additionally, some companies in Arlington have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you make good use of additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. Even if they cost more upfront, they could end up saving you more money in the long run.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $2.86 | $12,012 | $14,762 | 11.2 years |
| 8 kW | $2.81 | $15,708 | $19,990 | 11.0 years |
| 10 kW | $2.75 | $19,250 | $25,373 | 10.8 years |
| 12 kW | $2.69 | $22,638 | $30,909 | 10.6 years |
| 14 kW | $2.64 | $25,872 | $36,600 | 10.4 years |
| 16 kW | $2.58 | $28,952 | $42,445 | 10.1 years |
| 18 kW | $2.53 | $31,878 | $48,443 | 9.9 years |
| 20 kW | $2.48 | $34,650 | $54,596 | 9.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar company you opt for will affect not only your overall costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are some important things you should take into account, including:
- Contract: Read the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, project timeline incentives and warranties.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar company has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking how long it's been in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
- Installation Process: Make sure you're on the same page with the installer with regard to how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar system is installed, such as updating your electrical system or roof.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their roof configurations and energy needs. Even though there are many options for which model of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you peruse their list of offerings before making your decision.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
EcoWatch's Arlington, VA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Arlington?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $13,750 for a 5-kW system and $27,500 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Is cost the most important thing to consider when buying solar panels?
Cost is without a doubt one of the most important factors you should consider when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Arlington?
Each state has some kind of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states let you sell power back to the grid, but others just give you credit toward your future energy bills.
How long do solar panels last in Arlington?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is 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.