Solar Panel Cost Guide in Arlington, VA (2024 Update)
- Arlington Solar Installation Cost: $20,388
- 25-Year Savings: $20,586
- Payback Period: 14.1 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Arlington
Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar in Arlington.
In Arlington, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.To cover the typical energy usage of the average home in Arlington, most homeowners require a 8.1-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs around $20,388, or $29,155 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
These figures are just averages, and your own solar costs will vary based on the amount of energy your home requires and what company you choose to go with.With average savings of about $17,000 on energy bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Arlington find installing solar panels has a decent ROI.
To calculate your potential ROI and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Arlington
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-18,790 |
| 3 years | $-15,592 |
| 5 years | $-12,394 |
| 7 years | $-9,196 |
| 9 years | $-5,998 |
| 11 years | $-2,800 |
| 13 years | $398 |
| 15 years | $3,596 |
| 17 years | $6,794 |
| 19 years | $9,991 |
| 21 years | $13,189 |
| 23 years | $16,387 |
| 25 years | $19,585 |
Top Solar Installers in Arlington
Although it's possible to install solar panels on your own, it requires extra labor and knowledge. That's one of the reasons most people choose to go with a solar panel installer. Plus, warranties and repairs from your solar panel company can protect your investment and lower the cost of maintenance over the lifespan of your panels.
There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. Here are our suggestions:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Best Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
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 $20,388, your actual cost may be higher or lower than that. There are several factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to consider.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of going solar. For that reason, it’s crucial to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use.There are several different solar panel brands and the one you pick also changes the cost. Typically, the brands that are more efficient tend to also cost more. In addition, the type of equipment you want to install can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Arlington have solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing a solar system.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your total costs, so it’s important to consider that as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you hire to handle your switch to renewable energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies in Arlington, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.The company’s size can sometimes play the most significant role in your total costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because of greater resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger companies.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $3.73 | $15,681 | $11,093 | 14.6 years |
| 8 kW | $3.66 | $20,506 | $15,192 | 14.4 years |
| 10 kW | $3.59 | $25,130 | $19,493 | 14.1 years |
| 12 kW | $3.52 | $29,553 | $23,995 | 13.8 years |
| 14 kW | $3.45 | $33,775 | $28,697 | 13.5 years |
| 16 kW | $3.37 | $37,796 | $33,601 | 13.2 years |
| 18 kW | $3.30 | $41,615 | $38,706 | 13.0 years |
| 20 kW | $3.23 | $45,234 | $44,012 | 12.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many companies available in Arlington, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies offer various brands and models of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar company you’re considering has it.
- Warranty: If you’re worried about the longevity of your solar panel system, making sure your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for sustainable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a good reputation and is qualified to do the job well. Another way you can verify your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Contract: When looking through your solar installer’s contract, ask for clarification about any terms you’re not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system part breaking or if the company goes out of business.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Best Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
EcoWatch's Arlington, VA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Arlington?
The average cost of solar panels in Arlington is about $17,950 for a 5-kW system and $35,900 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on stuff like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Can you get solar panels for free in Arlington?
A solar panel system isn’t free in Arlington, but there are some options that can make getting them more viable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can help lower the cost.
How much can I save on energy bills after switching to solar?
It is possible to eradicate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Arlington, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have roofs that can accommodate that size system, so you’ll want to check with a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you need to know how much energy your home requires and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can usually produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average home will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.