Solar Panel Cost Guide in Arlington, WA (2024 Update)
- Arlington Solar Installation Cost: $11,028
- 25-Year Savings: $20,869
- Payback Period: 14.7 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 average cost of a solar system in Arlington is 4 per watt.Because a 4.4-kW system is needed to cover the energy usage of a typical home in Arlington, the average price of going solar will be about $11,028 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
These figures are only averages, and your own solar costs will vary based on factors unique to your home and what company you choose to go with.But, after you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the ROI for most homeowners is quite fruitful, with a net average savings of about $17,000 over 20 years on utility bills.
To get a free estimate from a top solar installation company in Arlington, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Arlington
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-9,752 |
| 3 years | $-7,201 |
| 5 years | $-4,649 |
| 7 years | $-2,097 |
| 9 years | $455 |
| 11 years | $3,007 |
| 13 years | $5,558 |
| 15 years | $8,110 |
| 17 years | $10,662 |
| 19 years | $13,214 |
| 21 years | $15,766 |
| 23 years | $18,317 |
| 25 years | $20,869 |
Top Solar Installers in Arlington
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can use up a lot of your time and energy. Using a solar panel installer can make swapping over to solar power much easier. The payback period of solar panels will vary based on factors like your roof configuration and energy use, but working with a solar company 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 on the hunt for a solar installer in Arlington, the EcoWatch team has compiled a list of our top suggestions here:
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
See all of the solar companies in Arlington
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Arlington
For many Arlington homeowners, the decision to install a solar energy system comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Arlington, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are several factors that greatly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
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 important to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs.Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Arlington, where sunlight isn’t as abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, if you have a small roof or you don’t have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Arlington to be too costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar company in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans greatly decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also lead to higher prices over time because of interest.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your overall costs, so it’s crucial to include that in your estimate as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you opt for to install your solar panel system can play a part in determining how much you pay. Arlington’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or add-on 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 | $3.73 | $15,681 | $9,941 | 15.3 years |
| 8 kW | $3.66 | $20,506 | $13,657 | 15.0 years |
| 10 kW | $3.59 | $25,130 | $17,574 | 14.7 years |
| 12 kW | $3.52 | $29,553 | $21,692 | 14.4 years |
| 14 kW | $3.45 | $33,775 | $26,011 | 14.1 years |
| 16 kW | $3.37 | $37,796 | $30,531 | 13.8 years |
| 18 kW | $3.30 | $41,615 | $35,252 | 13.5 years |
| 20 kW | $3.23 | $45,234 | $40,175 | 13.2 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 decide on the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Warranty: Each company may offer different kinds of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Solar Panel Brands: The brand of solar panel you want plays a role in which company you should go with, since different companies have access to different panels.
- Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when adopting solar power is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you need to know with your solar company, such as what permits you should acquire and how long the project will take.
- Contract: Read the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, project timeline incentives and warranties.
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
EcoWatch's Arlington, WA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install 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 use.
Can you get solar panels for free in Arlington?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Arlington. However, you may still be able to get them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you want to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
How will having solar panels impact the value of my home?
Solar panels can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Arlington is currently $603,877, which means you could be looking at a value of about $24,759 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Arlington is a rewarding investment.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
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 larger 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.