Solar Panel Cost Guide in Arlington, TN (2024 Update)
- Arlington Solar Installation Cost: $19,280
- 25-Year Savings: $11,942
- Payback Period: 19.0 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Arlington
We break down average solar pricing 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 4 per watt.Because a 7.7-kW system is needed to cover the energy consumption of a typical home in Arlington, the average price of going solar will be about $19,280 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll end up paying for solar may look quite different based on your household energy consumption, the type of solar system you choose, your solar contractor and more.With typical savings of about $13,000 on power bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Arlington find going solar has a decent ROI.
Click the button below to get connected to a reputable solar panel company in your area for a custom estimate.
Solar savings over time in Arlington
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-17,772 |
| 3 years | $-14,756 |
| 5 years | $-11,739 |
| 7 years | $-8,722 |
| 9 years | $-5,706 |
| 11 years | $-2,689 |
| 13 years | $328 |
| 15 years | $3,344 |
| 17 years | $6,361 |
| 19 years | $9,378 |
| 21 years | $12,394 |
| 23 years | $15,411 |
| 25 years | $18,428 |
Top Solar Installers in Arlington
DIY solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can be a pain. Taking advantage of a solar panel installer can make your swap to solar power much easier. The payback period on an investment in solar panels will vary based on factors like your location and energy usage, 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 looking for a solar company in Arlington, the EcoWatch team has organized a list of our top suggestions here:
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 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
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 largest one is the size of the system you need, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar energy system in Arlington, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are primarily based on your home’s energy consumption, which you can gauge by looking at past electricity bills. Your total cost can increase by about $3,580 for each additional kilowatt you need.Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Arlington, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, if you have a small roof or limited 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 steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar company in the area provides financing options. Solar loans substantially decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also lead to a higher cost over time because of interest.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the total interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you can only get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or securing a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs considerably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The remaining major cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of renewable energy solutions in Arlington, you’ll have lots of options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment.Companies that only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally cost more. It’s best to do some research and decide on the company that offers the products, warranties and services you want and also is within your budget.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $3.72 | $15,637 | $4,134 | 19.8 years |
| 8 kW | $3.65 | $20,449 | $5,912 | 19.4 years |
| 10 kW | $3.58 | $25,060 | $7,892 | 19.0 years |
| 12 kW | $3.51 | $29,471 | $10,072 | 18.6 years |
| 14 kW | $3.44 | $33,681 | $12,452 | 18.3 years |
| 16 kW | $3.37 | $37,690 | $15,033 | 17.9 years |
| 18 kW | $3.29 | $41,499 | $17,814 | 17.5 years |
| 20 kW | $3.22 | $45,108 | $20,796 | 17.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar panel company you opt for will influence not only your overall costs, but also the types 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, such as:
- Reputation: Long-standing companies likely have a high reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Contract: When looking over your solar company’s contract, ask for clarification about any terms you’re not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system component breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Warranty: If you care about the endurance of your solar panel system, checking if your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their roof configurations and how much efficiency they need. While there are many options for which kind of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to take a look at their list of offerings before making your decision.
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 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, TN Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Arlington?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $17,900 for a 5-kW system and $35,800 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. Conversely, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Is cost the most important thing to think about when buying solar panels?
Cost is without a doubt one of the most important things to bear in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Is it worth going solar in Arlington?
Solar panels can be a great investment for many homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your electricity bills are already fairly low, solar panels might not be for you.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you should find out how much energy your home needs and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can typically produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average household 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.