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.Using this figure, a typical 8.1-kW system would cost about $20,388 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll end up paying for solar will differ based on your household energy use, the type of solar system you want to get, your solar contractor and more.With average savings of about $17,000 on electricity bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Arlington find going solar can be quite rewarding.
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 final cost may be higher or lower than that. There are several factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to take into consideration.
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 provide 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.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 come with an above-average cost. It’s best to do some research and decide on the company that has the products, warranties and services you’re looking for and also fit into 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 | $3.73 | $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
Since the type of solar panels and the installer you choose has an impact on your costs and your system’s durability and efficiency, it’s important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Solar Panel Brands: The brand of solar panel you’d like to install plays a part in which company you should go with, since different companies have access to different panels.
- Warranty: Many companies offer different types of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar system installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking its number of years in business and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
- Contract: When reading over your solar installer’s contract, ask questions 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.
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 real cost will depend on certain factors like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Are solar panels free in Arlington?
Solar panels aren’t free in Arlington, but there are some options that can make getting them more feasible, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can further reduce the cost.
Can solar panels eliminate my power bills?
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 the roof space for that size system, so you’ll want to contact a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you need to know 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 house 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.