Solar Guide
Solar in Arlington
Solar panel installation in Arlington, Texas offers homeowners a smart solution as electricity prices have increased 28% from 2020 to 2024. The Dallas-Fort Worth area’s abundant sunshine makes solar energy an ideal investment for reducing monthly utility bills.
Ready to start your solar journey? Our comprehensive guide on home solar panels provides everything Arlington residents need to make informed decisions about solar installation.
Key Takeaways
- Arlington’s abundant sunshine generates excellent solar production year-round, with systems producing 15,394 kWh annually for average homes.
- Solar installations in Arlington typically pay for themselves within 7.6 years while providing 25-year savings of $81,503.
- Texas offers valuable solar incentives including 30% federal tax credits and property tax exemptions for solar installations.
Solar Cost Calculator
Our calculator uses real installation data from Arlington neighborhoods like Pantego, Dalworthington Gardens, and Grand Prairie. Get accurate solar costs based on actual local projects, not estimates.
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Arlington Electricity Prices
Arlington residents have watched electricity costs climb steadily, making energy expenses a growing concern for local homeowners.
Texas electricity rates rose from 12.1 cents per kWh in 2021 to 14.9 cents in 2024, representing a 23% increase over three years.
Solar panels allow Arlington homeowners to generate their own electricity, reducing dependence on the grid and protecting against future rate increases.
Over 25 years, solar systems can provide predictable energy costs while traditional electricity rates continue climbing, offering long-term financial stability.
Price of Energy: Texas vs National Average
Arlington Area Utility Providers
Arlington residents benefit from competitive electricity rates through multiple utility providers. Based on 2023 data, local utilities like CoServ charge significantly less than national averages.
Texas deregulated energy markets and abundant natural gas resources help keep Arlington electricity costs below the national average of 16.0¢ per kWh in 2023.
With electricity rates around 12-13¢ per kWh, Arlington homeowners can maximize solar savings by offsetting these costs with clean, renewable energy production.
Arlington Utilities Electricity Rates
Texas Solar Incentives
Arlington residents can significantly reduce solar installation costs through available solar incentives in Texas and federal programs.
Texas offers property tax exemptions that prevent increases from solar installations, while net metering programs allow homeowners to earn credits for excess energy production.
Research current incentive programs thoroughly, as policies can change. Acting promptly ensures access to available benefits.
$8,189
Average savings in Texas solar rebates
| Incentive | Type | Description | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Residential Clean Energy Credit | Federal tax credit | A federal tax credit worth 30% the cost of a solar panel system in the year it’s installed | Learn More |
| Property Tax Exemption | State tax exemption | No property tax increase from solar installations. Example: $20k system saves ~$400/year at 2% tax rate. | Learn More |
The Residential Clean Energy Credit lets people claim a tax credit worth 30% the cost of a solar panel system in the year it’s installed. The credit can only be used against taxes you owe or have already paid that year, but any excess credit can be rolled over to future years.
The credit is broadly available, though there are a few restrictions — you must own the panels and they must be on a house you live in — so be sure to consult a tax professional about your situation.
Texas offers a property tax exemption for solar and wind-powered energy devices, which means homeowners can exclude the added value of their solar installation from their property tax assessment. When you install solar panels on your home, they typically increase your property’s appraised value, but this exemption ensures you won’t pay additional property taxes on that increased value.
To qualify for this exemption, your solar energy system must be primarily designed to produce energy for on-site use. You’ll need to apply for the exemption using Form 50-123 with your local county appraisal district, and the general deadline for filing is before May 1st. The exemption continues as long as you own the solar system and use it primarily for your home’s energy needs. This incentive makes solar more affordable by protecting you from higher property taxes that would otherwise result from your home’s increased value due to the solar installation.
Net metering and net billing programs in Texas vary significantly by utility company, but they all allow homeowners with solar panels to receive credit for excess electricity they send back to the grid. Unlike traditional net metering where you receive full retail credit, most Texas utilities now offer net billing programs that credit exported solar energy at lower wholesale rates, typically ranging from 3 to 8 cents per kilowatt-hour.
The financial benefits depend on your specific utility company. Some utilities like CPS Energy and Garland Power & Light still offer monthly net metering with 1:1 credit ratios, while others like Shell Energy’s buyback program (available through major transmission companies like CenterPoint, Oncor, and AEP Texas) credit exports at 7 cents per kWh. Many electric cooperatives offer export credits between 5-8 cents per kWh. Most programs settle monthly, meaning excess credits either roll over to the next month or are forfeited, with annual forfeitures common in December.
Eligibility typically requires installing an approved solar system and may involve additional monthly fees ranging from $4.95 to $30 depending on your utility. Some programs like Xcel Energy offer options with no export credits but also no additional fees. It’s important to note that Texas’ deregulated electricity market means your retail energy provider and transmission utility may be different companies, affecting which net metering program applies to your home. Always verify the current rates and terms with your specific utility, as these programs change frequently and credit rates are often adjusted annually.
Ready to start saving with solar?
Speak with a Palmetto solar expert to find out exactly how much you can save with Texas incentives.
Get a Free QuoteArlington Solar Irradiance
Solar panel production varies throughout the year based on daylight hours, weather patterns, and sun intensity. Understanding how seasons affect your solar system helps set realistic expectations for your investment.
Arlington’s sunny climate and optimal latitude create excellent solar conditions year-round. Despite occasional clouds and storms, proper system design maximizes energy production effectively.
Solar Production in Arlington by Month
What Can Your Solar System Power?
Summer Production (July)
In July, your 10 kW system could power:
- 3.6 average homes (15 kWh/day per home)
- or Run central AC for 18 hours AND power all other appliances
- or Fully charge 5.4 Tesla Model 3 electric vehicles
Winter Production (December)
In December, your 10 kW system could power:
- 2 average homes (15 kWh/day per home)
- or Keep your home heating system running for 15 hours
- or Fully charge 3 Tesla Model 3 electric vehicles
Annual Production
Over a year, your 10 kW system could:
- Offset 10 tons of carbon dioxide emissions
- or Equal the environmental benefit of planting 175 trees
- or Save approximately $4,234 in electricity costs
Want to know exactly how much solar can power your home?
Get a personalized solar analysis based on your actual home, energy usage, and roof characteristics.
Get My Custom EstimateSolar Installations in Arlington
We’ve mapped every solar installation across America to create this interactive Arlington heatmap. Click any hexagon to discover how many neighbors in your community have already made the switch to clean energy!
Leasing Solar Panels
In Arlington, residents served by Oncor Energy (Dallas) have access to Power Purchase Agreements (PPA) through Palmetto’s LightReach program. With a PPA, you pay only for the solar energy your system produces at a fixed rate per kilowatt-hour, typically lower than your current utility rate.
This arrangement offers significant advantages over purchasing a system outright. You avoid the large upfront investment, eliminate maintenance responsibilities, and start saving on electricity costs immediately. Palmetto handles all system monitoring, maintenance, and repairs throughout the agreement term, ensuring optimal performance without additional costs to you.
Compared to cash purchases that require substantial capital and ongoing maintenance commitments, a PPA provides predictable energy costs and peace of mind. Learn more about solar financing options to determine which approach best fits your situation.
Go solar without the investment
With LightReach, there are no investment costs to recoup, loan payments to manage, or maintenance needs to take on. As soon as your panels are active, your solar savings are too!
Learn MoreFrequently Asked Questions
Yes, solar makes excellent sense in Arlington, TX. The city’s abundant sunshine generates strong solar production year-round, with systems producing approximately 15,394 kWh annually for average homes.
Arlington’s solar installations typically pay for themselves within 7.6 years while providing 25-year savings of $81,503. With electricity rates rising 28% from 2020 to 2024, solar offers predictable energy costs and protection against future rate increases.
Arlington doesn’t have traditional net metering, but residents have access to net billing programs through their utility provider. Most Arlington homes are served by Oncor Energy, which offers Shell Energy’s Buyback Plan that credits exported solar energy at 7 cents per kWh.
This net billing system allows you to earn credits for excess solar production, though at wholesale rates rather than full retail prices. Credits roll over monthly and help reduce future electricity bills, making solar financially beneficial for Arlington homeowners.
Yes, solar panels typically increase home value in Arlington, TX. Research shows that solar panels increase home value by 4.1% on average, which translates to approximately $15,000-20,000 for typical Arlington homes.
Texas property tax exemptions ensure you won’t pay additional taxes on this increased value. Solar homes also sell faster and attract environmentally conscious buyers, making your Arlington property more competitive in the real estate market.
Solar costs in Arlington range from $14,179 to $25,057 after federal tax credits, depending on your home size and energy needs. A typical medium-sized home requires a 9.72 kW system costing $19,107 after the 30% federal tax credit.
System costs include equipment, installation, permits, and warranties. Texas property tax exemptions prevent increases from solar installations, while net billing programs help offset monthly electricity bills through energy credits.
Solar is financially worth it for most Arlington homeowners. With systems paying for themselves in 7.6 years and providing $81,503 in 25-year savings, solar offers strong returns on investment.
Rising electricity costs make solar even more valuable. Arlington rates increased 28% from 2020 to 2024, while solar provides predictable energy costs and protection against future rate increases.
We recommend Palmetto Solar for Arlington residents seeking quality solar installation. As a national company with local focus, we’ve completed 3,810 installations across Texas since 2020, bringing extensive experience to the Arlington market.
We offer some of the industry’s best financing options and maintain an excellent installation network. Our comprehensive approach handles everything from initial design through system activation, ensuring Arlington homeowners receive professional service throughout their solar journey.