Arlington, VA Solar Panels
Solar Power in Arlington
Arlington, VA is one of the most forward-thinking communities on the East Coast — and more homeowners here are turning to solar every year. Virginia ranks 15th in the US for residential solar installations, and with electricity prices up 21% since 2020, the interest makes sense.
This guide is designed to be clear, straightforward, and genuinely helpful. You’ll learn how solar panels for your home work, what Arlington homeowners can realistically expect, and how to decide if solar is the right fit for you.
How Much Do Solar Panels Cost in Arlington, VA?
Using real installation data from Arlington and surrounding areas — including Alexandria, Falls Church, and McLean — this calculator gives you an honest, localized estimate of what solar panels would cost for your home.
System
- No upfront investment
- Palmetto handles all maintenance
- 90% Production Guarantee
- Comprehensive protection program included
Key Takeaways
- Arlington homeowners can save an average of $71,000 over 25 years by switching to solar — with monthly savings starting around $163.
- Virginia electricity rates have risen 21% since 2021 — solar helps Arlington homeowners stabilize costs and reduce exposure to future rate increases.
- No upfront cost? No problem. Palmetto’s LightReach lease lets Arlington homeowners go solar for as little as $114/month with no investment required.
Arlington Electricity Prices
Electricity costs in Arlington, VA have been rising steadily. The chart here shows just how much rates have changed since 2021.
Virginia electricity rates climbed from 12.0 cents per kWh in 2021 to 14.5 cents per kWh in 2024 — a roughly 21% increase in just three years. Arlington homeowners are feeling that impact on their monthly utility bills.
Solar panels can help Arlington residents reduce their dependence on the grid. By generating your own electricity at home, you become less exposed to utility rate increases that are largely outside your control.
Over time, that stability adds up. Many Arlington, VA homeowners find that solar delivers consistent savings year after year — making it a practical long-term decision, not just an environmental one.
Price of Energy: Virginia vs National Average
Arlington Area Utility Providers
Arlington, VA homeowners are served by two main utilities: Dominion Energy and Northern Virginia Electric Cooperative. Based on 2023 data — the most recent available — both providers charge 13.9¢ per kWh.
At 13.9¢ per kWh (2023), Arlington’s rates sit below both the Virginia state average of 14.30¢ and the national average of 16.0¢. Virginia’s regulated utility market and diverse energy mix help keep local rates relatively competitive.
Even with rates currently below national benchmarks, utility prices can shift over time. Solar can help Arlington homeowners stabilize their energy costs and reduce long-term exposure to future rate changes — a practical consideration worth understanding.
Arlington Utilities Electricity Rates
Virginia Solar Incentives
Virginia homeowners have access to several solar incentives in Virginia that can help reduce the overall cost of going solar.
Statewide programs include Virginia’s net metering policy, which provides bill credits for excess energy sent to the grid, and the SREC program, where homeowners earn certificates — worth roughly $22.50–$75 each — for every megawatt-hour their system produces.
The federal residential solar tax credit is no longer available. State and local incentives remain. For those considering a solar lease, Palmetto’s LightReach handles the commercial tax credit and passes savings through as lower monthly payments.
| Incentive | Type | Description | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virginia Solar Renewable Energy Certificate (SREC) Program | SREC | Virginia solar owners earn one SREC for every 1 MWh of electricity their system produces, which can be sold to utilities for approximately $22.50–$75 per certificate. | Learn More |
| Virginia Net Metering Program | Net Metering | Virginia’s net metering program allows solar customers to earn full retail-rate bill credits for excess electricity sent to the grid, with important changes proposed for new customers in 2026. | Learn More |
| Virginia Community Solar Program (Shared Solar) | Rebate | Virginia’s Shared Solar Program allows customers to subscribe to a portion of a community solar facility and receive bill credits for their share of the energy produced, with a guaranteed 10% savings. | Learn More |
| Virginia Solar for All (EPA Grant Program) | Rebate | Virginia received over $156 million in EPA Solar for All funding to develop solar programs that enable low-income and disadvantaged communities to access and benefit from residential solar. | Learn More |
| VirginiaSAVES Green Community Program | Rebate | VirginiaSAVES offers low-interest financing for renewable energy and solar projects to commercial and industrial businesses, nonprofits, and local governments in Virginia. | Learn More |
| Virginia Commercial PACE (Property Assessed Clean Energy) Financing | Rebate | Virginia’s Commercial PACE program offers property-secured, long-term financing covering 100% of eligible solar and battery storage project costs for commercial properties in participating localities. | Learn More |
Created under the Virginia Clean Economy Act (VCEA) of 2020, Virginia’s SREC program allows residential solar owners to earn one Solar Renewable Energy Certificate for every 1,000 kWh (1 MWh) of electricity their solar panels produce. Utilities are required to purchase these certificates to meet their Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) obligations, creating a real market for your solar generation.
Current SREC prices in Virginia range from approximately $22.50 to $35 per certificate, with a state-mandated price cap of $75 per SREC. Each SREC is valid for 5 years from the year it is generated, giving you flexibility in when to sell. You do not need to be a Dominion Energy or Appalachian Power customer to participate — any Virginia solar owner is eligible.
To start earning SRECs, you must complete the utility interconnection process and then register your system with an SREC aggregator or broker (such as SRECTrade) within the same calendar year as your interconnection date. Once registered, your system will typically begin generating SRECs within two months, and your broker will sell them on the market on your behalf automatically.
Virginia’s net metering program, governed by Virginia Code §56-594, allows residential solar customers to earn credits on their electricity bills for excess power their solar panels send to the grid. Both Dominion Energy and Appalachian Power Company (APCo) currently offer net metering at the full retail rate — a one-to-one credit — for residential systems up to 20 kW. Credits roll over month to month, and any remaining credits at the end of a 12-month billing cycle can be carried forward or paid out at the avoided-cost rate.
Important 2026 Update: Both Dominion Energy and APCo have proposed changes to net metering compensation for new customers. Dominion’s NEM 2.0 proposal would shift to real-time (half-hourly) netting and base credit rates on distributed solar PPA rates rather than the full retail rate. APCo has already received SCC approval to compensate net excess generation fed back to the grid at the avoided-cost rate. An SCC evidentiary hearing was scheduled for January 20, 2026, and a final order is expected mid-2026.
Grandfathering Protection: Customers who install solar and connect to the grid before the SCC issues its final order on net metering changes will be grandfathered under the existing full retail-rate rules. The aggregate capacity limit for net metering is 6% of each utility’s prior-year peak-load forecast (1% reserved for low-income customers, 5% for all others), and enrollment is first-come, first-served.
Virginia’s Shared Solar (Community Solar) Program allows utility customers to benefit from solar energy without installing panels on their own property. Participants subscribe to a portion of a larger, shared solar facility and receive credits on their electricity bills based on their share of the energy produced by that facility.
There are two subscription options: the Block Option, where customers purchase fixed blocks of solar energy (each block = 100 kWh, costing $2.013/month, with residential customers able to buy up to 5 blocks); and the 100% Match Option, which allows participants to match all of their electricity use with solar energy at an additional $0.02013 per kWh. Participants receive a guaranteed 10% savings on the subscribed portion of their utility bill.
This program is ideal for renters in Arlington, homeowners with shaded or unsuitable roofs, or anyone who wants to support solar energy without the upfront cost of installation. No equipment purchase or installation is required — simply sign up through your utility. Contact the Virginia Department of Energy or your utility provider for current availability and enrollment details.
The Virginia Solar for All program was established after the Virginia Department of Energy was selected to receive more than $156 million through the U.S. EPA’s Solar for All grant competition. The program is specifically designed to expand access to solar energy for low-income and disadvantaged communities across the Commonwealth.
The funding is being used to develop long-lasting solar programs that enable qualifying households to deploy and directly benefit from distributed residential solar. This may include financial assistance, subsidized installations, community solar subscriptions, and other mechanisms to reduce or eliminate the upfront cost barrier for eligible residents.
Eligibility is targeted toward low-income households and residents of disadvantaged communities. Interested residents of Arlington should contact the Virginia Department of Energy for the latest information on program availability, eligibility requirements, and how to apply as funds are deployed.
The VirginiaSAVES Green Community Program provides low-cost, low-interest financing to private commercial and industrial businesses, nonprofits, and local governments to fund a wide range of renewable energy and energy projects in Virginia. Solar panel installations are among the eligible project types under this program.
The program is designed to remove the financial barrier of upfront capital costs for organizations looking to invest in solar and clean energy. Financing terms and interest rates are structured to make projects economically viable, with the goal of shortening payback periods and improving the return on investment for participating organizations.
This program is not available to individual residential homeowners but is an excellent resource for business owners, nonprofits, and local government entities in Arlington seeking affordable financing for solar installations. Contact the Virginia Department of Energy for current program terms, interest rates, and application details.
Virginia’s Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy (C-PACE) program provides an innovative financing mechanism for commercial, industrial, and nonprofit property owners to fund solar energy and battery storage installations with no upfront costs. Project costs are repaid through a special assessment on the property’s tax bill, with repayment terms extending up to 30 years.
C-PACE financing can cover 100% of eligible project costs, including solar panels, battery energy storage systems, and related equipment. Because the financing is tied to the property rather than the borrower, it can offer more favorable terms than traditional loans and transfers to the new owner if the property is sold.
Availability is limited to localities in Virginia that have adopted the PACE enabling legislation. Commercial property owners in Arlington should verify whether their locality participates before pursuing this option. C-PACE is particularly valuable for battery storage projects, which currently have no dedicated state or utility incentive programs in Virginia.
Ready to start saving with solar?
Speak with a Palmetto solar expert to find out exactly how much you can save with Virginia 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 gets four distinct seasons, with sunny summers and cloudier winters. But even with occasional overcast days, a well-designed solar system can generate meaningful energy year-round.
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 Panel Systems in Arlington
We’ve mapped every solar installation across the U.S. — and Arlington, VA is lighting up! Explore the heatmap below to see which neighborhoods, like Clarendon, Ballston, and Lyon Village, have neighbors who’ve already made the switch to clean energy.
Leasing Solar Panels
If you’d rather not pay the full cost of solar upfront, Palmetto offers a solar lease through its LightReach program — available to Arlington homeowners served by both Dominion Energy and Appalachian Power Company (APCo). With a lease, you pay a fixed monthly amount (for example, around $114/month for a medium-sized home) instead of purchasing the system outright. Palmetto owns the equipment and handles all maintenance, monitoring, and repairs — so you get the benefits of solar without the responsibilities that come with ownership.
This is different from a cash purchase, where you’d cover the full system cost upfront — typically $20,000–$32,000 — and take on maintenance yourself. With a lease, there’s no large investment to recoup, no loan to manage, and no repair bills if something goes wrong. Palmetto’s LightReach also includes a 90% production guarantee, so if your system underperforms, you’re protected. Learn more about the differences between buying and leasing solar.
For many Arlington homeowners, leasing is a practical way to start saving on electricity costs right away. Your monthly lease payment is often lower than what you’d otherwise pay your utility — meaning your savings begin as soon as your panels are turned on, with no upfront cost and no maintenance burden to manage on your own.
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
For many Arlington homeowners, solar makes practical sense. With 4.8 peak sun hours per day, rising electricity rates (up 21% since 2021), and Virginia’s net metering and SREC programs, the financial case is real — average 25-year savings are estimated at ~$71,000.
Upfront cost doesn’t have to be a barrier. Palmetto’s LightReach solar lease lets Arlington homeowners go solar with no money down, starting at around $114/month — so savings begin from day one.
Yes, Arlington, VA homeowners have access to net metering through their utility provider. Dominion Energy and Appalachian Power Company (APCo) both offer 1:1 net metering, meaning you receive a full retail-rate bill credit for every kilowatt-hour of excess solar energy you send to the grid. Unused credits carry over month to month.
At year-end, any remaining credits can roll over or be settled at Dominion’s avoided-cost rate (roughly 3–5¢/kWh). With APCo, credits roll over indefinitely but are not paid out as a check. Homeowners who install solar before any SCC policy changes take effect may be grandfathered under current full retail-rate rules.
Yes, solar panels can increase home value in Arlington. According to a Zillow study, homes with solar panels sell for approximately 4.1% more than comparable homes without them. For a home valued at $700,000 — close to Arlington’s median — that could represent roughly $28,700 in added value.
In Arlington’s competitive real estate market, solar panels are an attractive feature for buyers who value lower utility costs. Note: this benefit typically applies to owned systems, not leased panels, as leased systems are tied to a separate agreement.
With Palmetto’s LightReach lease, Arlington homeowners can go solar for no upfront cost — starting at around $114/month for a medium-sized home. There’s no large investment required, and Palmetto handles all maintenance.
For those who prefer to own their system outright, a cash purchase typically runs $20,000–$32,000 depending on home size. Note that the federal 30% residential tax credit is no longer available following the Big Beautiful Bill. Use the calculator above for a personalized estimate.
For Arlington homeowners, solar can make strong financial sense — especially with a lease option. With Palmetto’s LightReach program, there’s no upfront investment required. Your fixed monthly lease payment is typically less than your current electricity bill, meaning you start saving from day one.
Arlington homeowners who purchase a system outright can expect average 25-year savings of ~$71,000, with an estimated payback period of around 11–12 years. Either way, with Virginia’s rising electricity rates and net metering credits, the financial case for solar in Arlington is clear.
Palmetto Solar is a top choice for Arlington, VA homeowners. We’re a national company with a strong local install network, and we’ve served 20,000+ customers across 31 states with an approval rating over 85%.
What sets us apart is our flexible financing. Our LightReach lease lets Arlington homeowners go solar for no upfront cost — starting at around $114/month — with Palmetto handling all maintenance, monitoring, and repairs.
With Palmetto’s LightReach program, Arlington homeowners can go solar with no upfront cost. Palmetto owns the system and handles all installation, monitoring, maintenance, and repairs — you simply pay one fixed monthly payment. For a typical 9.72 kW system in Arlington, that’s approximately $114/month. Because Palmetto owns the system, it claims the commercial Investment Tax Credit (ITC) and passes those savings to you through lower monthly payments.
Many Arlington homeowners find their lease payment is less than their current electricity bill, meaning savings begin from day one. LightReach also includes a 90% Production Guarantee — so if your system underperforms, you’re protected.