Compare the highest-rated home solar professionals in Arlington, Virginia. All contractors are licensed, insured, and verified through our rigorous screening process.
A leading regional solar installer with extensive experience in the DMV area. They are known for their comprehensive in-house services, from initial consultation and system design to installation and maintenance. They are a SunPower Master Dealer, offering some of the industry's most efficient panels and robust warranties.
A highly-rated, employee-owned solar company based in Northern Virginia, deeply embedded in the local community. Ipsun is a Certified B Corporation, reflecting its commitment to social and environmental performance. They are known for personalized service, expert design, and a strong focus on customer education.
A local Arlington-area installer that has built a strong reputation for quality workmanship and customer service. They focus on residential projects and pride themselves on making the solar process straightforward. They offer a range of panel options and are well-versed in local permitting and incentives.
** The home solar market in Arlington, Virginia, is mature and highly competitive, characterized by a high concentration of knowledgeable and reputable installers. The average quality of service is excellent, driven by educated homeowners and stringent local building codes. Competition is fierce, which benefits consumers through competitive pricing and strong customer service. Typical pricing for a residential system in Arlington ranges from **$2.80 to $3.50 per watt** before incentives, translating to a gross cost of **$20,000 to $42,000** for an average 7-12 kW system. The 30% Federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC) significantly reduces this net cost. Arlington homeowners also benefit from net metering policies with Dominion Energy and a state-wide exemption of solar installations from property tax assessments. The combination of high electricity costs, strong incentives, and environmental awareness makes Arlington a robust market for solar adoption.
4.7+ star average from verified customer reviews
All contractors are properly licensed and insured
10+ years average experience in the industry
Familiar with Arlington regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about home solar services in Arlington, Virginia.
For a typical 6-8 kW system in Arlington, the gross cost before incentives ranges from $18,000 to $28,000. Crucially, you can reduce this by 30% with the federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC). Additionally, Virginia offers a state tax credit of up to $2,500, and Arlington homeowners are exempt from state sales tax on solar equipment. Net-metering with Dominion Energy also provides bill credits for excess energy you send to the grid.
Arlington receives ample sunlight for effective solar production, averaging about 200 sunny days per year. However, the area's mature tree canopy can cause significant shading, which requires careful system design. A reputable local installer will conduct a detailed shade analysis using tools like a Solar Pathfinder to optimize panel placement, often recommending micro-inverters or power optimizers to mitigate the impact of partial shading from trees or neighboring structures.
All solar installations in Arlington require a building permit and an electrical permit from the Arlington County Department of Community Planning, Housing and Development. The process includes a plan review to ensure compliance with the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code and local zoning ordinances. Your chosen installer should manage this entire permitting process, which is a key reason to select an experienced, local provider familiar with Arlington's specific requirements and inspection protocols.
Prioritize installers who are licensed, insured, and have strong experience with Arlington County's permitting process. Look for companies with North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) certification and check reviews on platforms like SolarReviews and the Better Business Bureau. Always obtain multiple detailed quotes, and ask for local references from recent installations in Arlington neighborhoods to verify their work quality and customer service.
Standard grid-tied systems automatically shut off during a power outage for safety, unless paired with a dedicated battery storage solution like a Tesla Powerwall. Regarding seasons, production is highest in spring and fall due to cool temperatures and sunny days, while summer haze and winter's shorter days reduce output. Importantly, Virginia's net-metering policy allows you to bank summer credits to offset higher winter usage, making the system economical year-round.