So you made the great decision to purchase solar panels. What a fantastic choice for so many reasons!

Keep in mind that there will be a few expenses associated with solar panel installation in Arlington before you can start producing your own electricity, namely:

1. Permit and Inspection. This requirement is likely to cost you $.06 per watt.

2. Panel Purchase Price. Average cost of solar panels is between $10,000 and $26,000. To get a more precise figure, take into account the size of your home compared to the national average of 2,000 square feet. Consider, also, the number of appliances you expect to power.

GOOD TO KNOW: Unlike most consumer products, the cost of solar panels has decreased substantially over the past decade.

3. Labor Cost. The labor involved in installing solar panels averages about $.27 per watt. This cost will go up if your home has more than one story, protrusions in the roof such as chimneys or skylights, or an exceptionally steep roof pitch.

4. Mounts and Inverter. Adjustable mounts are commonly recommended, at a cost of $50. You’ll also need an inverter, to convert the electricity generated by the panels into the correct voltage for your home.

5. Ongoing Maintenance. You may have to spend several hundred dollars annually for maintenance and repair of your solar panel system. Examples of these charges include: professional cleaning, repair of cracked panels or loose connection, and replacement of your inverter.

*Please note the above costs are representative only, your costs will vary