Rethink Energy: What the 30% Solar Tariff Means for Arlingtonians

This regularly-scheduled sponsored column is written by the Arlington Initiative to Rethink Energy team (AIRE). This county program helps you make smart energy decisions that save you money and leaves a lighter footprint on the environment. 

Solar has been booming in Arlington.

Through Arlington Solar Co-ops, Arlingtonians have more than doubled the amount of solar on homes in just 2 years. The co-op helps residents buy solar panels in bulk to drive down the cost by as much as 20%.

This month the federal government announced a 30% tariff on solar equipment manufactured outside of the U.S. But what does this really mean for Arlingtonians who want to go solar?

The short answer is that the 30% tariff will add approximately 10-15 cents per watt, or about 6% to a system’s total cost. This is because solar panels are only a portion of the cost of going solar.

The tariff does not apply to the “soft costs” associated with going solar. The increased cost of panels would add about $1,050 to the total cost of an average solar installation. If you apply for the 30% federal solar tax credit available to residents, the additional tariff amounts to approximately $735 per home system.

We will launch another solar co-op this spring to support residents who want to lead on going solar, take their energy future into their own hands and help create a more sustainable Arlington.

If you would like to receive information about the co-op when it opens, please email [email protected].