Solar Panel Cost Guide in Bear, DE (2024 Update)
- Bear Solar Installation Cost: $14,456
- 25-Year Savings: $20,570
- Payback Period: 13.7 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Bear
Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar panels in Bear.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Bear it’s 3 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Bear is around 6.7 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $14,456 for a solar installation, or $20,672 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much solar panels could cost. The exact cost of going solar can vary quite a bit depending on several factors, such as what size system you need, your energy usage and what solar installer you go with.Despite the significant initial cost, the average Bear homeowner can save about $15,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the benefits of solar.
Click the button below to get connected to a top solar panel company in your area for a custom estimate.
Solar savings over time in Bear
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-13,055 |
| 3 years | $-10,253 |
| 5 years | $-7,451 |
| 7 years | $-4,649 |
| 9 years | $-1,847 |
| 11 years | $956 |
| 13 years | $3,758 |
| 15 years | $6,560 |
| 17 years | $9,362 |
| 19 years | $12,164 |
| 21 years | $14,966 |
| 23 years | $17,768 |
| 25 years | $20,570 |
Top Solar Installers in Bear
Although you can install solar panels by yourself, it involves extra labor and expertise. That's why most people choose a solar panel installer. Plus, if you’re not certain what type of solar panels and equipment you want, a solar installer can help you figure that out after a site survey and consultation.
If you're on the hunt for a solar company in Bear, the EcoWatch team has compiled a list of our top suggestions here:
Solar Veteran
Trinity Solar
- Many financing options
- Family-owned and -operated
- Makes charitable contributions
- Limited service area
- Relatively short workmanship warranty
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
See all of the solar companies in Bear
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Bear
The cost of installing a solar system in Bear can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The biggest one is the size of the system you need, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of solar panels in Bear, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are mainly based on your home’s energy consumption, which you can determine by looking at past energy bills. Your total cost can increase by around $3,090 for each additional kilowatt you need.The type of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will greatly influence costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Moreover, solar equipment consists of more than just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to consider the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when looking into a solar system that’s in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over time, but they can also be a significant investment. That’s why many Bear homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable.Even though solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Bear homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installer you pick will affect your total cost to go solar. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor.Some companies only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally cost more. It’s best to do some research and go with the company that offers the products, warranties and services you’re looking for and also fits within your budget.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $3.21 | $13,497 | $10,212 | 14.2 years |
| 8 kW | $3.15 | $17,650 | $13,961 | 14.0 years |
| 10 kW | $3.09 | $21,630 | $17,884 | 13.7 years |
| 12 kW | $3.03 | $25,437 | $21,980 | 13.4 years |
| 14 kW | $2.97 | $29,071 | $26,249 | 13.1 years |
| 16 kW | $2.90 | $32,532 | $30,692 | 12.9 years |
| 18 kW | $2.84 | $35,819 | $35,307 | 12.6 years |
| 20 kW | $2.78 | $38,934 | $40,095 | 12.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your system installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since selecting a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Contract: Read the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand the total cost, project timeline incentives and warranties.
- Installation Process: An important thing to understand when adopting solar energy is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you should know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should secure and what the project timeline is.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies offer the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a substantial role in the company you hire.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar system installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking its number of years in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
Solar Veteran
Trinity Solar
- Many financing options
- Family-owned and -operated
- Makes charitable contributions
- Limited service area
- Relatively short workmanship warranty
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
EcoWatch's Bear, DE Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Bear?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $15,450 for a 5-kW system and $30,900 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. Conversely, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
Cost is definitely one of the most important things to keep in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Is going solar worth it?
Solar panels can be a good investment for many homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight and/or your energy bills are already reasonably low, solar panels might not be for you.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and how much sunlight your roof gets. You can look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to get between 20 and 35 panels to cover their typical energy usage.
Our goal is to reach as many people as we can with sensible solutions like solar energy. Our team of full-time local researchers collects solar price and installation data for every city in America then compiles it to create these digestible city guides. If you want to read our solar expert's opinion on the top solar companies featured here, follow this link.
Company research was conducted by Melissa Smith and Karsten Neumeister. Local data analysis was conducted by James Savino. See something we missed or could do better? Email the editor.