Solar Panel Cost Guide in Brookside, DE (2023 Update)
- Brookside Solar Installation Cost: $12,064
- 25-Year Savings: $18,141
- Payback Period: 10.0 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Updated May 04, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Brookside
We break down average solar pricing in Brookside.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Brookside generally cost around 2.58. To cover the typical energy usage of the average home in Brookside, most homeowners require a 6.7-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs about $12,064, or $17,252 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll end up paying for solar may look quite different based on your household energy needs, the type of equipment you choose, your solar contractor and more. Many homeowners find going solar is a solid investment. The average homeowner in Brookside can save about $17,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.
To calculate your potential savings and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Brookside
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,856 |
| 3 years | $-8,439 |
| 5 years | $-6,023 |
| 7 years | $-3,607 |
| 9 years | $-1,190 |
| 11 years | $1,226 |
| 13 years | $3,643 |
| 15 years | $6,059 |
| 17 years | $8,475 |
| 19 years | $10,892 |
| 21 years | $13,308 |
| 23 years | $15,725 |
| 25 years | $18,141 |
Top Solar Installers in Brookside
Installing solar panels by yourself can be a stressful task, which is why getting a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. The payback period on an investment in solar panels will vary depending on factors like your roof configuration and energy needs, but working with a solar installer can help you reach a break-even point sooner. Your provider will be able to help you get the most out of incentives available in your area.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free quote on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some nearby:
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 Brookside
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Brookside
There are many criteria that can play into your total installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar system.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of going solar. Because of that, it's crucial to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs. The brand and kind of equipment you want for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often have a higher price tag than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you're opting for high efficiency because you have limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Also, if you want extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Brookside to be prohibitively costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, nearly every solar installer in the area offers financing options. Solar loans remarkably decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also lead to a higher cost over time due to interest. However, the interest on solar loans also increases your overall costs, so it's important to consider that as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to keep in mind when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Brookside is the company you choose to install your solar panel system. As with choosing a company to install new cabinets, for instance, there are plenty of solar installers that offer a range of services at different price points. You may see national solar installers that have lower prices because of their bigger brand name and access to bulk prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those larger companies.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $2.68 | $11,269 | $15,847 | 10.4 years |
| 8 kW | $2.63 | $14,737 | $21,418 | 10.2 years |
| 10 kW | $2.58 | $18,060 | $27,134 | 10.0 years |
| 12 kW | $2.53 | $21,239 | $32,994 | 9.8 years |
| 14 kW | $2.48 | $24,273 | $38,999 | 9.6 years |
| 16 kW | $2.43 | $27,162 | $45,148 | 9.4 years |
| 18 kW | $2.37 | $29,907 | $51,442 | 9.2 years |
| 20 kW | $2.32 | $32,508 | $57,880 | 9.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are numerous companies available in Brookside, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Contract: When looking through your solar company's contract, ask questions about any terms you're not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system part breaking or the company going out of business.
- Warranty: Warranties that cover defective panels and repairs over a couple decades are the best you can get in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one sign of a quality company.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies have various brands and kinds of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar company you're considering has it.
- Reputation: Solar installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years most likely provide high-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
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 Brookside, DE Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Brookside?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $12,900 for a 5-kW system and $25,800 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. Conversely, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
What other factors should I consider in addition to cost when buying solar panels?
The initial cost is a crucial factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on your goals for going solar. In areas where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to keep in mind are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Brookside?
Each state has some kind of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states allow you to sell power back to the grid, but others just offer you credit toward your future energy bills.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and the average daily 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 install between 20 and 35 panels to account for 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.