Solar Panel Cost Guide in Camden, DE (2024 Update)
- Camden Solar Installation Cost: $14,023
- 25-Year Savings: $16,351
- Payback Period: 12.5 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Camden
Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar in Camden.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Camden it’s 3 per watt.Since a 6.5-kW system is needed to cover the energy consumption of a typical home in Camden, the average price of going solar will be about $14,023 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
The true price you pay can go above or below the average in Camden depending on several factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire.Even with the large upfront cost, the average Camden homeowner can save around $16,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the advantages of solar.
For a free quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Camden
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,622 |
| 3 years | $-9,820 |
| 5 years | $-7,018 |
| 7 years | $-4,215 |
| 9 years | $-1,413 |
| 11 years | $1,389 |
| 13 years | $4,191 |
| 15 years | $6,993 |
| 17 years | $9,795 |
| 19 years | $12,597 |
| 21 years | $15,399 |
| 23 years | $18,202 |
| 25 years | $21,004 |
Top Solar Installers in Camden
Although it's possible to install solar panels on your own, it takes extra effort and know-how. That's one of the reasons most people choose to go with a solar panel installer. Also, if you’d like to maximize your investment in solar energy, opting for a solar installer can help with that too. Different providers can offer repairs, expertise on installation and sometimes even information on local incentives.
If you’d like to go solar but still aren’t certain which solar company to go with, here are our recommendations for providers in Camden:
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 Camden
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Camden
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners who want to invest in solar. There are a few major factors that determine your overall cost in Camden: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of going solar. For that reason, it’s crucial to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use.The model of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will substantially influence costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Furthermore, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to make decisions about the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when searching for a solar system that’s in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Camden to be too costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, almost every solar company in the area provides financing options. Solar loans substantially decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in a higher cost over time because of interest.It’s wise to include the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it’ll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you get to install your solar panel system can play a part in determining the cost. Camden’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or add-on services like electric vehicle charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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 | $12,472 | 13.0 years |
| 8 kW | $3.15 | $17,650 | $16,975 | 12.7 years |
| 10 kW | $3.09 | $21,630 | $21,651 | 12.5 years |
| 12 kW | $3.03 | $25,437 | $26,500 | 12.2 years |
| 14 kW | $2.97 | $29,071 | $31,523 | 12.0 years |
| 16 kW | $2.90 | $32,532 | $36,718 | 11.7 years |
| 18 kW | $2.84 | $35,819 | $42,087 | 11.5 years |
| 20 kW | $2.78 | $38,934 | $47,628 | 11.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you select the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid reputation as a company and have demonstrated expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has good reviews from previous customers.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar installer, make sure to read it through completely so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re not sure about some of the terms, such as what to do if a part breaks or malfunctions and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
- Warranty: Companies typically offer different types of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Installation Process: When going solar, it’s essential to keep an open line of communication with your solar panel installer. Confirm that you understand how the installation process will go and the completion timeline.
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 Camden, DE Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Camden?
The average cost of solar panels in Camden is about $15,450 for a 5-kW system and $30,900 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on stuff like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Can you get solar panels for free in Camden?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Camden. However, you may still be able to afford them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you’d prefer to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Do solar panels increase your property value?
Solar panels can increase the value of your home considerably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t choose a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% with a solar installation."
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you need to know how much energy your home needs and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can generally produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average household will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.