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.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Camden typically cost around 3.To cover the typical energy needs of the average home in Camden, most homeowners require a 6.5-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs around $14,023, or $20,053 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar panel system could cost. The actual cost of installing solar panels can vary quite a bit depending on a few factors, such as what size system you need, your energy usage and what installation company you go with.But, once you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the ROI for most homeowners is quite fruitful, with a net average savings of about $16,000 over 20 years on electricity bills.
For a customized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, 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
Many homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer since trying to install solar panels on your own can be a lot of work. Local solar installation companies can also help you maximize your return on investment by assisting with any local incentives you can benefit from and by offering warranties and repairs.
If you're looking for a solar installer in Camden, the EcoWatch team has organized a list of our top suggestions here:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
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
There are several factors that can influence your solar system installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar panels.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar panel system you need for your household, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by nearly $3,090. The model of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will largely influence costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Plus, solar equipment is 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 for a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system in cash is too expensive, solar loans are a popular option because they reduce your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over five to seven years on average.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the amount of interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you’re only able to get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the principal cost. Making a larger down payment or finding a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The last key cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of renewable energy solutions in Camden, you’ll have many options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment.Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or extra services like electric car 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 brands and price points. To help you decide on the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Reputation: Companies that have been operating for many years likely have a solid reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Contract: Even though reading through a contract can be tedious, it’s important to do it thoroughly so you can be sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and the terms of the warranty.
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for replacement parts and repairs over a couple decades are the best you can get in the business, and offering such a warranty is one indication of a quality company.
- Installation Process: When going solar, it’s essential to maintain an open line of communication with your solar panel installer. Confirm that you understand how the installation process works and the project timeline.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
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
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Camden?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many factors. Generally 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 other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. On the other hand, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Camden?
A solar panel system isn’t free in Camden, but there are some options that can make getting them more feasible, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can further reduce the cost.
How will installing solar panels impact my property value?
Solar panels can increase the value of your home significantly as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t opt for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% after installing solar panels."
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you should find out how much energy your home needs and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can usually produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average home 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.