Solar Panel Cost Guide in Claymont, DE (Feb 2023)
- Claymont Solar Installation Cost: $12,064
- 25-Year Savings: $12,838
- Payback Period: 12.1 Years
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Updated January 20, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Claymont
Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in Claymont.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Claymont typically cost around $3. To cover the typical energy needs of the average home in Claymont, most homeowners require a 6.7-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs about $12,064, or $8,927 after the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
The true cost of your system can go above or below the average in Claymont based on a variety of factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire. With typical savings of about $14,000 on energy bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Claymont find going solar can pay off big.
To receive a free estimate from a highly rated solar company in Claymont, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Claymont
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,068 |
| 3 years | $-9,076 |
| 5 years | $-7,084 |
| 7 years | $-5,092 |
| 9 years | $-3,099 |
| 11 years | $-1,107 |
| 13 years | $885 |
| 15 years | $2,877 |
| 17 years | $4,869 |
| 19 years | $6,861 |
| 21 years | $8,853 |
| 23 years | $10,846 |
| 25 years | $12,838 |
Top Solar Installers in Claymont
When switching to solar energy, many homeowners choose to use a solar installation company since installing solar panels yourself can be a time-consuming project. Also, companies with an outstanding reputation that cost more upfront could actually save you money in the long term because of their warranties, repair services and expert design.
You can get a free quote from a local solar installer on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some in Claymont:
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
Solar Veteran
Trinity Solar
- Many financing options
- Family-owned and -operated
- Makes charitable contributions
- Limited service area
- Relatively short workmanship warranty
See all of the solar companies in Claymont
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Claymont
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners considering investing in solar. There are a few primary factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Claymont: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll discuss each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of going solar is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more energy your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay around $2,580 per kilowatt in Claymont. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Claymont, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system in cash is difficult, solar loans are an affordable route because they cut back your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over five to seven years on average. However, the interest on solar loans also increases your all-in costs, so it's vital to include that in your estimate as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installer you select will influence your total cost to adopt solar power. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor. Additionally, some companies in Claymont have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you make good use of additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. Even if they cost more upfront, they could end up saving you more money in the long run.
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 | $11,086 | 12.6 years |
| 8 kW | $2.63 | $14,737 | $15,070 | 12.4 years |
| 10 kW | $2.58 | $18,060 | $19,199 | 12.1 years |
| 12 kW | $2.53 | $21,239 | $23,472 | 11.9 years |
| 14 kW | $2.48 | $24,273 | $27,890 | 11.6 years |
| 16 kW | $2.43 | $27,162 | $32,452 | 11.4 years |
| 18 kW | $2.37 | $29,907 | $37,159 | 11.1 years |
| 20 kW | $2.32 | $32,508 | $42,010 | 10.9 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 find the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for panel repairs and maintenance over a couple decades are the gold standard in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one indication of a good company.
- Contract: Read the contract terms closely to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, completion timeline rebates and warranties.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type has varying levels of quality, longevity and energy efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose affects which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Installation Process: Make sure you're aligned with the installer in regard to how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar system is installed, such as updating or replacing your electrical system or roof.
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
Solar Veteran
Trinity Solar
- Many financing options
- Family-owned and -operated
- Makes charitable contributions
- Limited service area
- Relatively short workmanship warranty
EcoWatch's Claymont, DE Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Claymont?
The average cost of solar panels in Claymont is about $12,900 for a 5-kW system and $25,800 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on things such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
What other factors should I consider apart from cost when buying solar panels?
The upfront cost is a crucial factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on your reasons for going solar. In cities where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to take into account are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Does Claymont have a net metering program?
Most states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either get paid for the extra power your system produces or or receive credits to put toward future energy bills. Currently there are just three states that don't have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you need to know how much energy your home uses 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 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.