Solar Panel Cost Guide in Claymont, DE (2023 Update)
- Claymont Solar Installation Cost: $12,070
- 25-Year Savings: $12,832
- Payback Period: 12.1 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Claymont
Let's take a look at the average cost of solar panels in Claymont.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Claymont, the average cost of solar panels is 2.58 per watt. The average Claymont homeowner needs a 6.7-kilowatt system, which would cost about $12,064 with the federal tax credit, or $17,252 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
The true price you pay can go higher or lower than the average in Claymont based on a few factors, such as the type of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire. With average savings of about $14,000 on electricity bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Claymont find investing in solar has a decent ROI.
Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar panel company in Claymont for a customized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Claymont
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,987 |
| 3 years | $-11,821 |
| 5 years | $-11,655 |
| 7 years | $-11,489 |
| 9 years | $-11,323 |
| 11 years | $-11,157 |
| 13 years | $-10,991 |
| 15 years | $-10,825 |
| 17 years | $-10,659 |
| 19 years | $-10,493 |
| 21 years | $-10,327 |
| 23 years | $-10,161 |
| 25 years | $-9,995 |
Top Solar Installers in Claymont
When switching to solar energy, many homeowners choose to go with a solar installation company since overseeing your solar installation yourself can be a time-consuming project. Companies can also have access to various kinds of the best solar panels and help you decide which one will be best for you.
Working with a professional solar installer can help your solar project go smoothly. Here are our recommendations:
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 Claymont
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Claymont
The cost of installing a solar system in Claymont 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 your home needs, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of factors. One of the notable factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with better efficiency or power production need better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $2,580. The brand and type of equipment you choose for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted 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 additional equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Claymont provide solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar panels. When figuring out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you decide on a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you hire to handle your switch to solar energy can play a role in your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating in Claymont, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment. The size of the company sometimes plays the most considerable role in the cost of installation. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because they have more resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger 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 | $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 companies to choose from in Claymont, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Warranty: A comprehensive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar panel system running smoothly and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
- Contract: Read the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, project completion timeline incentives and warranties.
- Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when adopting solar power is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you should know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should secure and how long the project will take.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their locations and how much efficiency they need. While there are many options for which brand of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to ask for their list of options before making your decision.
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 Claymont, DE Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Claymont?
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. You can expect to pay more if you want other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. On the flip side, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Claymont?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you are unable to pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don't own the system, you don't have access to many solar incentives. Also your property value won't increase, so you'll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most bang for your buck from going solar.
Does Claymont have a net metering program?
Most states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can be compensated for the extra power your system produces or or receive credits to put toward future electricity bills. Currently there are just three states that don't have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How long do solar panels last in Claymont?
Although the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of at that time. What this means is the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can opt to replace them after having them for that long or you can keep using them at a lower efficiency.
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.