Solar Panel Cost Guide in Dover, DE (2023 Update)
- Dover Solar Installation Cost: $11,708
- 25-Year Savings: $16,799
- Payback Period: 10.3 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Dover
Let's take a look at the average cost of solar panels in Dover.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Dover, the typical cost of a solar system is 2.58 per watt. The average Dover homeowner needs a 6.5-kilowatt system, which would cost about $11,703 with the federal tax credit, or $16,735 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Dover homeowners. The price of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor. With average savings of about $17,000 on energy bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Dover find installing solar panels has a decent ROI.
To get a free quote from a pre-vetted solar installation company in Dover, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Dover
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,613 |
| 3 years | $-11,423 |
| 5 years | $-11,233 |
| 7 years | $-11,043 |
| 9 years | $-10,853 |
| 11 years | $-10,663 |
| 13 years | $-10,473 |
| 15 years | $-10,283 |
| 17 years | $-10,093 |
| 19 years | $-9,903 |
| 21 years | $-9,713 |
| 23 years | $-9,523 |
| 25 years | $-9,333 |
Top Solar Installers in Dover
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can take a lot of hard work. Taking advantage of a solar company can make your swap to solar power much easier. Plus, if you're unsure what brand of solar panels and equipment you want, a solar company can help you find the right equipment for you after a site survey and consultation.
There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. Here are our suggestions:
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 Dover
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Dover
Although the average cost of a solar system in Dover is $11,703, your actual cost may be higher or lower than that. There are quite a few factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to consider.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar panel system in Dover, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are mainly based on your home's energy usage, which you can gauge by looking at past energy bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $2,580 for each additional kilowatt you need. There are several different solar panel brands and the one you pick also affects the cost. Typically, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also cost more. Plus, the type of equipment you're looking to get can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Dover to be too costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, almost every solar installer in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also lead to higher prices over time due to interest. However, the interest on solar loans also increases your all-in costs, so it's important to keep that in mind as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you get to install your solar panels can impact the cost. Dover's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Companies that only sell high-efficiency and high-priced products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come with an above-average cost. It's best to do some research and decide on the company that offers the products, warranties and services you're looking for and also fit into your budget.
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 | $15,114 | 10.7 years |
| 8 kW | $2.63 | $14,737 | $20,441 | 10.5 years |
| 10 kW | $2.58 | $18,060 | $25,912 | 10.3 years |
| 12 kW | $2.53 | $21,239 | $31,528 | 10.1 years |
| 14 kW | $2.48 | $24,273 | $37,288 | 9.9 years |
| 16 kW | $2.43 | $27,162 | $43,193 | 9.7 years |
| 18 kW | $2.37 | $29,907 | $49,243 | 9.4 years |
| 20 kW | $2.32 | $32,508 | $55,436 | 9.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the model of solar panels and the company you choose has an impact on your costs and your system's efficiency, production, and durability, it's important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Solar Panel Brands: The brand of solar panel you need to install plays a role in which company you should choose, since different companies have different panels.
- Contract: Review the contract terms closely to make sure you understand the overall cost, completion timeline rebates and warranties.
- Reputation: Solar companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years in most cases offer quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Installation Process: Make sure you're on the same page with the company with regard to how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar system is installed, such as repairing your electrical system or roof.
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 Dover, DE Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Dover?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many factors. Broadly 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 other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Dover?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, as it commonly comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback is that you won't be able to save as much. If you lease, you don't own the system, so you can't claim any incentives and your home value won't increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to maximize your savings.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Dover?
Each state has some kind of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states let you sell power back to the grid, but others just give you credit toward your future power bills.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you need to know how much energy your home requires 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 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.