Solar Panel Cost Guide in Dover, DE (2024 Update)
- Dover Solar Installation Cost: $14,023
- 25-Year Savings: $16,799
- Payback Period: 12.3 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Dover
Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar in Dover.
In Dover, solar panels cost about 3 per watt on average.The average Dover homeowner needs a 6.5-kilowatt system, which would cost about $14,023 with the federal tax credit, or $20,053 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Dover homeowner. The cost 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.Even with the significant upfront cost, the average Dover homeowner can save around $17,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the benefits of solar.
To see your potential savings and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Dover
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,614 |
| 3 years | $-9,795 |
| 5 years | $-6,977 |
| 7 years | $-4,159 |
| 9 years | $-1,340 |
| 11 years | $1,478 |
| 13 years | $4,296 |
| 15 years | $7,114 |
| 17 years | $9,933 |
| 19 years | $12,751 |
| 21 years | $15,569 |
| 23 years | $18,388 |
| 25 years | $21,206 |
Top Solar Installers in Dover
Installing solar panels on your own can be a stressful task, which is why hiring a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Another good thing about going with a reliable solar installer is that it'll provide warranties and free repairs, which help protect your investment.
If you’d like to start using solar energy but still aren’t certain which solar panel company to go with, here are our suggestions for providers near you:
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 Dover
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Dover
The cost of installing a solar system in Dover can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is dependent on several factors. The largest one is your system size, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
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 spend about $3,090 per kilowatt in Dover.There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you choose also changes the cost. Generally speaking, the brands that are more efficient tend to also cost more. Plus, the type of equipment you want to install 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
For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be financially overwhelming. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Dover, which can bring down, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.When estimating your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you go with a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you hire to handle your switch to green energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies in Dover, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.The company’s size sometimes plays the most considerable role in your total costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing due to more resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes 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 | $3.21 | $13,497 | $12,886 | 12.8 years |
| 8 kW | $3.15 | $17,650 | $17,528 | 12.5 years |
| 10 kW | $3.09 | $21,630 | $22,342 | 12.3 years |
| 12 kW | $3.03 | $25,437 | $27,330 | 12.1 years |
| 14 kW | $2.97 | $29,071 | $32,490 | 11.8 years |
| 16 kW | $2.90 | $32,532 | $37,824 | 11.6 years |
| 18 kW | $2.84 | $35,819 | $43,331 | 11.3 years |
| 20 kW | $2.78 | $38,934 | $49,010 | 11.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you pick the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Warranty: A comprehensive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar system running smoothly and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
- Reputation: Solar system installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years in most cases offer high-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be done and what the project timeline is.
- Contract: Review the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand the total cost, project completion timeline rebates and warranties.
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 Dover, DE Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Dover?
The average cost of solar panels in Dover is about $15,450 for a 5-kW system and $30,900 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on certain factors such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Dover?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t pay upfront or secure 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 savings from going solar.
How will solar panels impact how much my home is worth?
Solar panels can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Dover is currently $307,251, so you can expect a value of about $12,597 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Dover is a worthwhile investment.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher amount of energy production.
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.