Solar Panel Cost Guide in Dover Base Housing, DE (2024 Update)
- Dover Base Housing 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 Dover Base Housing
Find out how much it might cost to switch to solar power in Dover Base Housing.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Dover Base Housing generally cost about 3.Using this figure, a typical 6.5-kW system would cost about $14,023 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are just averages, and the cost of going solar for you may vary based on factors unique to your home and what company you go with.But, once you've paid the initial cost of installation, the savings for most homeowners is quite good, with a net average savings of about $16,000 over 20 years on utility bills.
To see your potential savings and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Dover Base Housing
| 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 Dover Base Housing
Putting up solar panels yourself can be a time-consuming project, which is why hiring a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. The expertise that solar installers provide can be useful as well, particularly if you aren’t sure what brand of solar equipment would be right for your home.
If you’d like to switch to solar energy but still aren’t sure which solar panel company to go with, here are our recommendations for providers in Dover Base Housing:
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 Base Housing
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Dover Base Housing
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 Dover Base Housing: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll discuss each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of factors. One of the major factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with better efficiency or power generation use 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 $3,090.The kind 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 be more pricey. Plus, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to decide on 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’s in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Dover Base Housing provide solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing a solar system.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the amount of interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you can only get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or getting a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you hire to install your solar panel system can impact the cost. Dover Base Housing’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Some companies only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — 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 choose a company that offers the products, warranties and services you’re looking for and also is within 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 | $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
Since the model of solar panels and the company you choose considerably affects your costs and your system’s durability and efficiency, it’s important to select the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be completed and what the project timeline is.
- Warranty: A comprehensive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar panels running smoothly and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar panel installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking how long it's been in business and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar company, make sure you read it through carefully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re not certain about some of the terms, such as what to do if a component breaks or malfunctions and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
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 Base Housing, DE Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Dover Base Housing?
The average cost of solar panels in Dover Base Housing 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 things 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 Base Housing?
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 home 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.
Do solar panels increase how much your home is worth?
Buying or financing solar panels for your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Dover Base Housing is currently $319,795, which means you can look forward to a value of about $13,112 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Dover Base Housing is a rewarding investment.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and the amount of sunlight your roof gets. You can take a look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to buy between 20 and 35 panels to cover their typical energy usage.
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.