Solar Panel Cost Guide in Elsmere, DE (2024 Update)
- Elsmere Solar Installation Cost: $14,456
- 25-Year Savings: $12,832
- Payback Period: 14.5 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Elsmere
Here’s how much it might cost to install solar panels in Elsmere.
The average cost of solar panels in Elsmere is 3 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 6.7-kW system would cost about $14,456 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The true price you pay can be higher or lower than the average in Elsmere based on a few factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire.Even with the significant upfront cost, the average Elsmere homeowner can save about $14,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the positives of solar.
Click the button below to get connected to a top solar panel company in Elsmere for a personalized quote.
Solar savings over time in Elsmere
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-13,055 |
| 3 years | $-10,253 |
| 5 years | $-7,451 |
| 7 years | $-4,649 |
| 9 years | $-1,847 |
| 11 years | $956 |
| 13 years | $3,758 |
| 15 years | $6,560 |
| 17 years | $9,362 |
| 19 years | $12,164 |
| 21 years | $14,966 |
| 23 years | $17,768 |
| 25 years | $20,570 |
Top Solar Installers in Elsmere
Many homeowners decide to hire a solar panel company since trying to install solar panels yourself can be challenging. Since solar panels are exposed to the elements every day, warranties and repairs from your solar company can help you get the most out of your investment in solar panels by reducing potential costs down the line.
If you’d like to go solar but still aren’t certain which solar system company to go with, here are our recommendations for providers in Elsmere:
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 Elsmere
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Elsmere
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners who want to invest in solar. There are a few key factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Elsmere: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of solar panels in Elsmere, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are primarily based on your home’s energy usage, which you can figure out by looking at past power bills. Your total cost can increase by about $3,090 for each additional kilowatt you need.There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you choose also affects the cost. In many cases, the brands that are more efficient tend to also cost more. Additionally, the type of equipment you’re looking to get can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Elsmere have solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing a solar system.While solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Elsmere homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you hire to install your solar panel system can impact how much it costs. Elsmere’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices due to their bigger brand name and access to bulk pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those larger 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 | $8,858 | 15.1 years |
| 8 kW | $3.15 | $17,650 | $12,157 | 14.8 years |
| 10 kW | $3.09 | $21,630 | $15,629 | 14.5 years |
| 12 kW | $3.03 | $25,437 | $19,274 | 14.2 years |
| 14 kW | $2.97 | $29,071 | $23,092 | 13.9 years |
| 16 kW | $2.90 | $32,532 | $27,083 | 13.6 years |
| 18 kW | $2.84 | $35,819 | $31,247 | 13.4 years |
| 20 kW | $2.78 | $38,934 | $35,584 | 13.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are numerous companies available in Elsmere, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a substantial role in the company you opt for.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for sustainable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can look into your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Installation Process: When going solar, it’s necessary to maintain an open line of communication with your solar panel company. See to it that you understand how the installation process will go and the project completion timeline.
- Contract: When looking through your solar company’s contract, ask for clarification about any terms you’re not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system part breaking or if the company goes out of business.
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 Elsmere, DE Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Elsmere?
The average cost of solar panels in Elsmere is about $15,450 for a 5-kW system and $30,900 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on certain factors like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Elsmere?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, as it usually comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside 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 get the most savings.
Does Elsmere have a net metering program?
Each state has some form of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states allow you to sell power back to the grid, but others just give you credit toward your future utility bills.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you need to know how much energy your home needs 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 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.