Solar Panel Cost Guide in Highland Acres, DE (2024 Update)
- Highland Acres Solar Installation Cost: $14,023
- 25-Year Savings: $16,351
- Payback Period: 12.5 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Highland Acres
We break down average solar pricing in Highland Acres.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Highland Acres it’s 3 per watt.The average Highland Acres 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.
These figures are just averages, and your own solar costs may look different based on your specific situation and what company you go with.Despite the significant initial cost, the average Highland Acres homeowner can save about $16,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the advantages of solar.
To get a free quote from a top solar installation company in Highland Acres, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Highland Acres
| 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 Highland Acres
Many homeowners opt for a solar panel company since trying to install solar panels yourself can be hard. Another good thing about using a reputable solar installer is that it'll usually provide warranties and free repairs, which help protect your solar investment.
If you’d like to make the switch to solar but still aren’t certain which solar panel company to go with, here are our suggestions for providers in Highland Acres:
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 Highland Acres
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Highland Acres
Even though the average cost of a solar system in Highland Acres is $14,023, your actual cost may differ. There are many factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to keep in mind.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the key factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with greater efficiency or power generation require better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,090.The brand and kind of equipment you get for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these are often more expensive than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater 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
Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over time, but they can also be a significant investment. That’s why many Highland Acres homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs.While solar loans make going solar more accessible for Highland Acres homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you get to install your solar panels can play a role in determining your pricing. Highland Acres’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 cost more. It’s best to do some research and go with the company that provides the products, warranties and services you want 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
The company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since selecting a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their roof configurations and energy needs. Even though there are many options for which type of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to peruse their list of options before making your decision.
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for panel repairs and maintenance over a couple decades are the gold standard in the business, and offering such a warranty is one sign of a quality company.
- Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be completed and how long it will take.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking its number of years in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
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 Highland Acres, DE Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Highland Acres?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $15,450 for a 5-kW system and $30,900 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. Conversely, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
Cost is without a doubt one of the most important things to bear in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Is switching to solar power worth it?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like how much you pay for electricity and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you should find out how much energy your home uses 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 house 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.