Solar Panel Cost Guide in Laurel, DE (2024 Update)

  • Laurel Solar Installation Cost: $13,911
  • 25-Year Savings: $15,100
  • Payback Period: 13.0 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 03, 2024

Why you can trust EcoWatch

We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Laurel

Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in Laurel.

In Laurel, solar panels cost about 3 per watt on average.To cover the typical energy needs of the average home in Laurel, most homeowners require a 6.4-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs about $13,911, or $19,893 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.

Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Laurel 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 typical savings of about $16,000 on electricity bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Laurel find going solar can be quite rewarding.

For a personalized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Laurel

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-12,510
3 years $-9,708
5 years $-6,906
7 years $-4,104
9 years $-1,302
11 years $1,500
13 years $4,302
15 years $7,104
17 years $9,907
19 years $12,709
21 years $15,511
23 years $18,313
25 years $21,115

Top Solar Installers in Laurel

Installing solar panels on your own can be a time-consuming undertaking, 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 likely provide warranties and free repairs, which help protect your solar system over time.

There are several licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar panels. Here are our suggestions:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.0

  • Many financing options
  • Family-owned and -operated
  • Makes charitable contributions
  • Limited service area
  • Relatively short workmanship warranty

Best Technology

Tesla Energy

★★★★★
3.2

  • 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 Laurel

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Laurel

Even though the average cost of a solar system in Laurel is $13,911, your actual cost may be higher or lower than that. There are many factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to take into consideration.

Solar Equipment

When it comes to estimating the price of solar panels in Laurel, 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 consumption, which you can gauge by looking at past power bills. Your total cost can increase by around $3,090 for each additional kilowatt you need.The brand and type of equipment you choose for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often come at a higher price than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have limited roof space 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. Plus, if you want additional equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.

Solar Financing Terms

Most solar companies in Laurel offer solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing a solar system.It’s a good idea to factor the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a higher down payment, you can reduce your total costs and how long it’ll take to pay off the loan.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The solar company you choose to handle your switch to renewable energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating throughout Laurel, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.The size of the company can sometimes play the most considerable role in the cost. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because of 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 promotion 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 $11,425 13.5 years
8 kW $3.15 $17,650 $15,580 13.3 years
10 kW $3.09 $21,630 $19,908 13.0 years
12 kW $3.03 $25,437 $24,408 12.8 years
14 kW $2.97 $29,071 $29,082 12.5 years
16 kW $2.90 $32,532 $33,929 12.2 years
18 kW $2.84 $35,819 $38,948 12.0 years
20 kW $2.78 $38,934 $44,141 11.7 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 models and price points. To help you pick the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:

  • Installation Process: Get details from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be done and what the project timeline is.
  • Reputation: Solar system installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years in most cases provide quality solar panel installation and expertise.
  • Solar Panel Brands: The brand of solar panel you need to get plays a role in which company you should opt for, since different companies have access to different panels.
  • Warranty: Companies typically offer different kinds of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.0

  • Many financing options
  • Family-owned and -operated
  • Makes charitable contributions
  • Limited service area
  • Relatively short workmanship warranty

Best Technology

Tesla Energy

★★★★★
3.2

  • 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 Laurel, DE Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in Laurel?

The average cost of solar panels in Laurel 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 like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.

Can you get solar panels for free in Laurel?

You can’t get solar panels for free in Laurel. However, you may still be able to afford them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you want to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.

Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Laurel?

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 offer you credit toward your future energy bills.

How many solar panels should I get to power my home?

To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you should find out how much energy your home requires 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.

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