Solar Panel Cost Guide in Middletown, DE (2024 Update)
- Middletown Solar Installation Cost: $14,456
- 25-Year Savings: $18,231
- Payback Period: 11.9 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Middletown
See how much it might cost to go solar in Middletown.
The average cost of a solar panel system in Middletown is 3 per watt.Since a 6.7-kW system is needed to cover the energy costs of a typical home in Middletown, the average price of going solar will be about $14,456 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
How much you pay can be higher or lower than the average in Middletown depending on a variety of factors, such as the type of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire.With average savings of about $17,000 on energy bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Middletown find investing in solar can pay off big.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar company in Middletown for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Middletown
| 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 Middletown
When switching to solar energy, many homeowners prefer to hire a solar company since overseeing your solar installation yourself can be a difficult project. Since solar panels are exposed to temperature swings and extreme weather, warranties and repairs from your solar installer 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 sure which solar panel company to go with, here are our suggestions for providers in Middletown:
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 Middletown
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Middletown
There are many criteria that can play into your total installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that performs the installation.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of installing solar panels. For that reason, it’s crucial to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs.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 extra 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 power bills over many years, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many Middletown homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, 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 securing a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you go with to handle your switch to renewable energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies operating throughout Middletown, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.Some companies only sell high-efficiency and high-priced products — 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 fit into 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 | $13,706 | 12.4 years |
| 8 kW | $3.15 | $17,650 | $18,620 | 12.2 years |
| 10 kW | $3.09 | $21,630 | $23,708 | 11.9 years |
| 12 kW | $3.03 | $25,437 | $28,969 | 11.7 years |
| 14 kW | $2.97 | $29,071 | $34,402 | 11.5 years |
| 16 kW | $2.90 | $32,532 | $40,009 | 11.2 years |
| 18 kW | $2.84 | $35,819 | $45,789 | 11.0 years |
| 20 kW | $2.78 | $38,934 | $51,742 | 10.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you select the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Reputation: Solar system installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years most likely provide good-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar, it’s important to keep an open line of communication with your solar panel company. See to it that you understand how the installation process works and the project timeline.
- Solar Panel Brands: The type of solar panel you’d like plays a role in which installer you should choose, since different companies offer different panels.
- Contract: It’s important to read through your solar installer’s contract thoroughly to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the project timeline.
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 Middletown, DE Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Middletown?
The average cost of solar panels in Middletown 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 type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
Cost is without a doubt one of the most important factors you should consider when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Middletown?
Each state has some form of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states let you sell power back to the grid, but others just offer you credit toward your future utility bills.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Although the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they stop working completely at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can choose to replace them once you've had them for that long or you can keep using them at a lower efficiency.
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.