Solar Panel Cost Guide in Middletown, DE (Mar 2023)
- Middletown Solar Installation Cost: $12,064
- 25-Year Savings: $18,237
- Payback Period: 10.0 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Middletown
We go over average solar pricing in Middletown.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Middletown it's 2.58 per watt. Because a 6.7-kW system is needed to cover the energy usage of a typical home in Middletown, the average price of going solar will be about $12,064 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll pay for solar may look quite different based on your household energy use, the type of solar system you want to get, your solar contractor and more. For many homeowners, the upfront cost of solar is worth paying. On average Middletown homeowners see about $17,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
To calculate your potential savings and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Middletown
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,852 |
| 3 years | $-8,428 |
| 5 years | $-6,004 |
| 7 years | $-3,580 |
| 9 years | $-1,156 |
| 11 years | $1,268 |
| 13 years | $3,693 |
| 15 years | $6,117 |
| 17 years | $8,541 |
| 19 years | $10,965 |
| 21 years | $13,389 |
| 23 years | $15,813 |
| 25 years | $18,237 |
Top Solar Installers in Middletown
Although it's possible to install solar panels by yourself, it involves extra effort and knowledge. Because of that, the majority of homeowners choose a solar panel installer. The expertise that solar companies offer can be invaluable as well, especially if you aren't sure what brand of solar equipment would be right for your home.
There are several licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. Here are our suggestions:
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
Solar Veteran
Trinity Solar
- Many financing options
- Family-owned and -operated
- Makes charitable contributions
- Limited service area
- Relatively short workmanship warranty
See all of the solar companies in Middletown
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Middletown
For many Middletown homeowners, the decision to adopt solar energy rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Middletown, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a number of factors that greatly influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar energy system in Middletown, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are largely based on your home's energy usage, which you can determine by looking at past electricity bills. Your total cost can increase by about $2,580 for each additional kilowatt you need. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Middletown, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be difficult. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Middletown, which can lower, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable. 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 securing a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you opt for to handle your switch to clean energy can play a role in your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies in Middletown, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment. The company's size can sometimes play the most considerable role in the installation costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices due to greater resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing lower 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 | $2.68 | $11,269 | $15,933 | 10.4 years |
| 8 kW | $2.63 | $14,737 | $21,533 | 10.2 years |
| 10 kW | $2.58 | $18,060 | $27,278 | 10.0 years |
| 12 kW | $2.53 | $21,239 | $33,167 | 9.8 years |
| 14 kW | $2.48 | $24,273 | $39,201 | 9.6 years |
| 16 kW | $2.43 | $27,162 | $45,378 | 9.4 years |
| 18 kW | $2.37 | $29,907 | $51,701 | 9.2 years |
| 20 kW | $2.32 | $32,508 | $58,168 | 9.0 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 brands and price points. To help you decide on the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Solar Panel Brands: The type of solar panel you need to install plays a part in which company you should choose, since different companies have access to different panels.
- Warranty: A comprehensive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar panel system running for years to come and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
- Contract: It's important to read through your solar installer's contract well to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the project timeline.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the completion timeline.
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
Solar Veteran
Trinity Solar
- Many financing options
- Family-owned and -operated
- Makes charitable contributions
- Limited service area
- Relatively short workmanship warranty
EcoWatch's Middletown, DE Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Middletown?
The average cost of solar panels in Middletown is about $12,900 for a 5-kW system and $25,800 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on things like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Can you get solar panels for free in Middletown?
You can't get solar panels for free in Middletown. However, you may still be able to get 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.
Does Middletown have a net metering program?
Each state has some kind 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 electricity bills.
How long do solar panels last in Middletown?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger level of energy production.
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.