Solar Panel Cost Guide in New Castle, DE (2025 Update)
- New Castle Solar Installation Cost: $14,456
- 25-Year Savings: $16,349
- Payback Period: 12.7 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in New Castle
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in New Castle.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in New Castle, the typical cost of a solar system is 3 per watt.The average solar panel system size in New Castle is around 6.7 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $14,456 for a solar installation, or $20,672 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The actual price you pay can be higher or lower than the average in New Castle based on several factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire.Despite the significant upfront cost, the average New Castle homeowner can save around $16,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.
To calculate your potential ROI and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in New Castle
| 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 New Castle
When switching to solar energy, many homeowners choose to hire a solar installer since putting up solar panels yourself can be a challenging project. Solar companies provide key benefits that can help you get the most out of your investment, like warranties, monitoring and free repairs.
If you're on the hunt for a solar company in New Castle, the EcoWatch team has organized a list of our top suggestions here:
See all of the solar companies in New Castle
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in New Castle
The cost of installing a solar system in New Castle can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is dependent on several factors. The most significant one is your system size, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of installing solar panels. That’s why it’s important to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use.There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you choose also affects the cost. In general, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also be more expensive. Plus, the type of equipment you’re looking to get can affect your total cost. If you only 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 New Castle offer solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar panels.When considering your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you choose to go with a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installation company you pick will affect your total cost to make the switch to solar power. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor.Additionally, some companies in New Castle have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you take advantage of additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. Even if they cost more upfront, they could end up saving you more money in the long run.
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 | $12,016 | 13.2 years |
| 8 kW | $3.15 | $17,650 | $16,367 | 13.0 years |
| 10 kW | $3.09 | $21,630 | $20,891 | 12.7 years |
| 12 kW | $3.03 | $25,437 | $25,589 | 12.5 years |
| 14 kW | $2.97 | $29,071 | $30,459 | 12.2 years |
| 16 kW | $2.90 | $32,532 | $35,503 | 12.0 years |
| 18 kW | $2.84 | $35,819 | $40,719 | 11.7 years |
| 20 kW | $2.78 | $38,934 | $46,109 | 11.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since picking a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be completed and what the project timeline is.
- Contract: Though reading through a contract can be tedious, it’s important to do it fully so you can be sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Warranty: A quality company rises above other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid reputation as a company and have proven expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has satisfied reviews from past customers.
EcoWatch's New Castle, DE Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in New Castle?
The average cost of solar panels in New Castle 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 things like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in New Castle?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, as it often comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback 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 tax rebates and credits and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to get the most savings.
Do solar panels increase how much your home is worth?
Buying or financing solar panels for your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in New Castle is currently $258,790, which means you can look forward to a value of about $10,610 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in New Castle is a fruitful investment.
How long do solar panels last in New Castle?
Even though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can choose to replace them after having 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.