Solar Panel Cost Guide in Pike Creek Valley, DE (Mar 2023)
- Pike Creek Valley Solar Installation Cost: $12,064
- 25-Year Savings: $16,020
- Payback Period: 10.7 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Pike Creek Valley
We go over average solar pricing in Pike Creek Valley.
In Pike Creek Valley, solar panels cost about 2.58 per watt on average. The average solar panel system size in Pike Creek Valley is around 6.7 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $12,064 for a solar installation, or $17,252 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
The true cost of your system can go above or below the average in Pike Creek Valley depending on a variety of factors, such as the type of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire. Even with the high upfront cost, the average Pike Creek Valley homeowner can save about $16,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the positives of solar.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar company in Pike Creek Valley for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Pike Creek Valley
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,941 |
| 3 years | $-8,694 |
| 5 years | $-6,447 |
| 7 years | $-4,201 |
| 9 years | $-1,954 |
| 11 years | $293 |
| 13 years | $2,539 |
| 15 years | $4,786 |
| 17 years | $7,033 |
| 19 years | $9,280 |
| 21 years | $11,526 |
| 23 years | $13,773 |
| 25 years | $16,020 |
Top Solar Installers in Pike Creek Valley
Although you can install solar panels yourself, it involves extra energy and handiness. That's one of the reasons the majority of homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. The payback period on a solar system will vary based on factors like your location and energy usage, but going with a solar company can help you reach a break-even point sooner. Your provider will be able to help you get the most out of incentives available in your area.
Working with a licensed solar company can make going solar easier. Here are our recommendations:
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 Pike Creek Valley
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Pike Creek Valley
For many Pike Creek Valley homeowners, the decision to go solar rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Pike Creek Valley, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are numerous factors that considerably influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the most significant factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with better efficiency or power generation use 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 $2,580. The brand and kind of equipment you want for your solar system can raise or lower 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 limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Also, if you want extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be challenging. Solar loans are available from most installers in Pike Creek Valley, which can reduce, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable. When figuring out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you 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 last major cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of sustainable energy solutions in Pike Creek Valley, you'll have many options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment. Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or extra services like electric car charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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 | $13,943 | 11.2 years |
| 8 kW | $2.63 | $14,737 | $18,879 | 11.0 years |
| 10 kW | $2.58 | $18,060 | $23,960 | 10.7 years |
| 12 kW | $2.53 | $21,239 | $29,186 | 10.5 years |
| 14 kW | $2.48 | $24,273 | $34,555 | 10.3 years |
| 16 kW | $2.43 | $27,162 | $40,070 | 10.1 years |
| 18 kW | $2.37 | $29,907 | $45,729 | 9.9 years |
| 20 kW | $2.32 | $32,508 | $51,532 | 9.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar company you go with will influence not only your total costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should consider, such as:
- 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: Make sure your solar system installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking how long it's been in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar company, make sure you read it through completely so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're not sure about some of the terms, such as what to do if a component breaks or malfunctions and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
- Solar Panel Brands: The model of solar panel you need to get plays a role in which company you should choose, since different companies provide different panels.
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 Pike Creek Valley, DE Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Pike Creek Valley?
The average cost of solar panels in Pike Creek Valley is about $12,900 for a 5-kW system and $25,800 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 use.
Are solar panels free in Pike Creek Valley?
A solar panel system isn't free in Pike Creek Valley, but there are some options that can make getting them more feasible, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that you can take advantage of.
Is switching to solar power worth it?
Solar panels can be a good investment for many homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your electricity bills are already fairly low, solar panels might not be for you.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Though 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 the amount of energy they produce 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.
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.