Solar Panel Cost Guide in Seaford, DE (2024 Update)
- Seaford Solar Installation Cost: $13,911
- 25-Year Savings: $16,580
- Payback Period: 12.3 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Seaford
We break down average solar pricing in Seaford.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Seaford it’s 3 per watt.To account for the typical energy needs of the average home in Seaford, most homeowners require a 6.4-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs about $13,911, or $19,893 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
These figures are only averages, and your own solar costs may vary based on the amount of energy your home requires and what company you choose to go with.Many homeowners find going solar is a sound investment. The average homeowner in Seaford can save around $17,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.
To calculate your potential savings and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Seaford
| 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 Seaford
When going solar, many homeowners decide to go with a solar installer since DIY solar panel installation 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 make the switch to solar but still aren’t certain which solar company to go with, here are our suggestions for providers in Seaford:
See all of the solar companies in Seaford
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Seaford
For many Seaford homeowners, the decision to install a solar energy system rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Seaford, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a number of factors that significantly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar energy system in Seaford, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are primarily based on your home’s energy consumption, which you can determine by looking at past energy bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $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 trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often have a higher price tag 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. Also, if you want additional equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be challenging. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Seaford, which can bring down, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.When estimating your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you go with a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installation company you choose will play a role in your total cost to go solar. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor.You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices due to their bigger brand name and access to bulk equipment prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those major players.
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 | $12,806 | 12.8 years |
| 8 kW | $3.15 | $17,650 | $17,421 | 12.6 years |
| 10 kW | $3.09 | $21,630 | $22,209 | 12.3 years |
| 12 kW | $3.03 | $25,437 | $27,170 | 12.1 years |
| 14 kW | $2.97 | $29,071 | $32,304 | 11.8 years |
| 16 kW | $2.90 | $32,532 | $37,611 | 11.6 years |
| 18 kW | $2.84 | $35,819 | $43,091 | 11.3 years |
| 20 kW | $2.78 | $38,934 | $48,744 | 11.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your system 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 a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their roof configurations and how much efficiency they need. Even though there are many options for which model of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to take a look at their list of offerings before making your decision.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re aligned with the installer regarding how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar system is installed, such as updating or replacing your electrical system or roof.
- Warranty: A quality company stands out from other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Contract: When looking over your solar company’s contract, ask questions about any terms you’re not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system component breaking or if the company goes out of business.
EcoWatch's Seaford, DE Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Seaford?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $15,450 for a 5-kW system and $30,900 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. On the other hand, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Is cost the most important thing to keep in mind when buying solar panels?
Cost is a crucial factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on your goals for going solar. In cities where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to consider are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Does Seaford have a net metering program?
The majority of states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either receive compensation for the extra power your system produces or or receive credits to put toward future energy bills. Currently there are just three states that don’t have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you need to know how much energy your home uses 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 home 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.