Solar Panel Cost Guide in Smyrna, DE (2024 Update)
- Smyrna Solar Installation Cost: $14,236
- 25-Year Savings: $19,963
- Payback Period: 11.2 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Smyrna
Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar panels in Smyrna.
In Smyrna, solar panels cost about 3 per watt on average.The average Smyrna homeowner needs a 6.6-kilowatt system, which would cost about $14,236 with the federal tax credit, or $20,357 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Smyrna homeowner. The price of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor.With average savings of about $18,000 on electricity bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Smyrna find going solar can be quite rewarding.
You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar installer in Smyrna for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Smyrna
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,835 |
| 3 years | $-10,033 |
| 5 years | $-7,231 |
| 7 years | $-4,429 |
| 9 years | $-1,627 |
| 11 years | $1,175 |
| 13 years | $3,978 |
| 15 years | $6,780 |
| 17 years | $9,582 |
| 19 years | $12,384 |
| 21 years | $15,186 |
| 23 years | $17,988 |
| 25 years | $20,790 |
Top Solar Installers in Smyrna
Installing solar panels yourself can be a dangerous undertaking, which is why hiring a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. In addition, if you’d like to maximize your investment in solar power, opting for a solar installer can help with that too. Different providers can offer repairs, expertise on solar panel installation and sometimes even information on local incentives, rebates and net metering programs.
If you’d like to make the switch to solar but still aren’t certain which solar installer to go with, here are our suggestions for providers in Smyrna:
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 Smyrna
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Smyrna
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners wanting to invest in solar. There are a few key factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Smyrna: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of installing solar panels is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more energy your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay about $3,090 per kilowatt in Smyrna.Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Smyrna, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, if you have a small roof or you don’t have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels in cash is difficult, solar loans are a popular choice because they lower your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over five to seven years on average.It’s a good idea to add the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a higher down payment, you can reduce your total costs and how long it’ll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you hire to install your solar panels can affect the cost. Smyrna’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices because of their larger brand name and access to bulk pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those larger companies.
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 | $15,538 | 11.6 years |
| 8 kW | $3.15 | $17,650 | $21,063 | 11.4 years |
| 10 kW | $3.09 | $21,630 | $26,761 | 11.2 years |
| 12 kW | $3.03 | $25,437 | $32,633 | 11.0 years |
| 14 kW | $2.97 | $29,071 | $38,677 | 10.7 years |
| 16 kW | $2.90 | $32,532 | $44,894 | 10.5 years |
| 18 kW | $2.84 | $35,819 | $51,285 | 10.3 years |
| 20 kW | $2.78 | $38,934 | $57,848 | 10.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the type of solar panels and the installer you choose has an impact on your costs and your system’s efficiency, production, and durability, it’s important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Contract: Even though reading through a contract can be tedious, it’s important to do it thoroughly so you can be sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and the terms of the warranty.
- Solar Panel Brands: The kind of solar panel you want plays a role in which installer you should go with, since different companies have different panels.
- Warranty: Many companies offer different kinds of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Installation Process: An important thing to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you need to know with your solar company, such as what permits you should secure and how long the project will take.
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 Smyrna, DE Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Smyrna?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of 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 additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. On the flip side, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Smyrna?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t afford to pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you can’t take advantage of many solar incentives. Also your home value won’t increase, so you’ll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most financial benefits from going solar.
How much can I save on energy bills after switching to solar?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on your location and the efficiency of your system. Even if it doesn’t get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $967.82 per year.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and the amount of sunlight your roof gets. You can take a look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to buy between 20 and 35 panels to account for their typical energy usage.
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.