Solar Panel Cost Guide in Smyrna, DE (2023 Update)
- Smyrna Solar Installation Cost: $11,887
- 25-Year Savings: $19,963
- Payback Period: 9.3 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Smyrna
We break down average solar pricing in Smyrna.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Smyrna, the typical cost of solar panels is 2.58 per watt. Using this figure, a typical 6.6-kW system would cost about $11,883 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll end up paying for solar may vary based on your household energy consumption, the type of solar system you want to get, your solar contractor and more. Despite the high initial cost, the average Smyrna homeowner can save about $18,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the positives of solar.
Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar company in your area for a personalized quote.
Solar savings over time in Smyrna
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,485 |
| 3 years | $-7,683 |
| 5 years | $-4,881 |
| 7 years | $-2,079 |
| 9 years | $723 |
| 11 years | $3,525 |
| 13 years | $6,327 |
| 15 years | $9,129 |
| 17 years | $11,932 |
| 19 years | $14,734 |
| 21 years | $17,536 |
| 23 years | $20,338 |
| 25 years | $23,140 |
Top Solar Installers in Smyrna
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can use up a lot of your time and energy. Taking advantage of a solar company can make converting to solar power much easier. The payback period on an investment in solar panels will vary based on factors like your roof configuration and energy use, but working with a solar installer can help you reach a break-even point sooner. Your provider will be able to help you apply for incentives available in your area.
Working with a professional solar company can make going solar easier. Here are our recommendations:
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
There are a number of criteria that can determine your solar panel installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar system.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of going solar. Because of that, it's crucial to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use. The kind of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you get the most efficient solar panel brands, you'll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. On the other hand, higher efficiency could save you more in the long run on your energy bills. In addition, add-on products, like solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Smyrna average.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over time, but they can also be a significant investment. That's why many Smyrna homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the amount of interest you'll pay over the length of the loan. If you're only able to 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 getting a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The last significant cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of clean energy solutions in Smyrna, you'll have a great number of options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment. Additionally, some companies in Smyrna know more about local solar incentives and can help you make good use 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 help you save 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 | $2.68 | $11,269 | $17,765 | 9.7 years |
| 8 kW | $2.63 | $14,737 | $23,976 | 9.5 years |
| 10 kW | $2.58 | $18,060 | $30,331 | 9.3 years |
| 12 kW | $2.53 | $21,239 | $36,831 | 9.1 years |
| 14 kW | $2.48 | $24,273 | $43,475 | 9.0 years |
| 16 kW | $2.43 | $27,162 | $50,264 | 8.8 years |
| 18 kW | $2.37 | $29,907 | $57,197 | 8.6 years |
| 20 kW | $2.32 | $32,508 | $64,274 | 8.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many companies to choose from in Smyrna, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Contract: When looking through your solar company's contract, ask questions about any terms you're not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system part breaking or the company going out of business.
- 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 that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has satisfied reviews from previous customers.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their locations and energy needs. While 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 make sure you peruse their list of options before making your decision.
- Warranty: If you're concerned about the durability of your solar system, checking if your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
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 precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $12,900 for a 5-kW system and $25,800 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. On the flip side, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Smyrna?
A solar panel system isn't free in Smyrna, but there are some options that can make getting them more viable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that you can take advantage of.
Can solar panels completely eradicate my energy bills?
It is possible to eradicate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Smyrna, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes can accommodate that size system, so you'll want to check with a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and the average daily sunlight your roof gets. You can 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 install 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.