Solar Panel Cost Guide in Wilmington, DE (2023 Update)
- Wilmington Solar Installation Cost: $12,064
- 25-Year Savings: $12,838
- Payback Period: 12.1 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Wilmington
See how much it might cost to switch to solar power in Wilmington.
The average cost of solar panels in Wilmington is 2.58 per watt. The average Wilmington homeowner needs a 6.7-kilowatt system, which would cost about $12,064 with the federal tax credit, or $17,252 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of solar panels. The exact cost of installing solar panels can vary depending on several factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy consumption and what solar installer you go with. Many homeowners find installing solar panels is a fruitful investment. The average homeowner in Wilmington can save about $14,000 on their power bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar installer in Wilmington that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Wilmington
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,068 |
| 3 years | $-9,076 |
| 5 years | $-7,084 |
| 7 years | $-5,092 |
| 9 years | $-3,099 |
| 11 years | $-1,107 |
| 13 years | $885 |
| 15 years | $2,877 |
| 17 years | $4,869 |
| 19 years | $6,861 |
| 21 years | $8,853 |
| 23 years | $10,846 |
| 25 years | $12,838 |
Top Solar Installers in Wilmington
Putting up solar panels yourself can be a stressful undertaking, which is why hiring a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Some solar installers, particularly local ones, can help you make the most of incentives in Wilmington, optimizing your ROI.
If you're searching for a solar installer in Wilmington, we've put together a list of our top suggestions here:
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 Wilmington
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Wilmington
There are many criteria that can influence your total 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
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of going solar is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more power your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend about $2,580 per kilowatt in Wilmington. There are several different solar panel brands and the one you choose also changes the cost. In general, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also be more expensive. Additionally, the type of equipment you're looking to install can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels in cash is out of reach, solar loans are a popular route because they reduce your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over five to seven years on average. When figuring out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you choose to 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 company you choose will impact your total cost to go solar. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor. The company's size can sometimes play the most significant role in the installation costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because they have access to more resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger companies.
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 | $11,086 | 12.6 years |
| 8 kW | $2.63 | $14,737 | $15,070 | 12.4 years |
| 10 kW | $2.58 | $18,060 | $19,199 | 12.1 years |
| 12 kW | $2.53 | $21,239 | $23,472 | 11.9 years |
| 14 kW | $2.48 | $24,273 | $27,890 | 11.6 years |
| 16 kW | $2.43 | $27,162 | $32,452 | 11.4 years |
| 18 kW | $2.37 | $29,907 | $37,159 | 11.1 years |
| 20 kW | $2.32 | $32,508 | $42,010 | 10.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar system installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because picking a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Warranty: If you care about the longevity of your solar panels, making sure your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
- 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.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar system installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking its number of years in business and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind offers varying levels of quality, longevity and energy efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose has an impact on which solar panel brands you have access to.
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 Wilmington, DE Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Wilmington?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many 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 other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. Conversely, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Wilmington?
Solar panels aren't free in Wilmington, but there are some options that can make getting them more affordable, 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 it worth going solar in Wilmington?
Solar panels can be a beneficial investment for most homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your energy bills are already fairly low, solar panels might not be for you.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you should find out how much energy your home needs 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 household 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.