Solar Panel Cost Guide in Wilmington, DE (2024 Update)

  • Wilmington Solar Installation Cost: $14,456
  • 25-Year Savings: $12,832
  • Payback Period: 14.5 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 03, 2024

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We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Wilmington

Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in Wilmington.

Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Wilmington, the average cost of solar panels is 3 per watt.The average Wilmington homeowner needs a 6.7-kilowatt system, which would cost about $14,456 with the federal tax credit, or $20,672 before the 0 tax credit is applied.

The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much solar panels could cost. The true cost of installing solar panels can vary quite a bit based on multiple factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy consumption and what installation company you go with.But, after you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the savings for most homeowners is quite fruitful, with a net average savings of about $14,000 over 20 years on utility bills.

You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar company in Wilmington for a quote for your home.

Solar savings over time in Wilmington

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-13,055
3 years $-10,253
5 years $-7,451
7 years $-4,649
9 years $-1,847
11 years $956
13 years $3,758
15 years $6,560
17 years $9,362
19 years $12,164
21 years $14,966
23 years $17,768
25 years $20,570

Top Solar Installers in Wilmington

Although it's possible to install solar panels on your own, it requires extra effort and know-how. For that reason, most people choose to hire a solar panel installer. Plus, if you’re not certain what kind of solar panels and equipment you may need, a solar expert can help you find the right equipment for you after a site survey and consultation.

If you're searching for a solar installer in Wilmington, we've organized a list of our top suggestions here:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.0

  • Many financing options
  • Family-owned and -operated
  • Makes charitable contributions
  • Limited service area
  • Relatively short workmanship warranty

Best Technology

Tesla Energy

★★★★★
3.2

  • 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 factors 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

One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of adopting solar energy 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 spend about $3,090 per kilowatt in Wilmington.The brand and kind 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 a small roof 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. Plus, if you want extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.

Solar Financing Terms

If paying for a solar system in cash is difficult, solar loans are a solid option because they reduce your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.When considering 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 panel installer you choose will influence your total cost to go solar. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor.The size of the company can sometimes play the most significant role in your costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because of access to greater resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger names.

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 $8,858 15.1 years
8 kW $3.15 $17,650 $12,157 14.8 years
10 kW $3.09 $21,630 $15,629 14.5 years
12 kW $3.03 $25,437 $19,274 14.2 years
14 kW $2.97 $29,071 $23,092 13.9 years
16 kW $2.90 $32,532 $27,083 13.6 years
18 kW $2.84 $35,819 $31,247 13.4 years
20 kW $2.78 $38,934 $35,584 13.1 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

Since the brand of solar panels and the installation company you choose has an impact on your costs and your system’s durability and efficiency, it’s important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:

  • Solar Panel Brands: Different companies offer different brands and models of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar company you’re considering has it.
  • Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar installer, be sure to look it over carefully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re not sure about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and what services you can expect from them.
  • Warranty: A comprehensive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar system running for years to come and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
  • Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid reputation as a company and have demonstrated 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 good reviews from past customers.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.0

  • Many financing options
  • Family-owned and -operated
  • Makes charitable contributions
  • Limited service area
  • Relatively short workmanship warranty

Best Technology

Tesla Energy

★★★★★
3.2

  • 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

How much does it cost to install solar panels in Wilmington?

This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Generally 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 be more expensive if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.

Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?

Cost is definitely one of the most important factors you should consider when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.

Is it worth going solar in Wilmington?

Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like local electricity rates and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.

How many solar panels should I get to power my home?

To figure out what solar panel system size 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 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.

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