Solar Panel Cost Guide in Wilmington Manor, DE (Mar 2023)
- Wilmington Manor Solar Installation Cost: $12,064
- 25-Year Savings: $16,355
- Payback Period: 10.6 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Wilmington Manor
Let's take a look at the average cost of solar in Wilmington Manor.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Wilmington Manor generally cost around 2.58. The average solar panel system size in Wilmington Manor is around 6.7 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $12,064 for a solar installation, or $17,252 before the 30% federal solar 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 depending on multiple factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy consumption and what installation company you go with. Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a rewarding investment. The average homeowner in Wilmington Manor can save about $16,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.
For a free quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Wilmington Manor
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,927 |
| 3 years | $-8,654 |
| 5 years | $-6,380 |
| 7 years | $-4,107 |
| 9 years | $-1,833 |
| 11 years | $440 |
| 13 years | $2,714 |
| 15 years | $4,987 |
| 17 years | $7,261 |
| 19 years | $9,534 |
| 21 years | $11,808 |
| 23 years | $14,081 |
| 25 years | $16,355 |
Top Solar Installers in Wilmington Manor
Many homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer since trying to put up solar panels on your own can be hard. In addition, if you'd like to maximize your investment in solar energy, using a solar company can help with that too. Different providers can offer repairs, expertise on how to install solar panels and sometimes even information on local incentives, rebates and net metering programs.
If you're looking for a solar installer in Wilmington Manor, we've organized a list of our top suggestions here:
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
Solar Veteran
Trinity Solar
- Many financing options
- Family-owned and -operated
- Makes charitable contributions
- Limited service area
- Relatively short workmanship warranty
See all of the solar companies in Wilmington Manor
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Wilmington Manor
Although the average cost of a solar system in Wilmington Manor is $12,064, your actual cost may be above or below the average. There are quite a few factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more important things to take into consideration.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the key factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with greater efficiency or power production need better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $2,580. Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Wilmington Manor, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, if you have a small roof or limited 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
For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be difficult. Solar loans are available from most installers in Wilmington Manor, which can reduce, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible. Though solar loans make going solar more accessible for Wilmington Manor homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to consider when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Wilmington Manor is the company you hire to install your PV system. As with choosing a company to install new cabinets, for example, there are plenty of solar installers that provide a range of services at different price points. Additionally, some companies in Wilmington Manor 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 that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could end up saving you 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 | $14,243 | 11.0 years |
| 8 kW | $2.63 | $14,737 | $19,280 | 10.8 years |
| 10 kW | $2.58 | $18,060 | $24,461 | 10.6 years |
| 12 kW | $2.53 | $21,239 | $29,787 | 10.4 years |
| 14 kW | $2.48 | $24,273 | $35,257 | 10.2 years |
| 16 kW | $2.43 | $27,162 | $40,872 | 10.0 years |
| 18 kW | $2.37 | $29,907 | $46,631 | 9.8 years |
| 20 kW | $2.32 | $32,508 | $52,535 | 9.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar installer you go with will be a major factor in determining not only your overall costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are some important things you should take into account, including:
- Warranty: If you're worried about the endurance of your solar system, ensuring your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a large role in the company you choose.
- Reputation: Companies that have been operating for many years likely have a good reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Contract: When looking over your solar installer's contract, ask questions about any terms you're not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system part breaking or the company going out of business.
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
Solar Veteran
Trinity Solar
- Many financing options
- Family-owned and -operated
- Makes charitable contributions
- Limited service area
- Relatively short workmanship warranty
EcoWatch's Wilmington Manor, DE Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Wilmington Manor?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many factors. Generally 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 extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. Conversely, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Wilmington Manor?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, as it commonly comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback is that you won't be able to save as much. If you lease, you don't own the system, so you can't claim any tax rebates and credits and your home value won't increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to maximize your savings.
How much can I save on electricity bills after installing solar panels?
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 $850.43 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 consumption and the average daily 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 get 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.