Solar Panel Cost Guide in Wilmington Manor, DE (2024 Update)
- Wilmington Manor Solar Installation Cost: $14,456
- 25-Year Savings: $16,349
- Payback Period: 12.7 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Wilmington Manor
See how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Wilmington Manor.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Wilmington Manor generally cost around 3.The average solar panel system size in Wilmington Manor is around 6.7 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $14,456 for a solar installation, or $20,672 before the 0 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 actual cost of making the switch to solar can vary depending on a few factors, such as what size system you need, your energy consumption and what company you go with.But, once you've paid the initial cost of installation, the savings for most homeowners is usually good, with a net average savings of about $16,000 over 20 years on power bills.
For a customized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Wilmington Manor
| 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 Manor
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Going with an installer can make your switch to solar power much easier. A solar installer can also help save you money over time by offering warranties, repairs and part replacements.
If you’d like to start using solar energy but still aren’t certain which solar system company to go with, here are our suggestions for providers in Wilmington Manor:
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 Wilmington Manor
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Wilmington Manor
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners who want to invest in solar. There are a few primary factors that determine your overall cost in Wilmington Manor: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of factors. One of the key factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have better efficiency or power generation use 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 $3,090.There are several different solar panel brands and the one you choose also affects the cost. Generally speaking, the brands that are more efficient tend to also be more expensive. Plus, the type of equipment you’re looking to install can affect your total cost. If you just 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 out of pocket is too expensive, solar loans are a solid choice because they decrease your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over five to seven years on average.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your total costs, so it’s crucial to consider that as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by making a larger down payment.
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 get to install your solar system. Similar to choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for instance, you’ll have many options for solar installers that offer a range of services for different budgets.Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or add-on services like electric car charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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 | $12,016 | 13.2 years |
| 8 kW | $3.15 | $17,650 | $16,367 | 13.0 years |
| 10 kW | $3.09 | $21,630 | $20,891 | 12.7 years |
| 12 kW | $3.03 | $25,437 | $25,589 | 12.5 years |
| 14 kW | $2.97 | $29,071 | $30,459 | 12.2 years |
| 16 kW | $2.90 | $32,532 | $35,503 | 12.0 years |
| 18 kW | $2.84 | $35,819 | $40,719 | 11.7 years |
| 20 kW | $2.78 | $38,934 | $46,109 | 11.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many companies to choose from in Wilmington Manor, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Warranty: A high-quality company stands out from other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be done and how long it will take.
- Contract: Although reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it’s important to do it carefully so you can be sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and the terms of the warranty.
- Reputation: Companies that have been operating for many years likely have a high reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
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 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 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 other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. On the other hand, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Wilmington Manor?
A solar panel system isn’t free in Wilmington Manor, 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 going solar worth it?
Solar panels can be a great investment for a majority of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your power bills are already pretty low, solar panels might not be for you.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Even though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they are completely unusable at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can opt to replace them once you've had them for that long or you can keep using them at a lower efficiency.
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.