Solar Panel Cost Guide in Delaware, NJ (2023 Update)
- Delaware Solar Installation Cost: $9,230
- 25-Year Savings: $7,287
- Payback Period: 14.0 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Delaware
Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in Delaware.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Delaware, the average cost of solar panels is 2.77 per watt. To cover the typical energy usage of the average home in Delaware, most homeowners require a 4.8-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs about $9,230, or $13,199 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Delaware homeowners. The price of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor. Despite the high initial cost, the average Delaware homeowner can save about $13,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the benefits of solar.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar company in Delaware that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Delaware
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-8,569 |
| 3 years | $-7,248 |
| 5 years | $-5,926 |
| 7 years | $-4,605 |
| 9 years | $-3,284 |
| 11 years | $-1,962 |
| 13 years | $-641 |
| 15 years | $681 |
| 17 years | $2,002 |
| 19 years | $3,323 |
| 21 years | $4,645 |
| 23 years | $5,966 |
| 25 years | $7,287 |
Top Solar Installers in Delaware
When going solar, many homeowners opt to go with a solar installation company since overseeing your solar installation yourself can be a difficult project. Plus, if you'd like to maximize your investment in solar, going with a solar company can help with that too. Different providers can offer warranties, expertise on solar panel installation and sometimes even information on local incentives.
If you'd like to start using solar energy but still aren't certain which solar panel company to go with, here are our recommendations for providers near you:
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
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 Delaware
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Delaware
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners who want to invest in solar. There are a few key factors that affect your total cost in Delaware: 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 size of the solar panel system you need for your home, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by around $2,770. The brand and kind of equipment you get for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a 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 can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Plus, if you want extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over time, but they can also be a big investment. That's why many Delaware homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs. It's wise to include the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and how long it'll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Delaware is the company you hire to install your PV system. Similar to choosing a company to install new cabinets, for instance, there are plenty of solar installers that offer a range of services at different price points. Additionally, some companies in Delaware know more about local solar incentives and can help you make good use of additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, 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 | $2.88 | $12,099 | $8,739 | 14.5 years |
| 8 kW | $2.83 | $15,822 | $11,963 | 14.2 years |
| 10 kW | $2.77 | $19,390 | $15,341 | 14.0 years |
| 12 kW | $2.71 | $22,803 | $18,875 | 13.7 years |
| 14 kW | $2.66 | $26,060 | $22,564 | 13.4 years |
| 16 kW | $2.60 | $29,163 | $26,407 | 13.1 years |
| 18 kW | $2.55 | $32,110 | $30,406 | 12.8 years |
| 20 kW | $2.49 | $34,902 | $34,560 | 12.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the brand of solar panels and the company you choose greatly impacts 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:
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar installer, make sure to look it over completely so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you aren't sure about some of the terms, such as what to do if a part breaks or malfunctions and what services you can expect from them.
- Warranty: A high-quality company stands out from other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will have various brands and kinds of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel installer you're considering has it.
- Reputation: Solar installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years in most cases provide good-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
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 Delaware, NJ Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Delaware?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $13,850 for a 5-kW system and $27,700 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 usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Delaware?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you are unable to pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don't own the system, you don't have access to many solar incentives. Also your home value won't increase, so you'll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most savings from going solar.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Delaware?
Most states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can receive compensation for the extra power your system generates or or receive credits to put toward future utility bills. Currently there are just three states that don't have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
What solar power system size is right for 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.