Solar Panel Cost Guide in Delaware, NJ (2023 Update)
- Delaware Solar Installation Cost: $9,221
- 25-Year Savings: $7,296
- Payback Period: 14.0 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Delaware
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Delaware.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Delaware typically cost around 2.77. The average Delaware homeowner needs a 4.8-kilowatt system, which would cost about $9,230 with the federal tax credit, or $13,199 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Delaware homeowner. The price of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor. For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar power is worth paying. On average Delaware homeowners see about $13,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar company in Delaware for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Delaware
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-8,162 |
| 3 years | $-6,044 |
| 5 years | $-3,925 |
| 7 years | $-1,807 |
| 9 years | $312 |
| 11 years | $2,430 |
| 13 years | $4,548 |
| 15 years | $6,667 |
| 17 years | $8,785 |
| 19 years | $10,904 |
| 21 years | $13,022 |
| 23 years | $15,140 |
| 25 years | $17,259 |
Top Solar Installers in Delaware
Many homeowners choose to hire a solar installation company since figuring out how to install solar panels by yourself can be a lot of work. The payback period on an investment in solar panels will vary based on factors like your location and energy consumption, but going with a solar company can shorten that period. Your provider will be able to help you get the most out of incentives available in your area.
If you're on the hunt for a solar installer in Delaware, the EcoWatch team has compiled a list of our top suggestions here:
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
See all of the solar companies in Delaware
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Delaware
For many Delaware homeowners, the decision to adopt solar energy depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Delaware, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are several factors that greatly influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar panel system you need, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by nearly $2,770. There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you pick also changes the cost. Generally, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also cost more. Additionally, the type of equipment you're looking to install can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Delaware to be too costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, nearly every solar installer in the area offers financing options. Solar loans remarkably decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also lead to paying more over time due to interest. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the total interest you'll pay over the length of the loan. If you can only get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or securing a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you go with to handle your switch to green energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies operating in Delaware, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment. Some companies only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come with an above-average cost. It's best to do some research and decide on the company that provides the products, warranties and services you're looking for and also is within your budget.
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
The company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because selecting a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies offer various brands and models of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar panel installer you're considering has it.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good reputation as a company and have verifiable expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has positive reviews from previous customers.
- 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.
- Contract: It's important to read your solar installer's contract closely to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the project timeline.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
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.