Solar Panel Cost Guide in Dover, NJ (2024 Update)

  • Dover Solar Installation Cost: $11,808
  • 25-Year Savings: $7,743
  • Payback Period: 17.4 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 Dover

Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar panels in Dover.

The average cost of a solar system in Dover is 4 per watt.To account for the typical energy needs of the average home in Dover, most homeowners require a 4.8-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs about $11,808, or $16,885 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.

Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Dover homeowner. The cost 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.But, once you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the return on investment for most homeowners is typically fruitful, with a net average savings of about $14,000 over 20 years on energy bills.

To receive a free estimate from a vetted solar company in Dover, you can click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Dover

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-10,749
3 years $-8,630
5 years $-6,512
7 years $-4,394
9 years $-2,275
11 years $-157
13 years $1,962
15 years $4,080
17 years $6,198
19 years $8,317
21 years $10,435
23 years $12,554
25 years $14,672

Top Solar Installers in Dover

Many homeowners opt for a solar panel installer since trying to put up solar panels yourself can be hard. In addition, if you’d like to maximize your investment in solar power, going with a solar installer can help with that too. Different providers can offer repairs, expertise on how to install solar panels and sometimes even information on local incentives and net metering programs.

If you’d like to make the switch to solar but still aren’t certain which solar company to go with, here are our suggestions for providers near you:

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

Best Regional Coverage

Momentum Solar

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0

  • Expansive service area
  • Many financing options
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Some reported issues with door-to-door sales

See all of the solar companies in Dover

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Dover

Although the average cost of a solar system in Dover is $11,808, your final cost may be above or below the average. There are many factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more important things to keep in mind.

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 $3,530. There are several different solar panel brands and the one you pick also affects the cost. Generally speaking, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also be more expensive. 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

Most solar installers in Dover have solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar panels.When considering your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you go with a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The last significant cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of renewable energy solutions in Dover, you’ll have a great number of options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment.Some companies only sell high-efficiency and high-priced products — 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 go with the company that provides the products, warranties and services you’re looking for and also fits 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 $3.67 $15,419 $5,936 18.1 years
8 kW $3.60 $20,163 $8,311 17.7 years
10 kW $3.53 $24,710 $10,882 17.4 years
12 kW $3.46 $29,059 $13,652 17.0 years
14 kW $3.39 $33,210 $16,619 16.7 years
16 kW $3.32 $37,164 $19,784 16.3 years
18 kW $3.25 $40,920 $23,147 16.0 years
20 kW $3.18 $44,478 $26,707 15.6 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

The solar company you choose will influence not only your overall costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should keep in mind, including:

  • Solar Panel Brands: Different companies carry different brands and types of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar installer you’re considering has it.
  • Contract: When reading through your solar installer’s contract, ask questions about any terms you’re not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system component breaking or the company going out of business.
  • Reputation: Solar system installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years likely provide high-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
  • Installation Process: Make sure you’re on the same page with the company with regard to how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar panel system is installed, such as repairing your electrical system or roof.

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

Best Regional Coverage

Momentum Solar

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0

  • Expansive service area
  • Many financing options
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Some reported issues with door-to-door sales

EcoWatch's Dover, NJ Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Dover?

This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $17,650 for a 5-kW system and $35,300 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. Conversely, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.

Can you get solar panels for free in Dover?

A solar panel system isn’t free in Dover, but there are some options that can make getting them more feasible, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can help lower the cost.

Does Dover have a net metering program?

Each state has some kind of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states allow you to sell power back to the grid, but others just give you credit toward your future energy bills.

What solar power system size is right for my home?

To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you need to know how much energy your home needs and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can typically produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average house 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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