Solar Panel Cost Guide in Dover, NY (2023 Update)
- Dover Solar Installation Cost: $8,985
- 25-Year Savings: $9,415
- Payback Period: 12.2 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Dover
See how much it might cost to install solar panels in Dover.
The average cost of a solar system in Dover is 2.95 per watt. Using this figure, a typical 4.3-kW system would cost about $8,983 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Dover homeowner. The price of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor. With average savings of about $16,000 on energy bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Dover find going solar can be quite rewarding.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar installer in Dover that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Dover
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-7,722 |
| 3 years | $-5,196 |
| 5 years | $-2,669 |
| 7 years | $-143 |
| 9 years | $2,384 |
| 11 years | $4,910 |
| 13 years | $7,436 |
| 15 years | $9,963 |
| 17 years | $12,489 |
| 19 years | $15,016 |
| 21 years | $17,542 |
| 23 years | $20,068 |
| 25 years | $22,595 |
Top Solar Installers in Dover
When going solar, many homeowners decide to go with a solar installation company since handling can be a difficult project. Plus, if you'd like to maximize your investment in solar energy, opting for a solar company can help with that too. Different providers can offer warranties, expertise on installation and sometimes even information on local incentives.
You can get a free quote from a local solar installer on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some nearby:
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 Dover
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Dover
There are several factors that can determine your installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that performs the installation.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the notable factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with higher efficiency or power production require 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 $2,950. Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Dover, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, if you have a small roof or you don't have a lot of 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
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Dover to be prohibitively expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar installer in the area provides financing options. Solar loans greatly decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also lead to higher prices over time due to interest. However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your overall costs, so it's crucial to include that in your estimate as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you hire to handle your switch to renewable energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating throughout Dover, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment. Additionally, some companies in Dover are more knowledgeable about local solar incentives and can help you make good use of additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for that service. 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 | $3.07 | $12,886 | $12,487 | 12.7 years |
| 8 kW | $3.01 | $16,850 | $16,980 | 12.5 years |
| 10 kW | $2.95 | $20,650 | $21,637 | 12.2 years |
| 12 kW | $2.89 | $24,284 | $26,460 | 12.0 years |
| 14 kW | $2.83 | $27,754 | $31,449 | 11.7 years |
| 16 kW | $2.77 | $31,058 | $36,602 | 11.5 years |
| 18 kW | $2.71 | $34,196 | $41,921 | 11.2 years |
| 20 kW | $2.66 | $37,170 | $47,405 | 11.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the type of solar panels and the company you choose has an impact on your costs and your system's durability and efficiency, it's important to select the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Warranty: A comprehensive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar system running for years to come and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for renewable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to do the job well. Another way you can research your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their locations and how much efficiency they need. While there are many options for which model of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you peruse their list of offerings before making your decision.
- Contract: Read the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand the overall cost, project completion timeline rebates and warranties.
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 Dover, NY Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Dover?
The average cost of solar panels in Dover is about $14,750 for a 5-kW system and $29,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on things like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is cost the most important thing to consider when buying solar panels?
Cost is a very important factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on why you decided to go solar. In cities where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to be mindful of are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Do solar panels increase the value of your home?
Buying or financing solar panels for your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Dover is currently $271,894, which means you can expect a value of about $11,148 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Dover is a rewarding investment.
How long do solar panels last in Dover?
Although the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they stop working completely at that time. What this means is how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can choose 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.