Solar Panel Cost Guide in Dover, NY (2023 Update)
- Dover Solar Installation Cost: $8,983
- 25-Year Savings: $9,418
- Payback Period: 12.2 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Updated May 04, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Dover
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Dover.
The average cost of a solar panel system in Dover is 2.95 per watt. The average Dover homeowner needs a 4.3-kilowatt system, which would cost about $8,983 with the federal tax credit, or $12,846 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
These figures are only averages, and the cost of going solar for you will vary based on your specific situation and what company you want to go with. Many homeowners find installing solar panels is a solid investment. The average homeowner in Dover can save around $16,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar panel company in Dover for a customized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Dover
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-8,247 |
| 3 years | $-6,775 |
| 5 years | $-5,303 |
| 7 years | $-3,831 |
| 9 years | $-2,359 |
| 11 years | $-887 |
| 13 years | $585 |
| 15 years | $2,057 |
| 17 years | $3,529 |
| 19 years | $5,001 |
| 21 years | $6,473 |
| 23 years | $7,945 |
| 25 years | $9,418 |
Top Solar Installers in Dover
DIY solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can be a pain. Going with an installer can make swapping over to solar power much easier. Another benefit of going with a solar company is that they can help you make the most of your investment by lowering your future costs of repairs and replacements with the help of warranties and giving you information on local incentives you can take advantage of.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free quote on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some in Dover:
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 many factors that can affect your solar panel 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 a few different factors. One of the notable factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have better efficiency or power production need better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $2,950. The type of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will largely impact costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more expensive. Furthermore, solar equipment consists of more than just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to consider the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It's important to take all of this into consideration when researching a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Dover have solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the amount of 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 more than the original cost. Making a larger down payment or finding a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The last significant cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of clean energy solutions in Dover, you'll have plenty of options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment. The size of the company sometimes plays the most significant role in the cost of installation. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because they have more resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger companies.
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 model of solar panels and the installation company you choose has an impact on your costs and your system's efficiency, production, and durability, it's important to select the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have demonstrated 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 good reviews from previous customers.
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar system running smoothly and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
- Contract: When looking through your solar company's contract, ask for clarification about any terms you're not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system component breaking or the company going out of business.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies offer the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a big role in the company you opt for.
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?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $14,750 for a 5-kW system and $29,500 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. On the other hand, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Dover?
You can't get solar panels for free in Dover. However, you may still be able to afford them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you'd rather own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Do solar panels increase your property value?
Solar panels can increase your property's value considerably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don't opt for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% with a solar installation."
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
To figure out how many solar panels 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 generally 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.