Solar Panel Cost Guide in Delaware, OH (2024 Update)

  • Delaware Solar Installation Cost: $18,184
  • 25-Year Savings: $17,400
  • Payback Period: 14.6 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

Why you can trust EcoWatch

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 Delaware

We go over average solar pricing in Delaware.

In Delaware, solar panels cost about 3 per watt on average.Using this figure, a typical 7.6-kW system would cost about $18,184 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.

These figures are only estimates, and your own solar costs will differ based on the amount of energy your home requires and what company you choose to go with.For many homeowners, the upfront investment in solar is worth paying. On average Delaware homeowners see about $15,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.

To calculate your potential ROI and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Delaware

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-16,959
3 years $-14,510
5 years $-12,061
7 years $-9,612
9 years $-7,163
11 years $-4,715
13 years $-2,266
15 years $183
17 years $2,632
19 years $5,081
21 years $7,530
23 years $9,979
25 years $12,428

Top Solar Installers in Delaware

Putting up solar panels on your own can be a dangerous undertaking, which is why using a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Since solar panels are exposed to the elements every day, warranties and repairs from your solar company can help you get the most out of your investment in solar panels by reducing potential costs down the line.

Working with a vetted solar installer can help you make the most of your investment in solar. Here are our recommendations:

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 Solar Financing

Blue Raven Solar

★★★★★
4.5

  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation
  • Doesn't offer solar batteries

Best Social Impact

Palmetto Solar

★★★★★
4.0

  • Expansive service area
  • Makes charitable contributions
  • Certified B Corp
  • No leases or PPAs
  • Quality of installation may vary by location

See all of the solar companies in Delaware

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Delaware

Although the average cost of a solar system in Delaware is $18,184, your actual cost may be higher or lower than that. There are many factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to keep in mind.

Solar Equipment

One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of installing solar panels is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more electricity your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend around $3,410 per kilowatt in Delaware.The kind of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you opt for the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. On the other hand, more efficient panels could save you more in the long run on your power bills. Additionally, add-on products, like solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Delaware average.

Solar Financing Terms

If paying for a solar system in cash is difficult, solar loans are a solid choice because they decrease your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over five to seven years on average.Even though solar loans make going solar more accessible for Delaware homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.

Solar Panel Installation Company

A final factor to consider when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Delaware is the company you hire to install your solar system. As with choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for instance, you’ll have many options for solar installers that offer a range of services at different costs.You may see national solar installers that have lower prices because of their bigger brand name and access to bulk equipment pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those major players.

Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size

System size Cost per system watt Solar system cost 25-Year savings Payback period
6 kW $3.55 $14,895 $9,562 15.2 years
8 kW $3.48 $19,478 $13,131 14.9 years
10 kW $3.41 $23,870 $16,891 14.6 years
12 kW $3.34 $28,071 $20,842 14.3 years
14 kW $3.27 $32,081 $24,984 14.1 years
16 kW $3.21 $35,900 $29,317 13.8 years
18 kW $3.14 $39,529 $33,841 13.5 years
20 kW $3.07 $42,966 $38,555 13.2 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

Since the brand of solar panels and the installer you choose greatly affects your costs and your system’s efficiency, production, and durability, it’s important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:

  • Warranty: A comprehensive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar panel system running for years to come and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
  • Reputation: Make sure your solar company has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking its number of years in business and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will carry different brands and types of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel installer you’re considering has it.
  • Installation Process: Make sure you’re aligned with the company in regard to how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar panels are 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 Solar Financing

Blue Raven Solar

★★★★★
4.5

  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation
  • Doesn't offer solar batteries

Best Social Impact

Palmetto Solar

★★★★★
4.0

  • Expansive service area
  • Makes charitable contributions
  • Certified B Corp
  • No leases or PPAs
  • Quality of installation may vary by location

EcoWatch's Delaware, OH Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in Delaware?

This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $17,050 for a 5-kW system and $34,100 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. On the flip side, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.

Can you get solar panels for free in Delaware?

You can’t get solar panels for free in Delaware. However, you may still be able to install them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you want to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.

Is making the switch to solar worth it?

Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like local electricity rates and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.

How long do solar panels last in Delaware?

On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher level of energy production.

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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