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
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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.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll end up paying for solar may vary based on your household energy use, the type of solar panels you want, your solar contractor and more.With average savings of about $15,000 on electricity bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Delaware find installing solar panels can be quite rewarding.
To calculate your potential ROI and connect with a local solar company, 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
DIY solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can take a lot of hard work. Using a solar panel installer can make converting to solar power much easier. Another great thing about going with a vetted solar installer is that it'll likely provide warranties and free repairs, which help protect your solar investment.
If you're on the hunt for a solar company in Delaware, we've compiled a list of our top suggestions here:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
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 final cost may be higher or lower than that. There are quite a few factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to take into consideration.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of solar panels in Delaware, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are mainly based on your home’s energy consumption, which you can gauge by looking at past power bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $3,410 for each additional kilowatt you need.Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Delaware, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, if you have a small roof or limited 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
If paying for solar panels out of pocket is too expensive, solar loans are an affordable route because they reduce your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.When figuring out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you choose to go with a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you choose to handle your switch to sustainable energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies operating throughout Delaware, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.Additionally, some companies in Delaware are more knowledgeable about local solar incentives and can help you learn about additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could end up saving you 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 | $3.55 | $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
There are a large number of companies available in Delaware, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Warranty: Warranties that cover panel repairs and maintenance over around 25 years are the gold standard in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one mark of a quality company.
- Reputation: Solar panel companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years in most cases provide good-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Solar Panel Brands: The type of solar panel you want to get plays a role in which installer you should opt for, since different companies have access to different panels.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they know how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the project completion timeline.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
EcoWatch's Delaware, OH Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Delaware?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Broadly 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 additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Delaware?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Delaware. However, you may still be able to get them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you’d prefer to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Is switching to solar power 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?
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 the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can decide to replace them after having 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.