Solar Panel Cost Guide in Delaware, OH (Mar 2023)
- Delaware Solar Installation Cost: $13,655
- 25-Year Savings: $17,396
- Payback Period: 11.0 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Delaware
See how much it might cost to switch to solar power in Delaware.
The average cost of solar panels in Delaware is 2.56 per watt. Using this figure, a typical 7.6-kW system would cost about $13,655 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
How much you pay can be above or below the average in Delaware based on several factors, such as the type of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire. But, after you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the ROI for most homeowners is typically good, with a net average savings of about $15,000 over 20 years on electricity bills.
For a customized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Delaware
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,413 |
| 3 years | $-9,929 |
| 5 years | $-7,445 |
| 7 years | $-4,961 |
| 9 years | $-2,477 |
| 11 years | $7 |
| 13 years | $2,491 |
| 15 years | $4,976 |
| 17 years | $7,460 |
| 19 years | $9,944 |
| 21 years | $12,428 |
| 23 years | $14,912 |
| 25 years | $17,396 |
Top Solar Installers in Delaware
When going solar, many homeowners decide to go with a solar installation company since handling can be a time-consuming project. The expertise that solar installers offer can be useful as well, particularly if you don't quite know what kind of solar equipment you need.
If you're searching for a solar installer in Delaware, we've put together 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 (coming 2022)
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
See all of the solar companies in Delaware
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Delaware
Though the average cost of a solar system in Delaware is $13,655, your final cost may differ. There are many factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to keep in mind.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar system you need, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by around $2,560. Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive 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 you don't have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Delaware offer solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar. However, the interest on solar loans also increases your all-in costs, so it's vital to take that into consideration 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 green energy can play a part in your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies in Delaware, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment. The size of the company sometimes plays the most significant role in your costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because they have greater resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger names.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $2.66 | $11,182 | $13,274 | 11.4 years |
| 8 kW | $2.61 | $14,623 | $17,986 | 11.2 years |
| 10 kW | $2.56 | $17,920 | $22,841 | 11.0 years |
| 12 kW | $2.51 | $21,074 | $27,839 | 10.8 years |
| 14 kW | $2.46 | $24,084 | $32,981 | 10.6 years |
| 16 kW | $2.41 | $26,952 | $38,265 | 10.3 years |
| 18 kW | $2.36 | $29,676 | $43,694 | 10.1 years |
| 20 kW | $2.30 | $32,256 | $49,265 | 9.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since choosing a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have demonstrated expertise in the field. A couple of 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 satisfied reviews from past customers.
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar, it's important to maintain an open line of communication with your solar panel company. Confirm that you understand how the installation process works and the project timeline.
- 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 considerable role in the company you choose.
- Contract: When reading through your solar installer's contract, ask for clarification about any terms you're not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system part breaking or the company going out of business.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries (coming 2022)
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
EcoWatch's Delaware, OH Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Delaware?
The average cost of solar panels in Delaware is about $12,800 for a 5-kW system and $25,600 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on certain factors such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Delaware?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, as it usually comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback is that you won't be able to save as much. If you lease, you don't own the system, so you can't claim any tax rebates and credits and your home value won't increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to maximize your savings.
Is going solar worth it?
Solar panels can be a great investment for many homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your energy bills are already reasonably low, solar panels might not be for you.
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 requires and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can usually produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average home 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.