Solar Panel Cost Guide in Delaware, PA (2024 Update)
- Delaware Solar Installation Cost: $16,905
- 25-Year Savings: $14,585
- Payback Period: 15.8 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Delaware
Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar panels in Delaware.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Delaware it’s 4 per watt.To cover the typical energy needs of the average home in Delaware, most homeowners require a 6.8-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs about $16,905, or $24,174 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
These figures are only estimates, and the cost of going solar for you may look different based on factors unique to your home and what company you want to go with.Many homeowners find going solar is a rewarding investment. The average homeowner in Delaware can save about $15,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.
To get a free estimate from a highly rated solar company in Delaware, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Delaware
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,662 |
| 3 years | $-13,176 |
| 5 years | $-10,690 |
| 7 years | $-8,204 |
| 9 years | $-5,718 |
| 11 years | $-3,232 |
| 13 years | $-746 |
| 15 years | $1,740 |
| 17 years | $4,226 |
| 19 years | $6,712 |
| 21 years | $9,198 |
| 23 years | $11,684 |
| 25 years | $14,170 |
Top Solar Installers in Delaware
Trying to install solar panels on your own can be a time-consuming undertaking, which is why using a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Plus, warranties and repairs from your solar panel installer can protect your investment and reduce the cost of maintenance over the lifespan of your panels.
There are several licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. Here are our suggestions:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
See all of the solar companies in Delaware
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Delaware
There are several criteria that can affect your total installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that does the installation.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar panel system 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 chiefly based on your home’s energy consumption, which you can gauge by looking at past electricity bills. Your total cost can increase by around $3,550 for each additional kilowatt you need.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. However, higher efficiency could save you more in the long run on your electric bills. Additionally, add-on products, like solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Delaware average.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Delaware to be too expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, almost every solar installer in the area offers financing options. Solar loans greatly decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also lead to a higher cost over time because of interest.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, 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 above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or getting a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you opt for to install your solar panel system can affect how much it costs. Delaware’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices due to their bigger brand name and access to bulk prices, 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 | $3.69 | $15,506 | $8,067 | 16.4 years |
| 8 kW | $3.62 | $20,278 | $11,154 | 16.1 years |
| 10 kW | $3.55 | $24,850 | $14,439 | 15.8 years |
| 12 kW | $3.48 | $29,224 | $17,923 | 15.5 years |
| 14 kW | $3.41 | $33,398 | $21,606 | 15.2 years |
| 16 kW | $3.34 | $37,374 | $25,488 | 14.9 years |
| 18 kW | $3.27 | $41,152 | $29,569 | 14.5 years |
| 20 kW | $3.19 | $44,730 | $33,848 | 14.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar panel company you go with will be a major factor in determining not only your overall costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should take into account, including:
- Contract: Though reading through a contract can be tedious, it’s important to do it fully so you can make sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and the terms of the warranty.
- Reputation: Solar installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years in most cases offer quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers have the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a considerable role in the company you go with.
- Installation Process: When going solar, it’s crucial to keep an open line of communication with your solar installer. Make sure you understand how the installation process works and the project completion timeline.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
EcoWatch's Delaware, PA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Delaware?
The average cost of solar panels in Delaware is about $17,750 for a 5-kW system and $35,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on things like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Are solar panels free in Delaware?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Delaware. 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 prefer to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Delaware?
The majority of states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can be compensated for the extra power your system generates or or receive credits to put toward future electricity bills. Currently there are just three states that don’t have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Though 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 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.