Solar Panel Cost Guide in Delaware, PA (Mar 2023)
- Delaware Solar Installation Cost: $12,138
- 25-Year Savings: $14,590
- Payback Period: 11.4 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Delaware
We break down average solar pricing in Delaware.
The average cost of a solar panel system in Delaware is 2.55 per watt. Since a 6.8-kW system is needed to cover the energy consumption of a typical home in Delaware, the average price of going solar will be about $12,138 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Delaware homeowner. The price of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor. With average savings of about $15,000 on electricity bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Delaware find investing in solar can pay off big.
You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar installer in Delaware for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Delaware
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,069 |
| 3 years | $-8,931 |
| 5 years | $-6,792 |
| 7 years | $-4,654 |
| 9 years | $-2,516 |
| 11 years | $-378 |
| 13 years | $1,760 |
| 15 years | $3,899 |
| 17 years | $6,037 |
| 19 years | $8,175 |
| 21 years | $10,313 |
| 23 years | $12,452 |
| 25 years | $14,590 |
Top Solar Installers in Delaware
Many homeowners decide to use a solar panel company since trying to install solar panels yourself can be hard. Local solar companies can also help you optimize your return on investment by walking you through any local incentives you can take advantage of and by providing warranties and repairs.
Working with a professional solar company can make going solar easier. Here are our recommendations:
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
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
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners wanting to invest in solar. There are a few primary factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Delaware: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll go over each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price 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 largely based on your home's energy usage, which you can figure out by looking at past electricity bills. Your total cost can increase by about $2,550 for each additional kilowatt you need. The type of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will greatly influence costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Plus, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to decide on 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's in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Delaware offer solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar. Though solar loans make going solar more accessible for Delaware homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installer you select will impact your total cost to adopt solar power. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor. Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or add-on services like electric car charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $2.65 | $11,138 | $12,435 | 11.8 years |
| 8 kW | $2.60 | $14,566 | $16,866 | 11.6 years |
| 10 kW | $2.55 | $17,850 | $21,439 | 11.4 years |
| 12 kW | $2.50 | $20,992 | $26,155 | 11.1 years |
| 14 kW | $2.45 | $23,990 | $31,014 | 10.9 years |
| 16 kW | $2.40 | $26,846 | $36,016 | 10.7 years |
| 18 kW | $2.35 | $29,560 | $41,161 | 10.4 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,130 | $46,448 | 10.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your system installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, 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: Make sure your solar company has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking its number of years in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
- Contract: Review the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand how much it will cost, completion timeline rebates and warranties.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies offer various brands and kinds of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar company you're considering has it.
- Warranty: A quality company rises above other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
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, PA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Delaware?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $12,750 for a 5-kW system and $25,500 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. On the other hand, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
Cost is definitely one of the most important factors you should consider when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Does Delaware have a net metering program?
Most states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can receive compensation for the extra power your system produces or or receive credits to put toward future energy bills. Currently there are just three states that don't have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How long do solar panels last in Delaware?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher amount 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.