Solar Panel Cost Guide in Dover, PA (2025 Update)
- Dover Solar Installation Cost: $16,398
- 25-Year Savings: $15,365
- Payback Period: 15.1 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Dover
Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar in Dover.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Dover typically cost about 4.The average solar panel system size in Dover is around 6.6 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $16,398 for a solar installation, or $23,449 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are only estimates, and how much solar costs for you may vary based on factors unique to your home and what company you go with.But, once you've paid the initial cost of installation, the return on investment for most homeowners is quite fruitful, with a net average savings of about $16,000 over 20 years on power bills.
Click the button below to get connected to a top solar installer in your area for a personalized quote.
Solar savings over time in Dover
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,155 |
| 3 years | $-12,669 |
| 5 years | $-10,183 |
| 7 years | $-7,697 |
| 9 years | $-5,211 |
| 11 years | $-2,726 |
| 13 years | $-240 |
| 15 years | $2,246 |
| 17 years | $4,732 |
| 19 years | $7,218 |
| 21 years | $9,704 |
| 23 years | $12,190 |
| 25 years | $14,676 |
Top Solar Installers in Dover
Many homeowners opt for a solar panel company since trying to install solar panels by yourself can be challenging. Solar warranties and repairs are usually included in the cost of installation when you sign a contract with a solar contractor as well, which can save you more money over time.
You can get a free quote from a local solar installer on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some near you:
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 Dover
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Dover
There are many criteria that can affect your solar system installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that performs the installation.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the key factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with greater efficiency or power production use better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,550.There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you choose also affects the cost. Generally, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also cost more. Plus, the type of equipment you’re looking to install can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be challenging. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Dover, which can reduce, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the total 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 securing a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The final major cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of green energy solutions in Dover, you’ll have a great number of options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment.The company’s size sometimes plays the most significant role in the cost. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because they have access to more resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger companies.
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 | $9,174 | 15.7 years |
| 8 kW | $3.62 | $20,278 | $12,630 | 15.4 years |
| 10 kW | $3.55 | $24,850 | $16,284 | 15.1 years |
| 12 kW | $3.48 | $29,224 | $20,137 | 14.8 years |
| 14 kW | $3.41 | $33,398 | $24,189 | 14.5 years |
| 16 kW | $3.34 | $37,374 | $28,440 | 14.2 years |
| 18 kW | $3.27 | $41,152 | $32,889 | 13.9 years |
| 20 kW | $3.19 | $44,730 | $37,538 | 13.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar installer you opt for will impact not only your overall costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should keep in mind, including:
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for clean energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a good reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can research your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be completed and what the project timeline is.
- Warranty: Companies typically offer different kinds of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers 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.
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 Dover, PA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Dover?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $17,750 for a 5-kW system and $35,500 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. On the flip side, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Dover?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you can’t take advantage of many solar incentives. Also your home value won’t increase, so you’ll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most savings from going solar.
Do solar panels increase your property value?
Solar panels can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Dover is currently $261,379, which means you can look forward to a value of about $10,717 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Dover is a fruitful investment.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and the amount of sunlight your roof gets. You can look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to buy between 20 and 35 panels to account for their typical energy usage.
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.