Solar Panel Cost Guide in Bear, DE (2024 Update)

  • Bear Solar Installation Cost: $14,456
  • 25-Year Savings: $20,570
  • Payback Period: 13.7 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 03, 2024

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We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Bear

Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar panels in Bear.

The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Bear it’s 3 per watt.Since a 6.7-kW system is needed to cover the energy needs of a typical home in Bear, the average price of going solar will be about $14,456 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.

These figures are only estimates, and how much solar costs for you will most likely look different based on the amount of energy your home requires and what company you want to go with.With average savings of about $15,000 on power bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Bear find going solar can be quite rewarding.

You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar company in Bear that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.

Solar savings over time in Bear

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-13,055
3 years $-10,253
5 years $-7,451
7 years $-4,649
9 years $-1,847
11 years $956
13 years $3,758
15 years $6,560
17 years $9,362
19 years $12,164
21 years $14,966
23 years $17,768
25 years $20,570

Top Solar Installers in Bear

Many homeowners decide to hire a solar installation company since installing solar panels on your own can be time-consuming. The expertise that solar installers offer can be valuable as well, particularly if you aren’t sure what type of solar equipment you need.

If you’d like to make the switch to solar but still aren’t certain which solar installer to go with, here are our recommendations for providers in Bear:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • Most efficient panels on the market
  • National coverage
  • Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Expensive
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

Solar Veteran

Trinity Solar

★★★★★
4.0

  • Many financing options
  • Family-owned and -operated
  • Makes charitable contributions
  • Limited service area
  • Relatively short workmanship warranty

Best Technology

Tesla Energy

★★★★★
3.2

  • 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 Bear

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Bear

For many Bear homeowners, the decision to install solar panels rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Bear, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are various factors that considerably influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.

Solar Equipment

The size of the solar panel system you need for your household, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by around $3,090. The kind of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will largely affect costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Moreover, solar equipment consists of more than just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to make decisions about the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when searching for a solar system that falls within your budget.

Solar Financing Terms

For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be financially overwhelming. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Bear, which can reduce, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.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 finding a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs remarkably.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The solar installation company you pick will play a role in your total cost to adopt solar power. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor.Additionally, some companies in Bear are more knowledgeable about local solar incentives and can help you make good use of 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 $3.21 $13,497 $10,212 14.2 years
8 kW $3.15 $17,650 $13,961 14.0 years
10 kW $3.09 $21,630 $17,884 13.7 years
12 kW $3.03 $25,437 $21,980 13.4 years
14 kW $2.97 $29,071 $26,249 13.1 years
16 kW $2.90 $32,532 $30,692 12.9 years
18 kW $2.84 $35,819 $35,307 12.6 years
20 kW $2.78 $38,934 $40,095 12.3 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you pick the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:

  • Contract: Read the contract terms closely to make sure you understand how much it will cost, project completion timeline incentives and warranties.
  • Installation Process: When making the switch to solar, it’s crucial to maintain an open line of communication with your solar company. Confirm that you understand how the installation process will go and the project completion timeline.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will have various brands and kinds of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar company you’re considering has it.
  • Reputation: Make sure your solar system installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking its work history and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • Most efficient panels on the market
  • National coverage
  • Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Expensive
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

Solar Veteran

Trinity Solar

★★★★★
4.0

  • Many financing options
  • Family-owned and -operated
  • Makes charitable contributions
  • Limited service area
  • Relatively short workmanship warranty

Best Technology

Tesla Energy

★★★★★
3.2

  • 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 Bear, DE Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in Bear?

This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $15,450 for a 5-kW system and $30,900 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. On the flip side, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.

Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?

The initial cost is a key factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on why you decided to go solar. In cities where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to be mindful of are the quality and durability of your solar panels.

Is it worth going solar in Bear?

Solar panels can be a good investment for lots of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your power bills are already reasonably low, solar panels might not be for you.

What solar power system size is right for my home?

The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and the amount of sunlight your roof gets. You can take a 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 install 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.

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