Solar Panel Cost Guide in Smyrna, DE (2024 Update)
- Smyrna Solar Installation Cost: $14,236
- 25-Year Savings: $19,963
- Payback Period: 11.2 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Smyrna
Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar panels in Smyrna.
In Smyrna, solar panels cost about 3 per watt on average.The average solar panel system size in Smyrna is around 6.6 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $14,236 for a solar installation, or $20,357 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar energy system. The true cost of installing solar panels can vary quite a bit depending on several factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy consumption and what installation company you go with.With typical savings of about $18,000 on power bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Smyrna find going solar can pay off big.
You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar company in Smyrna that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Smyrna
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,835 |
| 3 years | $-10,033 |
| 5 years | $-7,231 |
| 7 years | $-4,429 |
| 9 years | $-1,627 |
| 11 years | $1,175 |
| 13 years | $3,978 |
| 15 years | $6,780 |
| 17 years | $9,582 |
| 19 years | $12,384 |
| 21 years | $15,186 |
| 23 years | $17,988 |
| 25 years | $20,790 |
Top Solar Installers in Smyrna
Although you can install solar panels yourself, it takes extra time and know-how. That's why the majority of homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. Also, if you’d like to maximize your investment in solar power, going with a solar company can help with that as well. Different providers can offer warranties, expertise on how to install solar panels and sometimes even information on local incentives.
Working with a vetted solar company can help you make the most of your investment in solar. Here are our recommendations:
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
Solar Veteran
Trinity Solar
- Many financing options
- Family-owned and -operated
- Makes charitable contributions
- Limited service area
- Relatively short workmanship warranty
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 Smyrna
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Smyrna
For many Smyrna homeowners, the decision to go solar depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Smyrna, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are several factors that considerably influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of going solar is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more electricity your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay about $3,090 per kilowatt in Smyrna.Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Smyrna, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, if you have a small roof or limited 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
If paying for solar panels in cash is too expensive, solar loans are an affordable option because they decrease your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over five to seven years on average.When figuring out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you go with a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you choose to handle your switch to solar energy can play a part in your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies in Smyrna, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.Companies that only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come at a higher cost. It’s best to do some research and go with the company that offers the products, warranties and services you’re looking for and also is within your budget.
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 | $15,538 | 11.6 years |
| 8 kW | $3.15 | $17,650 | $21,063 | 11.4 years |
| 10 kW | $3.09 | $21,630 | $26,761 | 11.2 years |
| 12 kW | $3.03 | $25,437 | $32,633 | 11.0 years |
| 14 kW | $2.97 | $29,071 | $38,677 | 10.7 years |
| 16 kW | $2.90 | $32,532 | $44,894 | 10.5 years |
| 18 kW | $2.84 | $35,819 | $51,285 | 10.3 years |
| 20 kW | $2.78 | $38,934 | $57,848 | 10.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many companies available in Smyrna, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Contract: It’s important to read your solar installer’s contract carefully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about your solar system’s energy production.
- Solar Panel Brands: The kind of solar panel you want plays a role in which installer you should go with, since different companies have different panels.
- Warranty: Many companies offer different kinds of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Installation Process: An important thing to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you need to know with your solar company, such as what permits you should secure and how long the project will take.
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
Solar Veteran
Trinity Solar
- Many financing options
- Family-owned and -operated
- Makes charitable contributions
- Limited service area
- Relatively short workmanship warranty
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 Smyrna, DE Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Smyrna?
This is a hard 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. It will be more expensive if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. On the flip side, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Smyrna?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, as it usually comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside 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 incentives and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to get the most savings.
How much can I save on energy bills after switching to solar?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on your location and the efficiency of your system. Even if it doesn’t get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $967.82 per year.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you need to know how much energy your home needs and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can generally produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average house 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.