Solar Panel Cost Guide in Delaware, NJ (2025 Update)
- Delaware Solar Installation Cost: $11,751
- 25-Year Savings: $7,296
- Payback Period: 17.8 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Delaware
We break down average solar pricing in Delaware.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Delaware, the typical cost of solar panels is 4 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 4.8-kW system would cost about $11,751 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much solar panels could cost. The actual cost of installing solar panels can vary depending on a few factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy consumption and what company you go with.With average savings of about $13,000 on electricity bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Delaware find investing in solar can pay off big.
To calculate your potential savings and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Delaware
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,692 |
| 3 years | $-8,574 |
| 5 years | $-6,455 |
| 7 years | $-4,337 |
| 9 years | $-2,218 |
| 11 years | $-100 |
| 13 years | $2,018 |
| 15 years | $4,137 |
| 17 years | $6,255 |
| 19 years | $8,374 |
| 21 years | $10,492 |
| 23 years | $12,610 |
| 25 years | $14,729 |
Top Solar Installers in Delaware
Although you can install solar panels yourself, it involves extra energy and knowledge. That's one of the reasons most people choose a solar panel installer. Also, companies with a good reputation that cost more upfront could actually save you money in the long term because of their warranties, repair services and expert design.
If you’d like to make the switch to solar but still aren’t sure which solar company to go with, here are our recommendations for providers near you:
See all of the solar companies in Delaware
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Delaware
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners who want to invest in solar. There are a few key factors that determine your overall cost in Delaware: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of installing solar panels. Because of that, it’s a priority to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use.There are several different solar panel brands and the one you choose also changes the cost. In many cases, the brands that are more efficient tend to also cost more. Additionally, the type of equipment you choose can affect your total cost. If you just 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 available from most installers in Delaware, which can reduce, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your overall costs, so it’s crucial to take that into consideration as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The last key cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of green energy solutions in Delaware, you’ll have a great number of options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment.Companies that only sell high-efficiency and high-priced products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come with an above-average cost. It’s best to do some research and go with the company that has 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 | $3.67 | $15,419 | $5,420 | 18.5 years |
| 8 kW | $3.60 | $20,163 | $7,622 | 18.1 years |
| 10 kW | $3.53 | $24,710 | $10,021 | 17.8 years |
| 12 kW | $3.46 | $29,059 | $12,618 | 17.4 years |
| 14 kW | $3.39 | $33,210 | $15,413 | 17.1 years |
| 16 kW | $3.32 | $37,164 | $18,406 | 16.7 years |
| 18 kW | $3.25 | $40,920 | $21,596 | 16.4 years |
| 20 kW | $3.18 | $44,478 | $24,984 | 16.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar company you choose will affect 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 some important things you should take into account, such as:
- Warranty: If you’re worried about the endurance of your solar energy system, ensuring your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will have various brands and types of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar installer you’re considering has it.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar installer, make sure to look it over carefully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re not sure about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and what services you can expect from them.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid reputation as a company and have verifiable expertise in the field. A couple of ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has good reviews from past customers.
EcoWatch's Delaware, NJ Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Delaware?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $17,650 for a 5-kW system and $35,300 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. On the flip side, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Delaware?
Solar panels aren’t free in Delaware, but there are some options that can make getting them more feasible, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can further reduce the cost.
Does Delaware have a net metering program?
The majority of states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either be compensated for the extra power your system produces or or receive credits to put toward future utility bills. Currently there are just three states that don’t have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and the average daily 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 get 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.