Josephine NesbitContributing Writer
Josephine Nesbit is a contributing writer for USA TODAY Homefront. She specializes in home impr...
Updated Apr. 22, 2024
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Homefront Local uses a unique algorithm to score solar companies based on important factors like user reviews and how popular they are in your area.
High-quality solar panel installation in Dover, Delaware, requires a solar installer that is properly certified, qualified and experienced. To help you find the perfect team, we’ve compiled a list of the best solar companies in Dover.
Prior to hiring an installer, get referrals, evaluate potential installers and get multiple quotes to determine the right company for you. You can go with a local Dover solar company or select an established national brand.
Even though solar panels need a substantial initial investment, you can cut your energy bills in the long term by making the switch. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), switching to solar energy allows Dover homeowners to save a yearly average of about $1,100.
Many solar companies offer different products. Be sure to review each company and get quotes from all before booking your solar panel installation.
Look for Dover solar companies that have at least 3.5 out of 5 stars based on customer critiques on Google Reviews and comparable sites. Make sure the company has a high rating on Better Business Bureau (BBB) when choosing a solar company.
You should look at past customer reviews to get insight into other homeowners' experiences with the company. Keep an eye out for frequent negative feedback as a potential red flag.
5700 Kirkwood Hwy Suite 106, Wilmington, DE 19808
(302) 397-8917
www.starenrg.com/service-request-pagePlaces with differing amounts of sun, including those with increased rain or cloud coverage like Dover, can still utilize solar energy. Here are the best reasons for adopting solar power:
According to the results of our survey done in October 2023, the median cost for solar panel installation nationally is $11,743.
What you'll pay to install solar panels is influenced by factors such as your region, sunlight levels, roof alignment, shading, system size and labor. The cost increases if you select any add-ons like animal guards, solar trackers or batteries.
In Dover, solar panel installation costs approximately $14,023, per data from NASA, the EIA and the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
While solar panel installation may be a substantial initial cost, you are positioned to see significant savings on your electricity costs over time.
After fully switching to solar power, Dover homeowners typically see cost savings. However, recouping the initial investment requires time, and things like rain and tree shade impact the timeline for seeing returns on your solar investment.
Switching to solar not only saves money but also reduces your carbon emissions and environmental footprint. Our calculations using NASA and EPA data show the projected CO2 emission reductions achievable by going solar.
Experts Ready to Help
There are multiple solar incentives open to homeowners in Dover. Certain programs extend to all Delaware residents, while others are based on your city, municipality and utility company.
Here are solar incentives available to Delaware residents, as listed by DSIRE.
Name / Incentive Type | Incentive Amount/Details |
---|---|
Rebate Program Delmarva Power - Green Energy Program Incentives | Solar PV Residential: $0.70/W Residenital Leased/PPA systems: Not eligible Non-Residential (systems less than 6 kW): $0.50/W Non-Residential (systems 6 kW or larger): $0.70/W Non-Profit: $1.40/W Wind Residential: $0.85/W for first 5 kW, $0.25/W up to 50 kW Non-Residential: $0.85/W for first 5 kW, $0.25/W up to 50 kW Non-Profit: $1.75/W for first 5 kW, $1.00/W up to 50 kW Solar Water Heating (SWH) Residential: $1/kWh saved Non-Residential: $1/kWh saved Non-Profit: $2/kWh saved GeoThermal Heat Pumps Residential: $800/ton (first 2 tons), $700/ton (over 2 tons) Non-Residential: $800/ton (first 2 tons), $700/ton (over 2 tons) Non-Profit: $1,000/ton (first 2 tons), $800/ton (over 2 tons) |
Solar Renewable Energy Credit Program SREC Procurement Program | Market bid price for the first 10 years, $35 for the next 10 years. |
Solar Renewable Energy Credit Program Sustainable Electric Utility (SEU)- SREC Purchase Program | Upfront payment of $450/kW in exchange for the first 20 years of SRECs created by a solar system |
Solar Renewable Energy Credit Program Solar Renewable Energy Credits (SRECs) Spot Market Program | Varies based on market conditions; as of October 2014 the SRECs were trading at approximately $55 per MWh in SREC marketplace. |
Rebate Program Delaware Electric Cooperative - Green Energy Program Incentives | PV: Class A and Class B: $0.50 for first 5kW, $0.20 after 5kW Non-Profit: $1.05 for first 5kW, $0.52 after 5kW Solar Thermal (water and radiant space heating), 20% of installed costs Wind: $0.85/W Fuel Cells: 20% of installed costs Geothermal Heat Pumps: $700 - $800 per ton (varies by size) |
Personal Tax Credit Federal Residential Renewable Energy Tax Credit | 30% federal tax credit for systems placed in service after 12/31/2021 and before 01/01/2033. Good for: solar water heat, solar photovoltaics, biomass, geothermal heat pumps, wind (small), fuel cells using renewable fuels. |
When selecting a solar panel installation professional, first review these important questions.
The right solar system size for you relies on how much energy your household utilizes, as well as the system's energy production ratio. Larger homes often need bigger solar setups. If the system isn't large enough, it may fail to generate sufficient electricity to power your whole home.
Required permits and local or state codes could affect your solar project. Be sure to obtain necessary permits through your local building department and arrange an inspection.
Not all homes get the same amount of sunlight. Trees, rain conditions and extreme weather can affect sunlight access. If your property doesn’t get sufficient sunlight, then you may need additional panels with higher wattage.
A lot of solar panel systems provide a battery. Solar batteries store extra power, which is especially useful when you want to avoid power loss during inclement weather. Installing battery storage might affect the overall expense.
You can choose from several types of solar panels, each differing in efficiency, life expectancy and design. These factors not only influence the price, but also how quickly you’ll need to replace panels and how much space the panels take up on your roof.
The Homefront Local team employs a proprietary scoring algorithm that evaluates companies based on key factors you value, such as average customer review ratings and trustworthiness indicators. Our method for determining trust involves a comparative analysis of the number of reviews a company receives compared to its local competitors. This leads to companies that have earned more trust from your local community being awarded a higher score.
We review national and large regional solar providers against our full methodology. We score solar companies on reputation and customer reviews, service options, payment, financing and warranties.
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