Best 5 Solar Companies in Dover, DE

The Dover community is intentional about safeguarding the planet and practicing eco-friendly lifestyles. That's why many homeowners are purchasing panels from the top solar installers for their homes. While switching to solar energy comes with upfront costs, local homeowners could ultimately save $880 per kilowatt on their electric bills. A professional company can help you choose the best panels to maximize your savings. On this page, we'll show you Dover's premier solar installers and give insightful advice for your solar journey.

Ranking Methodology

Our team has researched dozens of solar companies near Dover, concentrating on the following criteria:

• Reviews and feedback from customers: Most Dover solar installers have both favorable and unfavorable reviews. However, a good review ratio indicates a company's dependability and responsiveness to issues.
• Educational approach and support: Solar technicians must be excellent teachers. They should tap into their years of experience address your questions on how to maintain your system and optimize its performance.
• Warranty and service offerings: Solar contractors should stand behind their products and services with warranties. We evaluated how each contractor responds to issues and warranty claims, focusing on promptness and customer happiness.
• Certifications and credentials: Each provider on our list meets state and city licensing requirements and stays up to date with industry best practices. Many of them have served the Dover community for over 15 years.
• Panel brands and quality: The premier solar companies keep up with new technology, offering equipment from reliable, innovative manufacturers.

Benefits of Solar Energy

Solar energy provides multiple benefits. Here are some highlights.

• Better energy independence: Solar panel systems can keep your home functioning through blackouts and emergencies. You can use your solar energy anytime with an optional battery backup system.
• Reduced carbon footprint: Solar is one of the universe's most abundant clean energy sources, meaning you can minimize or conquer your home's dependence on fossil fuels.
• Lowered energy bills: With a solar array, you generate power without paying the tacked-on costs of grid-tied power. You can eliminate your bills completely if you go off-grid. Plus, a significant amount of states have adopted net metering, which permit you to earn money by selling your unused energy back to the grid.

What Solar Incentives Are Available to Dover Homeowners?

Governments and utility companies often incentivize homeowners for adopting solar. Here are some of the tax credits, rebates, or other programs you could qualify for.

How To Choose the Best Solar Company in Dover

Choosing a company is the first step toward an effective and valuable solar system. Here are some important factors to bear in mind while searching for a solar provider.

Licensing and Training

Delaware treats solar installation no differently from any other electrical work. Solar contractors must be licensed electricians, and the government recommends they apply for certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) on top of their license. Solar providers can also obtain certificates from trade groups and standards organizations. The most prestigious ones in the industry come from the NABCEP. Most company websites will prominently display earned credentials, but you should also ask your estimator for more information.

Cost of Solar Panels in Dover

Different solar panel types look and perform differently. Monocrystalline panels offer the best energy production but cost more than other options and generally have the highest quality. Polycrystalline panels produce less power, but start at a more budget-friendly price point. Thin-film panels work well for small projects like RVs and sheds, but they're not ideal for larger installations due to their low performance.

If you'd like to charge an electric car or use your solar power in inclement weather, you can pay extra for add-ons. By selecting the right components, you can make your system more effective and convenient to use. Not all solar providers include these extras, so look for a company that installs them if it's crucial for you.

You can plan to spend about $15,450 on average for a five-kilowatt solar energy system in Dover. Check the table in this section to get an idea of how much Dover solar companies might quote for your specific solar system's price.

Financing Solar Energy in Dover

Choosing the ideal financing plan will impact your overall solar system cost and expected savings. Common payment options include cash payments, leases, power purchase agreements, and loans. Though it involves a large up-front payment, cash is the most cost-effective choice because it doesn't accrue interest and qualifies you for incentives. Solar loans are the next best option. As with a home or auto loan, you'll pay a monthly rate towards system ownership, including interest. You can still apply for cost-saving solar incentives, and depending on your lender, you could put as little as $0 down. Solar leases let you use your panels for a fixed monthly rate, while PPAs let you pay only for the energy you use, akin to an electric bill. Both options disqualify you for solar incentives and do not provide you system ownership. Solar experts generally don't recommend them, but they might be suitable in some cases. Ask each company you're evaluating about the financing options it offers. A team member can help you determine the most suitable option for your pocketbook.

The table below lists the average payback periods for different capacities of solar systems in Dover.

You can claim a 26% federal solar tax credit from the IRS for new residential solar systems purchased before 2032. Additionally, utilities and local governments may have their own financing plans and rebates that could reduce your total cost even more.

Sources

• U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
• National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL)
• U.S. Department of Energy