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Josephine NesbitHome improvement writer
Josephine Nesbit is a contributing writer for USA TODAY Homefront. She specializes in home impr...
Updated Jun 22, 2024
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We've ranked the top 10 solar companies that operate within 50 miles of Middletown. We base our ranking off average customer ratings weighted against the number of reviews. For more information, check out our full methodology.
High-quality solar panel installation in Middletown, Delaware requires you to select a solar installer with proper certification, skills and experience. We've created a list of the best solar companies in Middletown to help you choose the right installer.
Before choosing an installer, ask others for recommendations, vet potential installers and request multiple quotes to find the ideal company for your requirements. You can look for a local solar company in Middletown or use an established national brand.
While installing solar panels requires a substantial initial investment, it can lower your energy bills over time. The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) indicates that switching to solar energy allows Middletown homeowners to save an average of $1,200 every year.
The products from different solar technicians aren't all the same. Take the time to compare companies and get quotes before you book your solar panel installation.
When evaluating Middletown solar companies, find those with at least 3.5 out of 5 stars on sites like Google Reviews and similar platforms, in addition to a good reputation on Better Business Bureau (BBB).
You should read through past customer reviews to gain insight into other homeowners' thoughts about the company. Take note of repeated negative feedback as a potential red flag.
5700 Kirkwood Hwy Suite 106, Wilmington, DE 19808
(302) 397-8917
www.starenrg.com/service-request-pageBelow are additional solar installation companies that didn’t make our top picks based on their distance, ratings or service offerings.
Places with different sunshine levels, including rainy or cloudy areas like Middletown, can still benefit from solar power. The major reasons to adopt solar energy are:
Per a survey we administered in October 2023, the average cost of upgrading to solar panels across the country is $11,743.
The price of installing solar panels differs based on several elements, including your location, sunlight exposure, roof orientation, shading, system dimensions and labor. Be ready to pay extra if you pick any extras like animal guards, solar trackers or batteries.
According to numbers from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the EIA and NASA, solar panel installation in Middletown has a typical cost of $14,456.
While solar panel installation can be a substantial initial cost, you stand to see major savings on your electricity costs over time.
After fully switching to solar power, Middletown homeowners typically see cost savings. However, recovering the initial investment requires time, and elements like rain and tree shade impact the timeline for realizing returns on your solar investment.
In addition to monetary savings, switching to solar energy decreases your carbon footprint and environmental impact. We've calculated the estimated CO2 emission reductions you can realize by going solar based on data from NASA and the EPA.
Experts Ready to Help
Several solar incentives are offered to Middletown homeowners. Some programs are offered to all Delaware residents, though others change by utility company, municipality and city.
Here are solar incentives offered to Delaware residents, according to 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. |
Before choosing a solar panel installation professional, evaluate these important questions.
Your household's energy use and the solar system's production ratio dictate the appropriate panel system size for you. Bigger homes tend to use more power and will potentially need larger solar installations. An undersized system risks inadequate energy generation to completely power your home.
Your solar installation project may be subject to the necessary codes and permit requirements by your state. You'll need to obtain the required permits from your local building department, as well as arrange an inspection.
Not all homes get the same amount of sun. Nearby trees, rain conditions and severe weather can affect sunlight access. If your property doesn’t get sufficient sunlight, then you may need more panels with higher wattage.
A solar battery allows the storage of extra power in solar panel systems. This is especially useful when you're trying to prevent power loss during storms. Incorporating battery storage could raise the costs of setting up your system.
There are several solar panel types available, with differences in life expectancy, design and efficiency. These aspects impact not just the cost, but also how often panels will need to be replaced and roof space requirements.
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.
Editorial note: The name “Homefront” refers to the alliance between USA TODAY and Home Solutions that publishes review, comparison, and informational articles designed to help USA TODAY readers make smarter purchasing and investment decisions about their home. Under the alliance, Homefront provides and publishes research and articles about home service and home improvement topics. Homefront has an affiliate disclosure policy. The opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the Homefront editorial staff alone (see About Homefront). Homefront adheres to strict editorial integrity standards. The information is believed to be accurate as of the publish date, but always check the provider’s website for the most current information. Go back to top
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