Solar Energy in Delaware: Facts, Statistics, Companies

Solar Energy in Delaware

Solar Rates, Incentives, Plans & Statistics

Going solar in Delaware

In Delaware, an average home needs a 8kW solar system in order cover most of their electricity needs. Given the average residential price-per-watt of $3.09 in Delaware, a 8kW system can cost around $24,693 depending on applicable rebates and other factors.

Select your county by clicking on the map and see the potential generated solar power and panel pricing. See how it compares with the US state average.

Average out-of-pocket cost for a 5 kW system The upfront amount spent to buy and install solar.
Delaware: $15,433US Average: $18,171
Average Payback Period The number of years until you break even on the solar investment.
Delaware: 9 yearsUS Average: 11 years
Average Net 20-year savings The total amount of money saved over 20 years minus the out-of-pocket cost.
Delaware: $18,033US Average: $14,760

Solar Potential in Delaware

Estimated system size and solar electricity production per median viable roof in
Delaware.

Roof size 590sq. ft.
Capacity 8.25kW DC
Electricity 9.9kkWh AC per yr.

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Compare solar panels by system size in Delaware

Get the most value out of your roof by comparing the different benefits a given system size has.

System Size 4kW
Roof Size Min. space required
286 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $929 a year
Est. Price
$12,347
Savings from a 4kWthis system
  • Est. yearly production 5,899 kWh
  • Est. monthly savings $77
  • Full payback in 13 years
Environmental Impacts
  • Reduces CO2 emissions by 2.26 tons a year
  • Equivalent to planting 104 trees a year
  • Equivalent to driving 5,590 mi less a year
System Size 5kW
Roof Size Min. space required
358 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,161 a year
Est. Price
$15,433
Savings from a 5kWthis system
  • Est. yearly production 7,374 kWh
  • Est. monthly savings $97
  • Full payback in 13 years
Environmental Impacts
  • Reduces CO2 emissions by 2.82 tons a year
  • Equivalent to planting 130 trees a year
  • Equivalent to driving 6,988 mi less a year
System Size 6kW
Roof Size Min. space required
429 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,393 a year
Est. Price
$18,520
Savings from a 6kWthis system
  • Est. yearly production 8,849 kWh
  • Est. monthly savings $116
  • Full payback in 13 years
Environmental Impacts
  • Reduces CO2 emissions by 3.39 tons a year
  • Equivalent to planting 156 trees a year
  • Equivalent to driving 8,386 mi less a year
System Size 7kW
Roof Size Min. space required
501 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,625 a year
Est. Price
$21,607
Savings from a 7kWthis system
  • Est. yearly production 10,323 kWh
  • Est. monthly savings $135
  • Full payback in 13 years
Environmental Impacts
  • Reduces CO2 emissions by 3.95 tons a year
  • Equivalent to planting 182 trees a year
  • Equivalent to driving 9,783 mi less a year
System Size 8kW
Roof Size Min. space required
572 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,858 a year
Est. Price
$24,693
Savings from a 8kWthis system
  • Est. yearly production 11,798 kWh
  • Est. monthly savings $139
  • Full payback in 15 years
Environmental Impacts
  • Reduces CO2 emissions by 4.06 tons a year
  • Equivalent to planting 186 trees a year
  • Equivalent to driving 10,039 mi less a year

Delaware solar incentives, tax credit, and rebates

Delaware has 15 rebates and tax credits that you may be eligable for. Visit the official links for more details to see if you apply.

Solar incentives in DE

Green Grant- Solar Hot Water and Geothermal program

Value:Up to $200,000

The Green Grant Delaware incentive program is co-administered by the Delaware Sustainable Utility and Department of Natural Resources. The program incentivizes commercial, industrial, and nonprofit customers anywhere in the state to install solar thermal or geothermal energy devices. Interested customers must apply online through the program website. Applicants must answer certain technical questions and submit planning documents for DESEU's review. Once the project is approved, construction may begin. Rebates will be awarded upon project completion at a rate proportional to the customer's estimated cost savings.

DEMEC Member Utilities - Green Energy Program Incentives

Value:Up to $7,500

Residential and commercial customers in the city of Newark may be entitled to a financial incentive upon installing a solar PV/thermal, wind, geothermal, or fuel cell energy system. Rebate amounts are based on system type and rated capacity up to a maximum threshold, and will add to net metering credits the customer may receive through using their system. To qualify for the incentive, the system must be installed by a certified contractor and carry a satisfactory warranty term. Restrictions on shade and panel orientation also apply. Additional information is available on the DEMEC website.

Delmarva Power - Green Energy Program Incentives

Value:Up to $6,000

Residential and commercial Delmarva (DPL) customers may be entitled to a rebate upon installing a solar PV or thermal system, small turbine, or heat pump. The rebate will vary depending on the type of system, its rated capacity, and the type of property the owner has. To qualify, customers must undergo a pre-installation energy audit, use a DPL certified contractor for installation, and ensure their system has at least a five-year warranty. New residential or commercial buildings may also be eligible for the incentive, provided the facility meets ENERGY STAR certification standards. Incentives will be awarded until funding runs out for the year. Further information is available from the Delmarva website.

Sustainable Energy Utility (SEU) - Revolving Loan Fund

Value:Varies

The Delaware Sustainable Utility (DESEU) manages a Revolving Loan Fund to provide financial assistance to businesses and public entities making energy efficiency capital improvements. The borrower may use loan funds before and during installation of their new equipment. Eligible projects and services include any procedures required to bring the property up to code in preparation for improvements. Contracting services funded by an RLF loan must meet proper licensure and labor standards. For applicants, credit checks, bank references, and energy audits may apply. Additional information is available through the Energize Delaware website.

Delmarva - Green Energy Fund

Value:Varies

Delaware's Green Energy Fund was created alongside the state's renewable portfolio standard in 1999. Electric utilities in the state may contribute to the fund or establish their own similar fund in lieu of participating in the RPS; the current required contribution is $0.178 per megawatt hour sold in or transmitted through Delaware. Contributions to the Green Energy Fund support research in and procurement of energy efficiency solutions. Delaware also has energy public benefits funds supported by state utilities. Around $2.6 million per year from the fund supports energy efficiency and renewable energy adoption programs, with $800,000 per year supporting programs targeted at low-income customers. Additional information can be found on Delmarva Power's website as they are the most significant contributor to each fund.

Delaware Municipal Electric Corporation - Green Energy Fund

Value:Varies

DEMEC, an alliance of nine local utilities in Delaware, elected to create their own Green Energy Funds in lieu of participating in the state fund or renewable portfolio standard. Each of the cities of Dover, Newark, Middletown, New Castle, Smyrna, Seaford, Clayton, Milford, and Lewes has an individual fund supported by a tariff on customer energy bills. In Dover, Milford, and Newark, funding currently supports a variety of incentive programs for renewable energy adoption. Central DEMEC policies dictate that cities cannot access other local funds. Incentive programs or other initiatives may therefore have stricter financial or practical limitations through the fiscal year. Additional information is available on the DEMEC website.

Net Metering

Value:Varies

Utilities in the state of Delaware participate in net metering arrangements with their distributed renewable energy customers. Most solar PV, wind, hydroelectric, or fuel cell system qualifies, as well as some electric vehicles sending energy back to the grid. Capacity limits for residential customers are 25 kW; for farms, 100 kW; for non-residential DEC/municipal customers, 500 kW; and for non-residential Delmarva customers, 2 MW. Participating customers agree to sell their net excess generation (NEG) back to the utility. They may choose to be paid an annual lump sum or receive regular bill credits at a variable rate. Under the monthly option, should generation exceed consumption for a cycle, the NEG credits will carry over to the next one. Any unclaimed credits will be paid directly to the customer at the end of the year. "Virtual net metering" arrangements are intended for customers using a community renewable microgrid. The utility will compensate subscribers for combined NEG at a wholesale rate. Additional information is available from the DEPSC website.

Sustainable Electric Utility (SEU)- SREC Purchase Program

Value:Varies

Any Delaware resident with a solar PV system that commenced operation after August 2014 may be entitled to sell their renewable credits to the Sustainable Energy Utility if they are not already under such an arrangement. The purchase program is a part of Delaware's "open auction" for SRECs and operates in spot markets. Participants will agree to a 20-year contract in which the state will reimburse them $55 per credit. Each SREC is equal to about one megawatt hour of energy. Certain new PV systems may qualify to enter a contract if they were constructed through the Green Grant Delaware program. Additional information is available from the program website.

Renewables Portfolio Standard

Value:Varies

Beginning with S.B. 74, the state of Delaware has established a Renewable Portfolio Standard for itself. The standard has been renewed and expanded each time it was set to expire. Under current law, one quarter of the state's energy must come from renewable sources by 2025. Compliance is measured using Renewable Energy Credits (RECs) pegged to a certain dollar amount. All electric utilities operating within state lines are required to purchase RECs from their customers toward the standard and produce annual compliance reports. Credits are valid for three years after they are acquired. Utilities may opt out of participation in the standard if they contribute to the state's Green Energy Fund (GEF) or establish an RPS program and GEF of their own. Additional information is available on the Delaware Public Service Commission website.

Delaware Electric Cooperative - Green Energy Program Incentives

Value:Varies

Through their own Green Energy Fund, the Delaware Electric Cooperative awards rebates to members installing on-site solar, wind, fuel cell, or geothermal energy equipment. Applications will be open until funding runs out for the year. For program purposes, equipment under rebate is divided into two tiers based on average annual consumption: Class A and Class B. A customer's rebate amount will vary depending on which tier their system is sorted into and the type of technology involved. To qualify, customers must use a participating DEC installation contractor and meet minimum warranty requirements. They may also need to undergo a pre-installation energy audit. Additional information is available on the DEC websit

Solar Renewable Energy Credits (SRECs) Spot Market Program

Value:Varies

Users of solar, wind, biomass, and hydroelectric power systems in Delaware generate renewable energy credits (RECs). For solar power, one SREC equals one megawatt hour and is priced at roughly $55. Utilities must purchase these credits to go toward the state's renewable portfolio standard or pay an alternative compliance fee. Renewable generation system owners within certain localities may sell their SRECs to utilities on an open "spot market" for as long as their generation equipment is in proper working order. Interested Delawareans may certify their equipment with the Delaware Public Service Commission to access the GATS bidirectional metering and credit commerce system. Additional information is available on the DEPSC website.

Sustainable Energy Utility

Value:Varies

Energize Delaware is an initiative managed by the state's Sustainable Energy Utility and created in 2007. The program is not a PACE program, but it operates on similar "open market" principles. Any utility customer, no matter their type or needs, may make use of the program to obtain incentives when they adopt renewable energy solutions. The full breadth of advisory, procurement, and installation services are available through Energize Delaware. Many of the current programs target residential renewable energy with an emphasis on solar PV and thermal systems. Additional information is available on the program website.

Interconnection Guidelines

Value:Varies

Multiple Delaware regulators have issued standardized rules for interconnecting power systems on a distributed grid. While required standards vary between utilities, most regulations currently apply to the Delmarva and DEC grids. Regulations are divided into four tiers based on a generation system's size and technology. As rated capacity increases, interconnection application review turnaround will lengthen and administrative fees become more expensive. Certain expedited review processes may apply for small systems using internationally certified equipment. Any interconnected system must have breakers, break isolators, and disconnect switches for safety. Owners must also obtain a minimum system warranty and sufficient liability insurance. Additional information is available from the DNREC website.

Delaware Electric Cooperative - Green Energy Fund

Value:Varies

The Delaware Electric Cooperative was one of several utilities to opt out of the state's Green Energy Fund and renewable portfolio standard. In lieu of either program, the cooperative instead manages its own fund worth about $206,000 per year. This fund is supported by a tariff on customer energy bills. Funding typically supports distributed generation initiatives and rebate programs incentivizing customers to adopt renewable energy. Programs will vary from time to time, and they may have stricter financial or practical limitations due to a smaller annual budget. Additional information is available on the cooperative website.

SREC Procurement Program

Value:Varies

The Solar Renewable Energy Certificate (SREC) Procurement Program sets the process by which Delaware can create a market for the exchange of SRECs. The policy creates a conduit for solar energy generators to procure SRECs based on the size of the system. Generators apply through a bidding process to receive the certificates through new projects only. Applicants receive interconnection with the main utility grid to allow for the exchange of power for SRECs. Generators that use state-approved labor resources receive a 10 percent bonus.

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    Frequently Asked Questions

    • As a general rule, unless there are local limitations, the main limitations to the amount of solar panels you can put on your roof are the available space on your roof, your electricity usage, your providers net metering rules, and the limitations of your house hold electrical system.
    • Based on our research the average price per installed watt is $3.09 in Delaware. This means for a 10kW system you can expect to pay $30,867 though pricing can vary significantly between installers based on the projects requirements.
    • Based on a Zillow research study from 2019, home with solar panels sell for roughly 4.1% more.
    • To generate the most power, solar panels in the United States should face true south as this generally results in the solar panels receiving the most light each day throughout the course of the year. That said, given that energy prices are often variable throughout the day, your installer may recommend you rotate your panels slightly so that the panels will receive more light at the end of the day when energy prices can be more expensive. That said, for most consumers the positioning of solar panels is highly dependent on your home's roof.
    • Based on our continuously updated database of solar installers, we have found 8 verified solar install companies in Delaware

    Solar installers in Delaware (8)

    Paradise Energy Solutions

    Paradise CDP, PA(877) 851-9269

    Services

    • Installation of solar arrays.
    • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
    • Solar systems for selling electricity back to the grid.

    Solar Energy World

    Elkridge CDP, MD(866) 856-4580

    Services

    • Installation of solar arrays.
    • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
    • Solar systems for selling electricity back to the grid.

    KW Solar Solutions

    Elkton, MD(302) 838-8400

    Services

    • Installation of solar arrays.
    • Reparation of solar arrays.
    • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.

    Green Street Solar

    Selbyville, DE(302) 297-8174

    Services

    • Installation of solar arrays.
    • Solar systems for selling electricity back to the grid.
    • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.

    Lumina Solar

    Baltimore, MD(800) 971-6118

    Services

    • Installation of solar arrays.
    • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
    • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.
    Nick Reese
    Last Reviewed By: Nick Reese
    Published: 2024-03-01