There can be solar tax credits and incentives available at the federal, state and local levels. The calculator above will show you the value of all incentives your home is eligible for.
Delmarva Power now offers a nice solar rebate program called a Green Energy Grant if you’re looking to install solar on your home in Delaware, with a maximum value of $6,000. Even if you’re not a Delmarva customer, DEC and DEMEC offer their own similar solar rebate programs. Not too shabby!
Delaware has also carved out 3.5% of it’s ambitious state renewable energy standard to come from distributed solar generation by 2027, like panels on your rooftop. That’s a strong move.
Coupled with this requirement is an incentive which pays homeowners $32 per Solar Renewable Energy Credit (SREC) generated by home solar panels (if your installer is savvy enough to claim them on your behalf). This works out to about $250 annually over the 20 years. Solid. Read on to learn more about how all the programs for home solar work in Delaware!
Learn what solar incentives are available to Delaware homeowners
See what Delaware solar incentives you qualify for based on your utility company and city
Find out how much these incentives and/or Delaware solar tax credits will reduce your cost to go solar and add batteries
The federal solar investment tax credit will have the biggest impact on the cost you will face to go solar in Delaware
This perk is commonly known as the ITC, short for “Investment Tax Credit”. If you install your photovoltaic system in 2020, the federal tax credit is 26% of the cost of your solar panel system. This is 26% off the entire cost of the system including equipment, labor and permitting.
Example: If your solar energy system costs $20,000, your federal solar tax credit would be $20,000 x 26% = $5,200.
The federal tax credit falls to 22% at the end of 2022.
With net metering in some states, you get full retail rate credit for the amount of electricity you send back into the grid with your solar panels.
Net Metering requires your utility to monitor how much energy your solar power system produces and how much energy you actually consume to make sure you get credit for the surplus.
Delaware’s net metering law is straightforward and pretty much perfect. Any net excess generation (i.e. any surplus electricity) you produce is applied to your next bill as a credit at the full retail rate.
If you run a surplus for a full 12-month period you may elect to have the electric company cut you a check for the surplus, again at the full retail rate. Note, however, that nothing in the net metering law requires you to request the check. If it’s easier for you, you can just keep the credit rolling over onto your bill indefinitely.
Delmarva Power, DEMEC and Delaware Electric Cooperative all offer solar rebate programs.
If you’re lucky enough to be a Delmarva Power customer, you can qualify for a Green Energy Grant to go solar. The grant pays out $700 per kilowatt (kW), up to a maximum amount of $6,000 for your home solar installation! For example, on an average sized 6kW system, you can expect a rebate of $3,600.
The DEMEC green energy program rebate pays out $1,000 per kW, up to a maximum of $3,500. You’d max out that incentive with a small-ish 3.5kW system.
The Delaware Electric Cooperative’s green energy rebate pays out $500 per kW, up to a maximum of $2,500. So, to get maximum credit, you’d need to install a 5kW system.
Delaware has a strong RPS, mandating 40% renewable energy by 2035 (compliance years run from June to May). As part of that 40%, the state also has a specific target for solar electricity generation (called a "solar carve-out"), with an ultimate goal of 10% of all electricity sales coming from solar. The current minimum level of renewable energy is 22% of total retail electric sales, with 2.75% coming specifically from solar.
Those requirements will raise a little each year until 2035. Delaware’s RPS is critical to strong renewable energy policy. Utility companies aren't really all that gung-ho about you producing your own power. After all, it costs them money when you use less of their electricity. They also don’t naturally want to give you big payments for energy you're feeding back into the grid. The main reason the utilities are aiding your transition to lower electric bills and offering you incentives to put solar on your roof is because the state forces them to. If the utilities don't hit their RPS numbers, they have to pay large fees back to the state. So, instead they’re willing to pay you for your solar renewable energy certificates (SRECs) that your home solar panels generate. By owning those, they can meet their RPS goals more easily and avoid alternative compliance fees.
In Delware, distribution utilities purchase SRECs from system owners on 20-year contracts. Each year, the SRECDelaware Program opens a competetive bidding process for SRECs. In 2021, the average purchase price of a Tier 1 SREC (from systems less than 50 kW) was $26.50. With a typical-sized system in Delwarae generating around 8 SRECs per year, that price works out to a payment of $212 per year, or $4,240 over the 20-year contract term. Not bad!
To sign up to sell your SRECs begin by, getting solar quotes and talking to installers about your options.
Showing data for:
Prices based on a 10.6kW system, after 26% federal tax credit
12 solar companies in Delaware provide pricing on SolarReviews. Here are the best rated companies near you.
4.86 342 Reviews
S.M. Cavanagh, 2 days ago
We had been considering installing panels on our home for years, but had not taken the final step. SolarEnergyWorld, and their analyst Jon Crill, made the process simple. They talked us through the benefits, what the costs would be. how the system would operate, and how we would be able to monitor. Jon was always available to answer questions, and the company was also flexible in helping us settle on a design for our roof.
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S.M. Cavanagh, 2 days ago
We had been considering installing panels on our home for years, but had not taken the final step. SolarEnergyWorld, and their analyst Jon Crill, made the process simple. They talked us through the benefits, what the costs would be. how the system would operate, and how we would be able to monitor. Jon was always available to answer questions, and the company was also flexible in helping us settle on a design for our roof.
4.86 78 Reviews
Prof JSF, over 1 month
I cannot say enough good things about Paradise Energy!!!!!! I have never dealt with a company that pays more careful attention to the individual customer. We were impressed from the very first by the fact that they did not instantly try to sell us on a solar installation, but instead cautioned us that they would first ascertain whether we got enough sunlight to make it worth our while. They explained everything to us every step of the way, were meticulous in their work, and literally kept in weekly touch until the project was complete. And then they even checked up afterward to make sure that the utility company had done its part correctly, and to make sure that we were 100% satisfied with every detail including the (optional) placement on our property of a sign saying we are solar powered. They are awesome.
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Average cost (5kW system)
$16,000 ($3.20 per watt)
Prof JSF, over 1 month
I cannot say enough good things about Paradise Energy!!!!!! I have never dealt with a company that pays more careful attention to the individual customer. We were impressed from the very first by the fact that they did not instantly try to sell us on a solar installation, but instead cautioned us that they would first ascertain whether we got enough sunlight to make it worth our while. They explained everything to us every step of the way, were meticulous in their work, and literally kept in weekly touch until the project was complete. And then they even checked up afterward to make sure that the utility company had done its part correctly, and to make sure that we were 100% satisfied with every detail including the (optional) placement on our property of a sign saying we are solar powered. They are awesome.
4.83 66 Reviews
Miles L., over 1 month
Wow... I am glad I went with KW Solar. We scheduled a few quotes from other major solar installers that service the Northern Delaware area. Others were much more expensive, gave very limited data on any of the panels or the inverter they were trying to sell, and were high-pressure. The other installers planned to cover our entire roof with panels and wanted us to sign a contract immediately for a system that was poorly planned and only computer generated. KW Solar came along, and I knew we found the good one. They were on time, professional, had all the info on all the panels and inverters they install. They did preliminary measurements before any quotes were given to make sure things lined up properly. The quotes given were professionally done and they were able to fit more panels on one half of the area compared to the other plans. KW was able to get us a system that produces 103% of our annual usage and kept the panels on the back of the roof, and one side of the garage, so you can’t see anything from the front or sides of the home. The entire process was very smooth, and everyone I talked to was knowledgeable, friendly, and responsive. The process was very fast, it was installed and connected to the grid a month earlier than anticipated. If you are looking for a solar system for your house make sure you get multiple quotes, just make sure that KW is one of them!
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Miles L., over 1 month
Wow... I am glad I went with KW Solar. We scheduled a few quotes from other major solar installers that service the Northern Delaware area. Others were much more expensive, gave very limited data on any of the panels or the inverter they were trying to sell, and were high-pressure. The other installers planned to cover our entire roof with panels and wanted us to sign a contract immediately for a system that was poorly planned and only computer generated. KW Solar came along, and I knew we found the good one. They were on time, professional, had all the info on all the panels and inverters they install. They did preliminary measurements before any quotes were given to make sure things lined up properly. The quotes given were professionally done and they were able to fit more panels on one half of the area compared to the other plans. KW was able to get us a system that produces 103% of our annual usage and kept the panels on the back of the roof, and one side of the garage, so you can’t see anything from the front or sides of the home. The entire process was very smooth, and everyone I talked to was knowledgeable, friendly, and responsive. The process was very fast, it was installed and connected to the grid a month earlier than anticipated. If you are looking for a solar system for your house make sure you get multiple quotes, just make sure that KW is one of them!
4.83 81 Reviews
Andrea E., over 1 month
After multiple quotes, Greenstreet solar came in almost $10,000 less then their competition and made the complex process of getting permits and tax rebates really easy. They have great communication. We love having solar and love sunny days even more!
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Andrea E., over 1 month
After multiple quotes, Greenstreet solar came in almost $10,000 less then their competition and made the complex process of getting permits and tax rebates really easy. They have great communication. We love having solar and love sunny days even more!
4.82 167 Reviews
James and Myrtle Willis, over 1 month
My husband and I have debated over Solar for a while. When I saw an add for American Sentry Solar. Brad came to the house armed with all the answers to our questions. We did not want to rent panels, we wanted to purchase them. Brad was able to help us out with a new roof and critter guards as we have a ton of squirrels. The crews that came out to install the roof and solar panels were fantastic! They were respectful of my property and the clean up was beyond compare.
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James and Myrtle Willis, over 1 month
My husband and I have debated over Solar for a while. When I saw an add for American Sentry Solar. Brad came to the house armed with all the answers to our questions. We did not want to rent panels, we wanted to purchase them. Brad was able to help us out with a new roof and critter guards as we have a ton of squirrels. The crews that came out to install the roof and solar panels were fantastic! They were respectful of my property and the clean up was beyond compare.
4.68 57 Reviews
Witman , over 1 month
Made a good choice with this company. Felt very comfortable and trusting from the first phone call and meeting. Explained everything so we could understand. Did all the paper work for us when they could. Even after we were up and running helped with a problem on Delmarva's end. Truely a wonderful bunch of peope.
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Witman , over 1 month
Made a good choice with this company. Felt very comfortable and trusting from the first phone call and meeting. Explained everything so we could understand. Did all the paper work for us when they could. Even after we were up and running helped with a problem on Delmarva's end. Truely a wonderful bunch of peope.
4.51 257 Reviews
RexMerding, 1 week ago
I decided in late 2021 I wanted to go solar. I met with 6 installers over a 3 month period including Sunrun, Trinity, Momentum, two small companies, and Ross from Venture Solar. Venture was the most professional, thorough, detail oriented, and did not make me feel pressured in the slightest. I ultimately chose Venture because of the value of the service plan and production guarantee they offer in addition to their track record and my general interactions with them. Wow, we was impressed! Everything didn’t go as promised— it went better! Communication was excellent, and the system is performing wonderfully. We look forward to producing clean energy and saving and would highly recommended Venture to anyone in the Massachusetts area considering solar panels.
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RexMerding, 1 week ago
I decided in late 2021 I wanted to go solar. I met with 6 installers over a 3 month period including Sunrun, Trinity, Momentum, two small companies, and Ross from Venture Solar. Venture was the most professional, thorough, detail oriented, and did not make me feel pressured in the slightest. I ultimately chose Venture because of the value of the service plan and production guarantee they offer in addition to their track record and my general interactions with them. Wow, we was impressed! Everything didn’t go as promised— it went better! Communication was excellent, and the system is performing wonderfully. We look forward to producing clean energy and saving and would highly recommended Venture to anyone in the Massachusetts area considering solar panels.
4.19 34 Reviews
Anonymous, over 1 month
No issues from technical side, but after-sales customer support is not professional. Our Zantrex/Snider box stopped inverting during real-life grid outages. Standard Solar sent a technician who couldn't find or fix the problem, but sent $760 bill without explanation or warning. We had to deal with Snider on our own, and Standard Solar had problem to find proof of purchase. When they send technician to the house, they charge $92/hour, including transportation, on-site downloading manufacturer's instructions, etc. Not the level of service one would expect.
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Average cost (5kW system)
$27,750 ($5.55 per watt)
Anonymous, over 1 month
No issues from technical side, but after-sales customer support is not professional. Our Zantrex/Snider box stopped inverting during real-life grid outages. Standard Solar sent a technician who couldn't find or fix the problem, but sent $760 bill without explanation or warning. We had to deal with Snider on our own, and Standard Solar had problem to find proof of purchase. When they send technician to the house, they charge $92/hour, including transportation, on-site downloading manufacturer's instructions, etc. Not the level of service one would expect.
4.17 4 Reviews
Anonymous, over 1 month
I am very pleased with the finished product. The process can get very frustrating. It requires a lot of patience and a great outfit like Clear Horizon to make it all come together. I have to say that these guys are very professional and hard working. They make sure that you are completely satisfied. Thank you for making a dream turn into reality. It was a pleasure doing business with them!
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Anonymous, over 1 month
I am very pleased with the finished product. The process can get very frustrating. It requires a lot of patience and a great outfit like Clear Horizon to make it all come together. I have to say that these guys are very professional and hard working. They make sure that you are completely satisfied. Thank you for making a dream turn into reality. It was a pleasure doing business with them!
3.30 90 Reviews
Mike, 3 weeks ago
First sold me a system and enticed me with a .49% interest rate. Then after signing contract told me that wasn't available and offered me an alternative. The new product I had to pay 6.99% interest or add 20,000 to the loan. I canceled the contract and would never recommend them.
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Mike, 3 weeks ago
First sold me a system and enticed me with a .49% interest rate. Then after signing contract told me that wasn't available and offered me an alternative. The new product I had to pay 6.99% interest or add 20,000 to the loan. I canceled the contract and would never recommend them.
Energize Delaware Solar Loan - Provides 3.9% interest loans for home solar installations with a 10 year term