Summary of Delaware solar incentives 2021
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. There’s a cap of 6 kilowatts (about 20 average solar panels), and that grant has a maximum value of $5,000. 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!
On this page, you can:
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Learn what solar incentives are available to Delaware homeowners
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See what Delaware solar incentives you qualify for based on your utility company and city
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Find out how much these incentives and/or Delaware solar tax credits will reduce your cost to go solar and add batteries
Federal solar investment tax credit
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.
Net energy metering in Delaware
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.
Delaware solar rebates
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 $600 per kilowatt (kW), up to a maximum amount of $5,000 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.
Solar SRECs in Delaware
Delaware has a strong RPS, mandating 25% renewable energy by 2025-2026 (compliance years run from June to May). The current minimum level of renewable energy is 13% of total retail electric sales. That requirement will raise by 1% per year through 2025-2026. 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.
Delaware has carved out 3.5% of it’s ambitious state renewable energy standard to come from distributed solar generation, like panels on your rooftop. That’s a strong move. Coupled with this requirement is an incentive which paid homeowners $32 per SREC generated by home solar panels last year. If that rate continues, the amount works out to about $250 annually over the 20 years. Solid.
To sign up, get quotes and talk to installers about the details.
Cost of solar panels in your part of Delaware after all applicable solar incentives
Showing data for:
Prices based on a 10.6kW system, after 26% federal tax credit
Solar prices near you
Payback period
9.4-11.5 years
Net profit (savings less system cost)
$41,164-$50,312
Average size system installed in DE in 2021
10.6kW
Solar panel cost calculator
Best 10 solar companies in Delaware
9 solar companies in Delaware provide pricing on SolarReviews. Here are the best rated companies near you.
2.96 793 Reviews
Latest review
Ken D, over 1 month
I shopped around, and no one was able to compete with their price!
Read more
Average cost (5kW system)
$10,000 ($2.00 per watt)
Latest review
Ken D, over 1 month
I shopped around, and no one was able to compete with their price!
4.86 69 Reviews
Latest review
Happy Customers, 2 weeks ago
They provided excellent customer service throughout the entire process. This company goes above and beyond to ensure customer satisfaction. They are extremely trustworthy and I love their generation guarantee. Our system has been performing as expected and I would highly recommend them.
Read more
Average cost (5kW system)
$16,000 ($3.20 per watt)
Latest review
Happy Customers, 2 weeks ago
They provided excellent customer service throughout the entire process. This company goes above and beyond to ensure customer satisfaction. They are extremely trustworthy and I love their generation guarantee. Our system has been performing as expected and I would highly recommend them.
4.81 60 Reviews
Latest review
Tim A, over 1 month
I had reached out to a few different solar companies in the area and was very surprised by the range in price. KW Solar came in as the lowest bid. They took time to explain the panel they proposed and the differences between some of the others. They selected the highest "value" panel. They took to time to price out some of the elite panels, but I decided to not go that route. From signing our proposal to having our system installed was 1 months time, and most of that time (3 weeks) was waiting for the electric company. After install our system was turned on 1 week later, again waiting for the electric company. The process was extremely clear and I knew were we were in the process the entire time. Mind you, one of our neighbors got solar panels installed about 3 months before us from a company that also makes cars - their system is not generating yet. Every time I have called KW I am warmly greeted by Jackie who makes sure I get what I am looking for. Michael was fast and efficient with the proposal process and getting us on the installation schedule. Rob and team were great for the installation - it was probably about 10 hours. This has been an A+ process and would recommend to anyone looking to go solar.
Read more
Latest review
Tim A, over 1 month
I had reached out to a few different solar companies in the area and was very surprised by the range in price. KW Solar came in as the lowest bid. They took time to explain the panel they proposed and the differences between some of the others. They selected the highest "value" panel. They took to time to price out some of the elite panels, but I decided to not go that route. From signing our proposal to having our system installed was 1 months time, and most of that time (3 weeks) was waiting for the electric company. After install our system was turned on 1 week later, again waiting for the electric company. The process was extremely clear and I knew were we were in the process the entire time. Mind you, one of our neighbors got solar panels installed about 3 months before us from a company that also makes cars - their system is not generating yet. Every time I have called KW I am warmly greeted by Jackie who makes sure I get what I am looking for. Michael was fast and efficient with the proposal process and getting us on the installation schedule. Rob and team were great for the installation - it was probably about 10 hours. This has been an A+ process and would recommend to anyone looking to go solar.
4.79 241 Reviews
Latest review
Blake Ortner, 2 days ago
I could not be happier with the service provided by Solar Energy World during my install of both solar panels and battery backup. The crews were all courteous and made sure they informed me of what was going on with the install. I had a large and complicated system installed and they were welcoming of my questions all along the way (and I had a lot of questions… I’m just that kind of guy). There were some activation issues and at each stage the crews would let me know what was going on and were diligent in getting to the bottom of everything to make sure the system worked like a charm. I could not be happier. Highly recommend Solar Energy World for anyone interested in Solar or battery backups.
Read more
Latest review
Blake Ortner, 2 days ago
I could not be happier with the service provided by Solar Energy World during my install of both solar panels and battery backup. The crews were all courteous and made sure they informed me of what was going on with the install. I had a large and complicated system installed and they were welcoming of my questions all along the way (and I had a lot of questions… I’m just that kind of guy). There were some activation issues and at each stage the crews would let me know what was going on and were diligent in getting to the bottom of everything to make sure the system worked like a charm. I could not be happier. Highly recommend Solar Energy World for anyone interested in Solar or battery backups.
4.68 57 Reviews
Latest review
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.
Read more
Latest review
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.
4.19 34 Reviews
Latest review
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.
Read more
Average cost (5kW system)
$27,750 ($5.55 per watt)
Latest review
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
Latest review
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!
Read more
Latest review
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!
3.99 67 Reviews
Latest review
Terry orrison, 2 weeks ago
This has been the most disappointing frustrating experience I’ve ever had. No you will answer the phone, return a message. The only time I hear from them is when they need money. Look elsewhere!
Read more
Latest review
Terry orrison, 2 weeks ago
This has been the most disappointing frustrating experience I’ve ever had. No you will answer the phone, return a message. The only time I hear from them is when they need money. Look elsewhere!
3.08 1 Reviews
Latest review
Anonymous, over 1 month
I have a solar panel system that was installed by wanex and it has rodent damage that was found by Sun power. The technician from Sun Power told me that I would not have had this damage had I been given the option of having a rodent guard system installed at the time of the installation. I at now at a loss of over $5000.00 over negligence on the contractors part. I had also asked the contractor to split the install on my garage roof because of the weight of the panels (over 40lbs.) each and since they did not listen to me at the time of the install my garage which is sitting on stone has since sunk into the ground on the side the panels are installed on and continues to sink. At this point we do not know what to do because these damages are not covered by homeowners insurance.
Read more
Latest review
Anonymous, over 1 month
I have a solar panel system that was installed by wanex and it has rodent damage that was found by Sun power. The technician from Sun Power told me that I would not have had this damage had I been given the option of having a rodent guard system installed at the time of the installation. I at now at a loss of over $5000.00 over negligence on the contractors part. I had also asked the contractor to split the install on my garage roof because of the weight of the panels (over 40lbs.) each and since they did not listen to me at the time of the install my garage which is sitting on stone has since sunk into the ground on the side the panels are installed on and continues to sink. At this point we do not know what to do because these damages are not covered by homeowners insurance.
Useful links
Energize Delaware Solar Loan - Provides 3.9% interest loans for home solar installations with a 10 year term
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