While Delaware is neither the biggest nor the sunniest state, Delaware residents continue to expand their state’s solar energy capacity at a rapid rate. The First State has a very straightforward, but effective, set of solar policies that essentially guarantees that you get compensated for any excess generation and gives you an extra bonus for producing clean energy. Simplicity can be a beautiful thing.
The best way to compare your solar options and save money at the same time is by registering on the EnergySage Marketplace. When you compare quotes for solar panels on EnergySage's competitive solar marketplace, you can expect to see prices up to 20% lower than working with a single solar company. Read our updated article on the cost of solar panels to compare solar costs across states and by panel brand.
What are the best Delaware solar incentives?
Delaware has the following programs and rebates that make it easier for homeowners to save money on their electricity bills with solar:
Delaware net metering
Your solar panels will often produce more electricity than you need, but thanks to Delaware’s net metering policy, you will be able to sell this back to the grid in exchange for credits on your utility bill. The beauty of this program is that you are effectively selling electricity to the utility at the retail rate, instead of the lower wholesale rate that the coal plant down in Dagsboro gets. Why? Because the State of Delaware wants to make sure you enjoy the benefits of producing nice, clean solar energy.
Delaware utility solar rebates and the federal solar tax credit
Utility Solar Rebate Programs
While Delaware doesn’t offer a statewide tax credit or rebate for going solar, multiple utility companies in the state offer rebates to their customers, including:
- Delmarva Power and Light: Customers of Delmarva Power in Delaware are eligible for a cash rebate from the utility to reduce the cost of their solar installation. The utility will pay $0.70 per watt of solar generating capacity installed up to 50 kW, up to a maximum of $6,000. Rebate values will be reduced as more homeowners install solar, so confirm the current value of the incentive with your utility.
- Delaware Electric Cooperative: Ratepayers receive $0.50/W of solar power installed (up to 5 kW), and $0.20/W for any additional solar capacity.
- Delaware Municipal Electrical Corporation (DEMEC): The Municipal Green Energy Program pays customers of qualifying Delaware municipal utilities a cash rebate for a portion of their solar installation costs. The value of the rebate depends on where you live, so review the program websites for specifics.
The federal solar tax credit
Don’t forget about federal solar incentives! With the investment tax credit (ITC), now referred to as the Residential Clean Energy Credit for residential systems, you can reduce the cost of your PV solar energy system by 30 percent. Keep in mind that the ITC applies only to those who buy their PV system outright (either with a cash purchase or a solar loan), and that you must have enough income for the tax credit to be meaningful (unless you’re a tax-exempt entity, in which case you might be eligible for a direct payment).
