See how much it will cost to install solar panels for your home in Delaware
Our estimates used by
Solar power in Delaware
Last fact-checked on January 19, 2023, by Catherine Lane
Delaware is a great place to go solar, due to a solid renewable portfolio standard with a great solar carve out, an array of solar incentives, state-mandated net metering, and the federal tax credit.
All of these incentives make the switch to solar more affordable for Delaware homeowners. However, many of the incentive programs fill up fast and some programs have already been fully allocated, so the sooner you install solar, the more savings you're likely to get.
Compare solar quotes from the top solar companies in Delaware
Delaware solar power facts
$2.78 watt
Average cost: 5kW solar power system
?5 Years 8 Months
Average payback time
$63,524
Average lifetime savings
?4¢ kWh
Levelized cost of solar energy
30¢ kWh
If you don't get solar
?10,714 kWh
Annual power production
Cash flow graph based on cash purchase of a 8.72kW system
This 8.72kW system would offset 100% of your energy usage if your typical monthly bill in Delaware is $150, however, your situation may vary so try our solar calculator to get a result tailored to you.
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Solar companies in Delaware that provide pricing through the Solar-Estimate marketplace.
How much can solar panels save you in Delaware
Average total cost of solar panel installation in Delaware
| System Size | Cash purchase After 30% solar tax credit |
Financed purchase After 30% solar tax credit |
|---|---|---|
| 3kw | $6,069 | $6,555 |
| 4kw | $7,924 | $8,558 |
| 5kw | $9,730 | $10,508 |
| 6kw | $11,424 | $12,338 |
| 7kw | $13,083 | $14,130 |
| 8kw | $14,616 | $15,785 |
| 9kw | $16,128 | $17,418 |
| 10kw | $17,500 | $18,900 |
How much do solar panels cost in Delaware?
$2.78 per watt
Cash purchased solar system
Before 26% solar tax credit
$3.16 per watt
Financed solar system
Before 26% solar tax credit
$17.7¢ /kWh
Lease/PPA
Ave 15 year term, 2.5% price escalator
What are the pros and cons of installing solar panels in Delaware?
The advantage of installing solar in Delaware is the state-mandated net metering requirement. Utilities must offer kilowatt hour (kWh) credits for excess energy generated by solar systems and because Delaware has expensive power, the overall return on investment for the installation of residential solar panels is fantastic. Delaware also has a variety of utility incentives that make going solar even more affordable.
The disadvantage of installing solar panels in Delaware is that the state does not receive as much sunlight as other areas of the country, so a solar system will produce less here than a system in a sunnier state, like Arizona.
However, full retail net metering, utility rebates, and the federal tax credit more than make up for what the state lacks in sunshine.
Best solar companies in Delaware
Compare solar quotes from the top solar companies in Delaware
How much electricity will solar panels produce in Delaware
Solar panels produce different amounts of energy in different locations.
Around the Wilmington area solar panels installed on a south-facing 29-degree pitch roof will typically produce:
1,168kWh
per year per 1kW of peak DC
(direct current) capacity
For more information about how your location, roof direction, and roof tilt affects solar power production use the solar panels calculator and enter your zip code.
I want to buy a solar panel kit and install it myself
What rebates, solar tax credits and other solar incentives are available in Delaware?
Renewable portfolio standard and renewable energy credits
In 2005, Delaware passed a renewable portfolio standard (RPS) requiring utilities to derive 25% of their energy from renewable sources by the end of 2026, with 3.5% of that renewable energy coming from solar.
In order to meet these requirements, utilities must obtain renewable energy credits (RECs) and solar renewable energy credits (SRECs). An SREC represents the environmental benefits associated with generating 1 megawatt hour (MWh) of solar energy. Owners of solar systems can register their system to create SRECs and then sell the SRECs their system produces to aggregators and utilities.
Customers of Delmarva Power can register through the solar renewable energy certificate procurement program. The program consists of a bidding process, allowing customers to trade their SRECs with the utility.
Delaware clean energy grant incentives
Utilities in Delaware have created Green Energy Funds through adding small additional charges per kWh of energy sold to their customers. The money from this additional charge was put into the Green Energy Fund to provide customers who install renewable energy systems with rebates.
Delaware Electric Cooperative provides a rebate for the first 5 kilowatts (kW) of solar installed at a rate of $0.50 per watt. Any kilowatts installed above 5kW will receive a rebate of $0.20 per watt. The maximum rebate available is $2,500.
Delmarva Power customers who install solar can receive $0.50 per watt of solar they install, up to $3,000.
The Green Energy Funds incentives are starting to become fully allocated, with some of them having waiting lists. In order to take advantage of these rebates, the sooner you go solar - the better!
Net metering in Delaware
Solar, by its nature, generates the most power during the middle of the day when most people are at work or school and little power is being used in the home. The net metering policy in Delaware mandates that for every surplus kWh generated by solar, (like the excess energy your system creates during the day) utilities must provide a credit that will be applied to future bills in order to offset costs.
Delaware has expensive power rates, so residents of The First State will receive greater savings through full retail rate net metering than those in other states throughout the country.
Delaware Solar Calculator
Regardless of what you want to know about the economics of installing solar panels for your home or business in Delaware, we have a solar calculator that can show you exactly the information you require.
What you can find out about installing solar panels in Delaware using our full monthly solar calculator
This solar calculator requires you to input your address, utility company, your average monthly power spend - It tells you:
- What size solar system do you need?
- Answers the question of how many solar panels do I need?
- How many square feet of roof space you need for solar panels
- Solar electricity production in annual kWh (kilowatt-hours) you can expect from your solar system in Delaware
- The value of solar tax credits and other incentives you are entitled to based on the estimated size of system you need, your location and your utility provider.
- Likely cost based on an average of prices charged for solar systems of that size in the last year in Delaware or Wilmington ;
- The likely payback period on your solar panels and your investment return.
- Your total lifetime solar savings based on each of the major solar finance options, a cash purchase, a cash purchase funded with a HELOC sol (home equity line of credit) and a zero-down PPA or third party lease product.
If you want to see all of the above but also see live pricing, the three best solar deals available in your city and get binding quotes from each of these solar companies then use this Delaware solar panels calculator. This calculator requires you to also input your name and contact details because most of our 200+ installer partners will only authorize the sharing of their live solar pricing where we have validated that you are a real homeowner with a home in their service area. We respect the privacy of your data and only share your contact details with the solar companies you ask us to get binding quotes from.
Going solar in Delaware
Check out all of the ways energy providers of Delaware can help you be more energy-efficient and save money.
The following programs are available:
| Incentive Name | Eligibility | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Residential Clean Energy Tax Credit | Federal | Personal Tax Credit |
| Net Metering | State | Net Metering |
| Delaware Electric Cooperative Green Energy Program Incentives | Utility | Rebate Program |
| Delmarva Green Energy Program Incentives | Utility | Rebate Program |
| DEMEC Member Utilities Green Energy Program Incentives - City of Newark PV incentive | Utility | Rebate Program |
Find your local rebates and incentives
Your city may have further incentives to offer. Please keep in mind that the best source of up-to-date information on incentives is the solar installers who specialize in your area.
