Delaware might be receiving less than 100% of the sunshine, ranking 31st among the sunniest states in the U.S. according to one study, with 73.54% sunlight compared to the number one on the list. But considering Delaware high electric rates, it’s a worthwhile investment to go solar for property owners. The First State has open, honest, and efficient types of solar regulations that fundamentally will assure the remuneration for generating clean energy.
Find ways to save and cut energy consumption costs with Delaware solar incentives and rebates.
Delaware has highly potent Renewable Portfolio Standards (RPS). The state mandated that by 2025-2026, 25% of all energy must come from renewable sources, and utilities must pay high fees if the standards still need to be met. So, rather than paying the fees, utilities in strong RPS states will provide solar incentives for property owners to invest in solar panels.
A carve-out is that portion of a state's renewable energy that must come specifically from solar. In Delaware, there is a requirement for a specific amount of the state's renewable energy to come from solar energy by a particular deadline, which is known as a solar carve-out. By 2027, Delaware solar carve-out is set at 3.5%.
Delaware provides abundant, straightforward, uncomplicated net metering laws, a real bonus for Delaware purchasers of renewable energy. Net metering is a setup in which solar panels or other renewable energy sources are linked to the public utility company, enabling clients to reduce the cost of the electricity they use from the utility by using credits they earn from their energy production. If your solar system generates more electricity than you consume, the surplus is sold to the grid, and you receive a credit on your power bill. Property owners can decide to hold on to any credits indeterminately or by the end of every yearly billing cycle; they can opt to ask for payment for the credit at the energy supply rate.
Delaware interconnection standards establish guidelines for connecting solar and other electrical generation systems to the power grid. These regulations make it easier for Delaware utility companies to provide net metering by providing a stable and consistent framework.
Several utility companies in Delaware provide various solar incentives and rebate programs, the details you would get from the solar installer you choose. Naturally, there will be paperwork to file. The rebate system operates by providing a one-time payment directly to you or by reducing the final installation price, which your solar installer will handle. Many times installers will take care of the paperwork. Some of the utility companies that offer these are:
Delmarva Power and Light.
Delmarva Power and Light clientele are qualified for a cash refund from the utility to lessen the charge of their solar connection. The company's payout ranges from $0.70 per watt to $6,000 for the volume of solar it produces.
Delaware Electric Cooperative
The company payout ranges from $0.50 per watt of solar power installed (up to 5 kW) and $0.20 per watt for every extra solar capacity.
Delaware Municipal Electrical Corporation (DEMEC)
The Municipal Green Energy Program reimburses clients of eligible Delaware municipal utilities a cash rebate for a share of their solar installation expenses. But the cost of the refund will be based on your location.
Delaware provides Performance-Based Incentives (PBIs), which are solar incentives based on the actual, metered power your solar system generates. Delaware calls them Power Performance Payments, which you pay based on the number of kilowatt-hours (kWh) or BTUs generated by your renewal-energy system. The electricity produced is credited as Solar Renewable Energy Credits (SRECs), and the value fluctuates by the rule of supply and demand. SRECs are an excellent way to help your system pay for itself.
The Green Energy Grant program provides property owners endowments to counterbalance the installed amount of solar panels, solar water heating, and wind and geothermal renewable energy technologies to lessen the price of procuring qualified clean energy equipment for your property. This program is available for Delmarva Power, Delaware Electric Cooperative, and Delaware Municipal Electric Corporation clients.
The Energize Delaware Solar Loan Program is a low-interest loan intended to inspire the acquisition of client-positioned and possessed renewable production. This program will benefit the client by saving on utility costs and decreasing the environmental effect of energy production, distribution, and utilization. Property owners who install solar panels can have a low-cost mortgage of $5,000 – $30,000 with a term of up to ten (10) years.
Initiated in 2022, the Low to Moderate Income (LMI) Solar Pilot Program provides low-cost solar up to 6 kW to eligible residents to encourage and intensify the embracement of sustainable energy in low and moderate-income communities.
In Delaware, there is no exemption in paying taxes for going solar because, in the First State, there are no sales taxes for state and local!
On top of these Delaware rebates and exemptions, you also qualify for a considerable tax credit from the Federal government. The solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC) is worth 26 percent of the system cost and will be deducted from your Federal income tax. The credit goes to those who buy their system by cash or loan. If you lease a solar system, incentives go to the third-party owner, which is an excellent reason not to lease!
The First State may not bring abundant sunshine, but going solar has a positive outlook. With all the rewards you can gain, installing solar energy on your property is worth 100% worth it. Find your best options by asking a reputable solar company for your investment choice.
EnergyBillCruncher is an unbiased and free online resource created to benefit homeowners. Join our newsletter & stay up-to-date with the latest solar news.