How Do We Rate Solar Companies?
TL;DR: We rate solar installers from 1 to 5 stars to help you pick the best one. High stars mean they’re really good at what they do and treat their customers right. Low stars? Not so much. We give credit to companies that have been around for a while, know what they are doing, have a high standard of workmanship and equipment, don’t hire subcontractors to keep the bar of solar installation quality high and have good local reviews from real customers (yes, we check if the reviews are actually real or fake). Companies we choose as top-rated know and can help with federal and local solar incentives to help you save, have good financing plans, and guarantee their work. We’re here to point you to the solar companies that truly rock, making going solar easy and worthwhile for you.
Check our detailed review process here.
Is It Worth Going Solar in Delaware?
Yes, it is worth considering going solar in Delaware for several reasons:
- Cost Savings: The average cost of a solar panel installation in Delaware ranges from $10,922 to $14,778. However, the federal tax credit for installing solar panels and additional money-back incentives offered by several utility companies in Delaware can significantly lower these costs.
- Payback Period: The average solar payback period in Delaware is 8.95 years. This means you could recover your initial investment through electricity savings from your solar system in less than 9 years.
- Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS): Delaware’s RPS has set a target of achieving 25% of its power from renewables by 2026, with 3.5% required to come from solar3. This policy is driving the solar industry in the state.
- Solar Companies: There are dozens of solar companies in Delaware that offer various financing options, making it easier for homeowners to afford installations.
*Please note that these are averages and actual costs can vary. It’s recommended to do your research and get multiple quotes before making a decision. Going solar can be a significant investment, but it can also lead to substantial savings in the long run.
How much does solar save homeowners in Delaware?
Solar savings for homeowners in Delaware can be significant due to various factors:
- Solar Electricity Production: The amount of electricity your solar panel system generates is a major factor in your monthly bill amount after going solar. If your solar panels produce more electricity than you use in a given month, you may see a credit on your electricity bill.
- Net Metering Policy: Net metering is a solar incentive that compensates you for excess solar electricity generation. With net metering, if your solar panels produce more electricity than you’re using, that electricity is sent to the grid in exchange for a credit.
- Electricity Bill Before Solar: The average monthly residential electricity bill in Delaware is $128.
- Electricity Bill After Solar: After installing solar panels, homeowners will continue to receive a monthly electric bill from their utility company, but the charges on these electric bills can vary widely. The power generated by solar panels in Delaware is credited through the process of net metering, meaning homeowners can receive credits on their utility bills for the excess power that their solar energy systems generate.
- Payback Period: The average solar payback period in Delaware is approximately 8.95 years. This means you could recover your initial investment through electricity savings from your solar system in less than 9 years.
*The exact savings can vary depending on the size of the solar system, the amount of sunlight your location receives, the efficiency of your solar panels, and the rate your utility company charges for electricity. It’s always a good idea to consult with a local solar installer to get the most accurate estimate for your specific situation.
What is the average cost of going solar in Delaware?
The average cost of installing a solar panel system in Delaware is approximately $13,055 for a 5-kilowatt system. This cost includes installation and is calculated before incentives. However, the prices can range from $11,097 to $15,022.
The cost per watt, including installation, is about $2.61/W. Therefore, if you were to install a larger system, the cost would increase proportionally. For instance, a 10-kilowatt system would cost about twice as much as a 5-kilowatt system.
It’s important to note that these costs are averages and actual costs can vary depending on various factors such as the specific solar panels used, the complexity of the installation, and the solar company chosen. Additionally, the federal investment tax credit (ITC) can lower these prices by 30% of all your solar equipment and installation costs.
*Please note that these are averages and actual costs can vary. It’s recommended to do your research and get multiple quotes before making a decision.
Delaware Solar Incentives
There are several federal and local incentives available for going solar in Delaware:
Federal Incentives
- Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC): This is a tax credit that can be claimed on federal income taxes for a percentage of the cost of a solar PV system1. The ITC provides a 30% tax credit for systems installed by the end of 2032.
Delaware Incentives
- Net Metering: This policy allows you to sell excess electricity produced by your solar panels back to the grid in exchange for credits on your utility bill.
- Utility Solar Rebate Programs: Several utility companies in Delaware offer rebates to their customers:
- Delmarva Power and Light: Offers a cash rebate of $0.70 per watt of solar generating capacity installed up to 50 kW, up to a maximum of $6,000.
- Delaware Electric Cooperative: Ratepayers receive $0.50/W of solar power installed (up to 5 kW) and $0.20/W for any additional solar capacity3.
- Delaware Municipal Electrical Corporation (DEMEC): Offers a cash rebate for a portion of solar installation costs.
- No Sales Tax: Delaware does not have a sales tax, making solar panels 4%-7% cheaper than in neighboring states4.
*The exact savings can vary depending on the size of the solar system, the amount of sunlight your location receives, the efficiency of your solar panels, and the rate your utility company charges for electricity.
*These incentives make solar energy a more affordable and attractive option for homeowners in Delaware. However, it’s important to note that most incentive programs are only authorized for a certain period of time or until funding runs out.
Net Metering Policies in DE
Net metering is a significant policy in Delaware that encourages the adoption of solar energy. Here are some key points about net metering in Delaware:
- Availability: Net metering is available in Delaware for all electric utility customers that produce electricity from a solar system.
- System Size: To qualify for net metering, the solar system can be sized to produce up to 110% of a customer’s 12-month historical energy consumption.
- Excess Energy: If a system produces more electricity than needed for on-site consumption, the excess energy generated will be credited to the customer’s next month’s bill1. However, there is no credit for excess generation at the end of the annualized billing period.
- Statewide Program: Delaware is one of the few states in the country that has a statewide net metering program. This means that all utilities in the state are required to offer net metering to their customers.
- Non-Residential Customers: The DEC and municipal utilities are “encouraged” by statute to offer net metering for non-residential customers with eligible systems up to 2 MW in capacity.
*Remember, it’s always a good idea to reach out to your utility to learn more about their specific net metering policies.
Are There Any Community Solar Programs in Delaware?
Yes, there are community solar programs in Delaware. Here’s an overview:
- What is Community Solar?: A community solar project is a solar project whose electricity is shared by a community of people. This means that a single community solar project can provide hundreds of homes and businesses with access to clean energy.
- Benefits of Community Solar: Community solar allows everyone to benefit from solar energy, even if they can’t put panels on their own rooftop1. In areas where solar power is less expensive than traditionally generated electricity, consumers can save money on their monthly bills.
- Community Solar in Delaware: The Delaware Electric Cooperative (DEC) offers a community solar program to their members. Through this program, their members will be able to power their properties with renewable energy without installing a solar system themselves.
- Legislation: Delaware passed community solar legislation that updates existing statute and will enable more residents and businesses to take advantage of renewable energy resources while generating income for participating landowners.
- Eligibility: Community Solar is available to renters and homeowners with eligible utilities in Delaware.
