Find out if solar panels are right for your home in Delaware.
Delaware may be small in size, but it's making significant strides in the solar energy sector.
With large-scale projects like the 10 MW Dover Sun Park and the 12 MW Milford Solar Farm, the state is gradually increasing its solar capacity.
As of 2020, Delaware had an impressive 150 MW of total installed solar capacity.
Moreover, studies suggest that up to 19% of the state's electricity could be generated by rooftop solar panels.
Read on to discover why solar energy is not just viable but also a financially smart choice in the First State.
The average price for a home solar panel system in Delaware is $16,500 for a 6kW system or about $2.75 per watt. Systems will vary depending on the solar installation company the types of solar panels you choose and the size of your system. When shopping for solar panels you should consider getting multiple quotes from various installers.
| Average Cost 6 kW System | Average Cost 10 kW System | Estimated Tax Credit (10 kW System) | Average Cost/Watt | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| U.S.Average | $18,771 | $31,285 | $9,385.50 | $3.13 |
| Delaware | $26,520 | $44,200 | $13,260 | $4.42 |
| U.S.Average | $18,771 | $31,285 | $9,385.50 | $3.13 |
| Most Costly State(Michigan) | $22,680 | $37,800 | $11,340 | $3.78 |
| Least Costly State(Arizona) | $14,640 | $24,400 | $7,320 | $2.44 |
For most, the ideal solar system size is the sweet spot between price and capacity. The goal is to generate enough electricity to cover your home's demand while keeping overall costs low as possible.
I.E. Get the best bang for your buck.
| System Size | System Cost | Cost After Federal Tax Credit |
|---|---|---|
| 5 kW | $22,100 | $8,785 |
| 6 kW | $26,520 | $10,542 |
| 7 kW | $30,940 | $12,299 |
| 8 kW | $35,360 | $14,056 |
| 10 kW | $44,200 | $17,570 |
As solar continues to expand across Delaware and the rest of the country, residents need to weigh their own pros and cons before making a decision.
While the state's significant projects like Dover Sun Park and Milford Solar Farm highlight the growing capacity and potential of solar power, understanding both the benefits and challenges is key. From financial incentives and environmental impacts to initial costs and industry size. Each factor plays a critical role in determining whether solar is the right choice for you.
This section aims to provide a balanced perspective, empowering you to make an informed decision about embracing solar energy in Delaware
No matter where you live, solar is not a bad idea. It all comes down to doing a proper budget overview for your specific situation. Solar is a viable option for generating your own electricity and doing your part for climate change.
When comparing solar in Delaware to other states, the state may not have as much sun, incentives, or installers. However, that doesn’t mean you still can’t get long term savings from this investment.
On average, solar panel efficiency lasts about 20-25 years. The best part, is they can still produce electricity well beyond that just at a lesser efficiency. Delaware residents, on average, experience a payback of 12 years on their system.
Within your specific situation, consider the high upfront costs, sun exposure on your roof, and your energy needs. That should all go into your budget overview.
If you are on the fence you can use this tool to get an accurate cost breakdown for your home based on your historical energy usage.
There are several ways you can purchase and/or finance your solar panel installation in Delaware. Your goals and financial situation will dictate which option is best for you.
The most straightforward option. You pay upfront for the entire cost of the rooftop solar system. No interest, and fewer headaches, but many people are hesitant about spending several tens of thousands of dollars out of pocket.
The most common method for buying solar systems. Like many other types of large purchases, you can finance your solar system through a bank or solar loan provider.
This sounds great, and many other solar loan salespeople will leverage the low payment to justify the costs. You will likely hear something like "You pay $250 a month on your electric bill, with a solar loan you will pay $200 and have free electricity."
Do your due diligence before you sign on the dotted line. There are many horror stories of variable loan terms, ballooning interest rates, and harsh missed payment penalties.
Leasing solar panels generally involves less money out of pocket upfront. But, it's important to note - you do not own your solar energy system. You essentially renting the solar system. A solar provider will install the equipment and charge you a fixed monthly fee.
Most solar lease contracts last for a couple of decades, during which time the provider will keep an eye on the system's hardware and performance. At the end of your lease, you can choose to:
Solar leases can be complicated. Not all are bad, but in many cases the lease terms in not in favor of the buyer. Before you decide on a solar lease make sure to read your contract thoroughly. If you don't understand something, ask an expert.
A power purchase agreement (PPA) is a financial agreement where a solar company will design and install a solar system on your home or business with little or no cost upfront. Instead of paying a monthly fee like a lease, the agreement includes a fixed price per kilowatt-hour (kWh) of electricity generated.
For example, you agree to pay $0.12 per kWh of electricity generated for the next 20 years. The solar company will install and maintain your system and sell the power back to you that you use. They may also collect payment for any additional energy they put back into the grid.
Just like a lease, you do not own the panels. When the contract is up, they will either be removed or your contract may have other terms for you to buy or renew your power purchase agreement.
Power purchase agreements can be complicated. Before you sign make sure you review the contract and if possible have an expert in power purchase agreements review the details.
Besides the 30% Federal Solar Tax Credit, you may be eligible for solar incentives that could significantly reduce the cost of solar panel installation. Some incentives are statewide and others are more local. In Delaware, check with your local utility provider for rebates. It could make your break your solar decision.
This table shows the available incentives in Delaware. But, just because you don't see it here doesn't mean it doesn't exist.
| Name | State | Category | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Net Metering | DE | Regulatory Policy | Net Metering |
| DEMEC - Green Power Program | DE | Regulatory Policy | Mandatory Utility Green Power Option |
| Research and Development Grants | DE | Financial Incentive | Grant Program |
| Delmarva - Green Energy Fund | DE | Regulatory Policy | Public Benefits Fund |
| Delmarva Power - Green Energy Program Incentives | DE | Financial Incentive | Rebate Program |
| Fuel Mix Disclosure | DE | Regulatory Policy | Generation Disclosure |
| Interconnection Guidelines | DE | Regulatory Policy | Interconnection |
| Renewables Portfolio Standard | DE | Regulatory Policy | Renewables Portfolio Standard |
| Energy Conservation Standards for State Facilities | DE | Regulatory Policy | Energy Standards for Public Buildings |
| Building Energy Code | DE | Regulatory Policy | Building Energy Code |
There are hundreds of solar companies in Delaware. From solar installers to solar loan providers, and manufacturers. Each is a piece of the puzzle to help you get outfitted with solar panels.
To make things simple, EnergyBot works directly with 3 of the largest solar companies to give you a comprehensive view of the market.
The solar companies we partner with:
We believe comparing these three names in the solar industry will give you the info you need to decide if solar panels are right for you.
Just because solar is a popular discussion right now, doesn’t mean it makes sense for everyone. It is still a large and expensive decision. Installing solar has great financial and environmental benefits but it won’t feel beneficial if you run into issues. Along with studying a 20-year cost comparison for your home, read some more tips to keep in mind when mulling over your decision on your installer, system design, and financial plan.
In Delaware, there's a big change happening with how land is used, especially on farms. More and more, land previously used for crops like soybeans is now being used for solar energy projects. This change is partly driven by state mandates to increase renewable energy sources.
Donna Calhoun, a resident, decided to lease her land to Brookfield Properties to use her family's farmland to build a big solar energy project, one of many in Southern Delaware.
This project is known as the Freeman Solar project. It is set to occupy around 351 acres and is one of many such initiatives in southern Delaware. These projects are seen as less impactful on the environment and traffic compared to housing developments, and they offer a more lucrative income for landowners compared to traditional farming.
Right now, Delaware has a lot of solar power, about 172 MW, and it's going to get even more in the next couple of years. But not everyone is happy about using farm land for solar energy. Some people in places like Kent County are worried that it might change farming too much. They have made rules about where solar projects can go. This whole thing is about trying to find better ways to get energy without hurting our planet. Some people think it's a great idea to use solar energy, but others are worried about changing too much too fast.
We have helped thousands of customers find electricity plans for their home or business. And we are pretty darn good at it, with over 1,000 5-Star reviews we know how to help you stay powered up.
Now using the same one-of-kind technology and platform we are helping consumers in Delaware decide if solar is right for them. You will notice that sometimes our numbers make solar look less attractive. That's not by accident. We believe you should have full transparency during the solar purchasing process.
We aren't here to sell you something. We are here to help you make the best energy decision for your home or business.
The cost of solar panel installation in Delaware can vary significantly based on a number of factors, including the size and type of the system, the complexity of the installation, your solar installer, and the specific location. However, the average cost of solar panels in the U.S. was about $3.13 per watt, before any incentives or tax credits.
A typical residential solar system is usually around 8 kilowatts (8,000 watts), but varies based on energy use and the size of the house. The US average cost for a 6 kW system is $18,771 and the US average cost for a 10 kW system is $31,285, before incentives. The average price for a home solar panel system in Delaware is $16,500 for a 6kW system or about or about $2.75 per watt.
The number of solar panels you would need depends on a variety of factors such as:
To give you a rough estimate, let's say you live in a location that receives about 5 hours of peak sunlight per day, your solar panels have an efficiency of 20%, and each panel has a power rating of 300 watts. If your home uses about 10,400 kWh per year, you would divide this by 365 to get your daily energy use (about 28.5 kWh). You would then divide this by the hours of peak sunlight (5 hours), to get your required power output per hour (about 5.7 kW). If each solar panel produces 300 watts (or 0.3 kW), you would divide 5.7 kW by 0.3 to get the number of solar panels you need, which would be about 19 panels.
The installation process for solar panels can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks, depending on the size of the system and the complexity of the installation.
Your installer should be able to give you an estimated timeline based on your specific project.
Solar panels generally require very little maintenance. However, it's a good idea to have them inspected every few years to ensure they are working properly and to clean off any debris or dirt that may have accumulated on the panels. Most solar panel installers offer maintenance services for an additional fee.
There are two main types of solar panels: Monocrystalline and Polycrystalline. There are pros and cons to both. Either type can produce enough solar power for your home. We recommend getting a recommendation from a solar installer for your home. Depending on your budget, location, and other factors they can recommend the most efficient solar panels for your home.
In Delaware, HOAs can set certain restrictions regarding the placement and aesthetics of solar panels, but they cannot completely prohibit their installation. It's advisable to check with your HOA for specific guidelines before proceeding with solar installation.
The average lifespan of a solar panel system is about 25-30 years. However, many systems continue to operate efficiently beyond this period, albeit at a slightly reduced capacity.
Delaware's climate is generally favorable for solar panels. However, regular maintenance, such as cleaning the panels and ensuring they are free of debris, is important for optimal performance. In areas with heavy snowfall, additional cleaning will be required for snow removal.
At the end of their lifespan, solar panels can be recycled. Many components of the panels, such as glass and metal, can be reclaimed and reused. Some companies specialize in solar panel recycling.
