Is Solar Right For Your Delaware Home?
Installing a residential solar energy system in Delaware can be a smart long-term investment for homeowners looking to reduce electricity costs and gain energy independence. However, going solar is not a one-size-fits-all decision. Several factors determine whether a rooftop solar system is right for your home, including your energy consumption, roof condition, local electricity rates, and available sunlight.
Energy Consumption and Electricity Rates
Before investing in residential solar installation, evaluate your household’s electricity usage. Delaware residents pay an average retail electricity rate of around 16 to 17 cents per kilowatt-hour, slightly above the national average. Homes with higher-than-average monthly energy bills stand to benefit the most from solar because offsetting a larger portion of grid power leads to quicker payback periods.
Roof Suitability and Orientation
Not all roofs are suitable for residential solar panels. The ideal roof should have minimal shading, face south or southwest, and have enough structural integrity to support the panels. Asphalt shingle roofs are typically the easiest to install solar on, while slate or clay tile roofs may require specialized mounting hardware. A solar installer can conduct a roof inspection to determine suitability before installation begins.
Sunlight Availability
Delaware receives about 200 to 210 sunny days per year,comparable to many mid-Atlantic states. While not as sunny as Arizona or Nevada, this level of solar irradiance is adequate for high-efficiency panels to generate substantial energy. Using tools such as NREL’s PVWatts Calculator, homeowners can estimate their potential solar production based on system size and location.
Incentives and Rebates
Federal and state incentives significantly improve the economics of solar. Homeowners can currently claim a 30% federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC) on system costs through 2032. Delaware also offers the Green Energy Program (GEP), which provides cash rebates for qualifying residential solar panel installations through participating utilities like Delmarva Power and Delaware Electric Cooperative.
Financing and Payback Period
The average solar cost in Delaware ranges from $2.70 to $3.20 per watt in 2025, making a typical 6 kW system cost roughly $16,200 to $19,200 before incentives. After applying the ITC, the net cost can drop to around $11,000 to $13,500. Depending on local rates and system size, payback typically occurs within 8 to 12 years, after which the energy generated is essentially free.
Benefits of Solar for Homeowners in Delaware
Adopting residential solar in Delaware offers homeowners environmental, financial, and energy security benefits. Solar panels convert sunlight into clean electricity, reducing dependence on fossil fuels while helping the state meet its renewable energy targets under the Delaware Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS).
Lower Energy Bills
By producing electricity directly from your rooftop, you can significantly lower your monthly electric bills. Homeowners who install residential solar panels often save 40 to 70% on electricity costs over the system’s lifetime. Delaware’s net metering policy allows homeowners to earn bill credits for excess electricity exported to the grid, further improving savings.
Protection from Rising Utility Costs
Electricity rates tend to rise over time due to inflation and increased grid maintenance costs. With a rooftop solar system, homeowners lock in a predictable energy cost for 25 years or more, effectively insulating themselves from future rate hikes.
Environmental Benefits
Solar energy is a clean and renewable power source. Each 6 kW system in Delaware can offset roughly 8,000 to 9,000 pounds of carbon dioxide annually, the equivalent of planting over 100 trees every year. For eco-conscious homeowners, going solar helps reduce their carbon footprint and supports Delaware’s sustainability goals.
Increased Home Resilience
When combined with solar batteries, homeowners can store surplus electricity to use during power outages. This setup enhances energy independence and reliability, especially during coastal storms or grid disruptions, which Delaware occasionally experiences during hurricane season.
How Does Solar Affect My Home’s Value?
Installing residential solar panels can substantially increase a home’s market value. Multiple studies, including those by Zillow and Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, show that solar-equipped homes sell for 3 to 5% more than comparable homes without solar.
In Delaware’s real estate market, where the median home value is around $385,000 in 2025, a typical residential solar installation could add between $11,000 and $19,000 in value. Buyers increasingly view solar as an asset that lowers utility bills, making homes more attractive and easier to sell.
However, the value boost depends on ownership structure. Homes with purchased solar systems typically see higher value increases than those with leased systems, as buyers prefer not to inherit lease obligations. Proper documentation, such as installation warranties, production estimates, and inverter specifications, can also strengthen a home’s resale appeal.
Can Renters Install Residential Solar in Delaware?
While homeowners have the flexibility to install rooftop systems, renters face more limitations. In Delaware, renters generally cannot modify their landlord’s property to install permanent residential solar panels. However, there are alternative ways for renters to benefit from solar energy.
Community Solar Programs
Delaware’s community solar policy allows residents, including renters, to subscribe to shared solar projects. Participants receive credits on their utility bills for their share of the energy produced by the solar farm. Programs such as the Energize Delaware initiative help expand access to community solar, especially for low- and moderate-income households.
Portable and Balcony Solar Options
For renters interested in smaller-scale solutions, portable solar generators or plug-in balcony solar kits can offset part of their energy use. While not a full residential solar installation, these systems provide flexibility without requiring roof modifications or property ownership.
Steps for Renters
Renters who wish to pursue solar should:
- Check with their landlord about roof access or participation in a shared system
- Explore subscription-based community solar programs
- Use online resources like Energize Delaware to identify available projects
Through these options, renters can still enjoy the cost-saving and environmental benefits of solar energy without owning property.
Components of Residential Solar Systems
A residential solar system is composed of multiple parts that work together to generate and distribute electricity efficiently. Understanding each of these solar components helps homeowners make informed decisions during installation and maintenance.
Solar Panels
Solar panels are the most visible part of the system and capture sunlight to generate electricity. There are three main types used in residential solar panel installations:
- Monocrystalline panels: High efficiency (20 to 23%), sleek appearance, and long lifespan. They perform well in limited space but cost more
- Polycrystalline panels: Slightly less efficient (15 to 18%) but more affordable. Ideal for larger roofs
- Thin-film panels: Lightweight and flexible, suitable for unconventional roofs but with lower efficiency (10 to 12%)
In Delaware’s moderate climate, monocrystalline panels are often preferred for maximum performance over the system’s 25-year lifespan.
Solar Inverters
Inverters convert the direct current (DC) electricity produced by solar panels into alternating current (AC), which powers household appliances. The three common types are:
- String inverters: Cost-effective and reliable for uniform sunlight conditions
- Microinverters: Mounted under each panel, improving performance in partial shading
- Hybrid inverters: Combine solar and battery functions, suitable for systems with energy storage
Mounting and Racking Equipment
These components secure the panels to the roof. They ensure the panels remain optimally angled toward the sun and withstand wind or snow loads, especially important in Delaware’s coastal weather.
Solar Batteries
Batteries store excess electricity generated during the day for use at night or during outages. Popular types include:
- Lithium-ion batteries: High efficiency, longer life, and minimal maintenance
- Lead-acid batteries: Cheaper upfront but have shorter lifespans and require periodic maintenance
For most Delaware homeowners, lithium-ion batteries like the Tesla Powerwall or Enphase IQ Battery are preferred due to their durability and higher depth of discharge.
Charge Controllers and Monitoring Systems
Charge controllers regulate the flow of electricity between panels, batteries, and the grid. Monitoring systems provide real-time data on energy generation and consumption, helping homeowners track performance and detect issues early.
How Do I Find the Best Deal on Solar Installation in Delaware?
Getting the best solar quotes in Delaware requires research and comparison. Prices can vary significantly between installers based on labor rates, equipment quality, and warranty terms. Following a few key steps can help ensure you secure the most favorable deal on your residential solar installation.
Get Multiple Solar Quotes
Obtain at least three solar quotes from reputable companies. Comparing multiple proposals helps you understand market pricing, system design options, and warranty terms. Look beyond the headline price, evaluate factors such as equipment brands, financing options, and after-sales support.
Check Licensing and Certification
In Delaware, solar contractors must be licensed electricians and comply with state building and electrical codes. Look for installers certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP), as this indicates high professional standards.
Evaluate Warranties
A comprehensive warranty can protect your investment. A typical residential solar panel warranty covers 25 years of performance and 10 to 12 years of workmanship. Inverter warranties often last 10 to 15 years. Ensure your installer provides clear, written documentation.
Understand Financing and Incentives
Before signing a contract, confirm that your solar quotes include details about the 30% ITC and local rebate programs. Delaware’s Green Energy Program rebates, for instance, can lower upfront costs by several thousand dollars depending on system size and utility provider.
Read Reviews and Track Record
Online customer reviews and references from previous installations can help gauge installer reliability. Choose a company with a strong presence in Delaware’s solar market and proven customer satisfaction.
Finding Residential Solar Installers in Delaware
Selecting the right residential solar installer is one of the most important steps in your solar journey. A qualified installer ensures your system performs efficiently, complies with regulations, and delivers long-term reliability.
A professional installation maximizes system output, minimizes maintenance issues, and ensures proper interconnection with the local utility. Poor installation can lead to reduced performance, leaks, or safety hazards. That is why hiring an experienced local installer is essential.
Qualities to Look for in a Solar Installer
When evaluating Delaware solar installers, consider the following qualities:
- Experience and expertise: Companies with at least five years of installation experience understand local permitting processes and utility interconnection requirements
- Transparent pricing: Reliable installers provide detailed quotes that itemize labor, hardware, and permitting costs
- Strong warranties: Look for workmanship warranties of at least 10 years in addition to manufacturer coverage
- Local knowledge: Installers familiar with Delaware’s incentive programs and regional weather conditions can tailor system designs for optimal performance
- Customer service: Prompt communication and clear explanations throughout the process demonstrate professionalism