This guide will walk you through all the major solar incentives and policies available to Delaware residents in 2025. We’ll clarify how each program works, who’s eligible, and how they contribute to your solar investment.
Find out what Delaware programs are available to you!
Federal Solar Incentives: The Investment Tax Credit (ITC)
The most significant financial incentive for homeowners nationwide is the federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC). This is a dollar-for-dollar credit that directly reduces the amount of federal income tax you owe.
- Credit Amount: For systems installed between 2022 and 2032, the ITC allows you to claim 30% of the total cost of your solar energy system.
- Impact: On a $22,000 solar system, the 30% ITC provides a $6,600 credit, effectively lowering your net cost to just $15,400.
Delaware’s State & Local Solar Incentives
Delaware’s primary state-level incentives are administered through Delmarva Power and a state-mandated program that rewards you for the clean energy you generate.
Name of Incentive | Type | Description | Key Details | Estimated Cash Value |
Federal Solar Tax Credit | Federal Tax Credit | A 30% credit on the total cost of your system against your federal income taxes. | The most significant financial incentive available. | $4,800 – $8,700 |
Green Energy Program | State Rebate | A one-time rebate from Delmarva Power based on the size of your system. | A direct, upfront reduction of your system cost. | $1,000 – $3,500+ |
SREC Program (DE RPS) | Performance Incentive | Earn one Solar Renewable Energy Credit (SREC) for every 1,000 kWh your system produces. | Provides an ongoing income stream. | Varies (Adds hundreds annually) |
Net Metering | Utility Bill Credit | Earn credits on your utility bill for excess electricity your system sends to the grid. | Maximizes the value of every kWh you produce. | Varies (Full retail value of excess power) |
Delmarva Power – Green Energy Program
- How it Works: This program provides a direct, upfront rebate to homeowners who install a qualifying solar PV system. The rebate amount is based on the size of your system (in watts). The application is typically handled by your installer, and the rebate is used to lower your total system cost.
- Impact: This is a powerful, direct reduction in your system’s price. Unlike a tax credit, this is cash back that lowers your initial investment immediately before you have to worry about taxes.
Delaware Solar Renewable Energy Credits (SRECs)
- How it Works: Delaware’s Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) requires electricity suppliers to source a certain percentage of their power from solar. To meet this, they purchase SRECs from solar owners like you. For every 1,000 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity your system produces, you earn one SREC, which you can then sell on an open market.
- Impact: This program creates an ongoing income stream that goes directly into your pocket. While SREC prices fluctuate, they can add hundreds or even over a thousand dollars to your annual solar returns, significantly enhancing the financial value of your investment.
Utility-Specific Solar Programs in Delaware
Net Metering
- How it Works: Net metering is a critical policy that ensures you get full value for every kWh your system produces. When your panels generate more power than you are using, the excess is sent to the grid, and you receive a credit on your bill from Delmarva Power.
- Impact: Net metering maximizes your bill savings and works in addition to the SREC program. While SRECs pay you for all the energy you produce, net metering ensures you also get the full retail value credit for any energy you don’t use yourself.
Find out what Delaware programs are available to you!
Understanding the Full Cost of Solar
To appreciate how these powerful incentives work, it’s important to understand the total cost of a solar project they are designed to reduce. For a detailed breakdown, see our complete guide on The Cost of Solar Panels in Delaware.
Are Solar Panels Worth It in Delaware?
The available financial incentives are a key reason why solar is a worthwhile investment in Delaware. By combining the 30% federal tax credit with the Delmarva Power rebate and the income from the SREC program, homeowners can significantly lower their net cost. To see a full financial breakdown, read our detailed analysis: Are Solar Panels Worth It in Delaware?.
How To Get Solar With No Upfront Cost
Financing options like $0-down solar loans are especially powerful because they allow you to own your system and claim all of the valuable incentives, including the federal tax credit and SREC payments. Our complete guide, How To Get Free Solar Panels in Delaware, breaks down how these options work.
Why Your Choice of Installer is Critical
A top-tier installer in Delaware will be an expert in the Green Energy Program, the SREC market, and Delmarva Power’s interconnection process, ensuring you get every dollar of savings you are entitled to. Our guide to the Top Solar Companies in Delaware explains exactly what to look for.
How EcoGen America Simplifies Your Solar Journey
Navigating tax credits and utility programs can be confusing. EcoGen America makes it simple. We connect you with our network of trusted, pre-vetted local installers in Delaware who are experts in all available incentives and provide transparent, no-obligation quotes.
Find out exactly what incentives you qualify for.
Find out what Delaware programs are available to you!
Frequently Asked Questions
The 30% federal tax credit provides the largest upfront cost reduction. For long-term value, the Delaware SREC program provides a consistent income stream that enhances your return on investment.
A Solar Renewable Energy Credit (SREC) is a certificate you earn for every 1,000 kWh of solar electricity your system produces. You sell these credits on a market, providing a performance-based incentive.
Yes. In Delaware, you are eligible for both the upfront Green Energy Program rebate and the ongoing SREC payments, which makes the state’s incentive package very attractive.
Sources & References:
- SEIA (Solar Energy Industries Association) – U.S. Solar Market Insight: https://seia.org/research-resources/us-solar-market-insight/
- SEIA (Solar Energy Industries Association) – Delaware Solar Policy: https://seia.org/state-solar-policy/delaware-solar/
- Energy.gov (U.S. Department of Energy) – Homeowner’s Guide to Going Solar: https://www.energy.gov/eere/solar/homeowners-guide-going-solar
- IRS (Internal Revenue Service) – Form 5695, Residential Energy Credits: https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-form-5695
- NREL (National Renewable Energy Laboratory) – Annual Technology Baseline (ATB) for Solar: https://atb.nrel.gov/electricity/2024/residential_pv
- EIA (U.S. Energy Information Administration) – Delaware State Energy Profile: https://www.eia.gov/state/?sid=DE
- DSIRE (Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency) – Delaware Programs: https://programs.dsireusa.org/system/program/de/solar
- Delmarva Power – Green Energy Program: https://www.delmarva.com/SmartEnergy/MyGreenPowerConnection/
