2026 · No Federal Tax Credit · NREL + EIA Data
Solar Panels in Delaware: Cost, Payback & ROI (2026)
Is solar still worth it in Delaware after the 30% federal tax credit expired? These pre-computed estimates use NREL PVWatts production data and current 14.8¢/kWh Delaware electricity rates for a typical home using 900 kWh/month.
Section 25D (30% federal solar tax credit) expired December 31, 2025
All numbers below reflect 2026 math with no federal residential credit. State incentives, where applicable, are noted in the section below.
Delaware Solar at a Glance
Based on a 900 kWh/month home ($133/mo electric bill at 14.8¢/kWh), 100% offset, no state rebate applied.
8.3 kW
For 900 kWh/month home
$24,508
At $2.95/W (LBNL 2024 avg)
13.5 years
Without state rebate
$1,598
Estimated annual savings
$51,116
Cumulative before rebate
$26,608
Savings minus system cost
14.8¢/kWh
near average vs. 16.0¢ U.S. avg · EIA 2025
1,300 kWh/kW/yr
moderate · 4.0 peak sun hrs/day · NREL PVWatts
Is Solar Worth It in Delaware in 2026?
Delaware's 14.8¢/kWh rate is moderate, but the state's small size and Delmarva Power territory have historically had limited solar incentives compared to neighboring Maryland and New Jersey. The state does participate in the PJM REC market and maintains a renewable portfolio standard.
For a typical Delaware home consuming 900 kWh per month, our calculation shows a 8.3 kW system needed for 100% offset. At the current national average installed cost of $2.95/W (LBNL Tracking the Sun 2024), that's $24,508 gross before any state rebates. Year-one savings of $1,598 grow each year as electricity rates escalate — the model assumes 2.5%/year (EIA AEO 2024).
The 13.5 years payback period is moderate — within the national average range of 8–12 years. Over 25 years — the standard warranty period for most premium panels — a Delaware homeowner following this profile would save an estimated $51,116 total, for a net benefit of $26,608 after recovering the system cost.
Year-by-Year Savings Snapshot: First 10 Years
Based on 8.3 kW system, 0.5%/yr degradation, 2.5%/yr rate escalation, no state rebate.
| Year | Production (kWh) | Annual Savings | Cumulative |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 10,800 | $1,598 | $1,598 |
| Year 2 | 10,746 | $1,630 | $3,229 |
| Year 3 | 10,692 | $1,663 | $4,891 |
| Year 4 | 10,639 | $1,696 | $6,587 |
| Year 5 | 10,586 | $1,729 | $8,316 |
| Year 6 | 10,533 | $1,764 | $10,080 |
| Year 7 | 10,480 | $1,799 | $11,878 |
| Year 8 | 10,428 | $1,834 | $13,713 |
| Year 9 | 10,375 | $1,871 | $15,584 |
| Year 10 | 10,324 | $1,908 | $17,492 |
System cost to recover: $24,508. Table shows savings without state rebate applied. Use the interactive calculator to enter your actual bill and any rebate.
Solar Incentives in Delaware (2026)
Delaware's Green Energy Program offers grants for renewable energy systems through the Delaware Division of Natural Resources and Environmental Control.
- Green Energy Program grants
- Property tax exemption on solar
- Net metering via Delmarva Power
- PJM REC market access
Incentive programs change frequently. Verify current offerings at dsireusa.org or directly with your utility before making any purchasing decision.
How We Calculate Delaware Solar ROI
These estimates use the same methodology as our interactive solar ROI calculator, applied to Delaware-specific data:
System cost
$2.95/W installed
LBNL Tracking the Sun 2024
Solar production
1,300 kWh/kW/yr
NREL PVWatts v8
Electricity rate
14.8¢/kWh
EIA Residential Rates 2025
Rate escalation
2.5%/year
EIA Annual Energy Outlook 2024
Panel degradation
0.5%/year
NREL (Jordan & Kurtz, median)
System lifetime
25 years
Standard warranty period
No Section 25D (federal residential solar credit) is included — it expired December 31, 2025. State incentives are not reflected in these pre-computed figures; use the interactive calculator to enter specific rebate amounts.
Calculate With Your Actual Numbers
The figures above use statewide averages. Enter your actual monthly bill, any Delaware rebate amounts, and your offset target in our interactive calculator for a personalized estimate.
Frequently Asked Questions — Solar in Delaware
Compare Other States
Estimates are based on NREL PVWatts v8 production data, EIA 2025 electricity rates, and LBNL 2024 installed cost benchmarks. Actual savings vary by roof pitch, shading, utility rate structure, and local permit costs. This is not financial advice. Consult a licensed solar installer before making any purchasing decision.