Solar savings & payback in Delaware
Delaware runs about 17¢/kWh with full retail net metering (1:1). Enter your bill for a payback estimate tuned to local rates and sun, no federal tax credit assumed (it expired at the end of 2025).
- Avg electricity rate
- 17¢/kWh
- Solar generation
- ~4 kWh/kW/day
- Net metering
- Full retail net metering (1:1)
- Export credit
- Full retail (1:1)
State incentive: Active SREC market (DE SRECs) plus utility Green Energy Program grants.
Where your money goes
Your 25-year money curve
What the planet gets
Net metering credits exported power against what you draw from the grid. Rates vary by state, California's NEM 3.0 pays much less for exports than 1:1 states.
Enter a valid monthly bill and tariff greater than zero to see your results.
How Delaware compares to the US average
Three numbers decide most of your payback. Here's where Delaware sits against the national picture.
Electricity rate
17¢/kWh
US average: 17¢/kWh
Higher rates make every solar kWh worth more
Solar generation
~4 kWh/kW/day
US average: ~4.5 kWh/kW/day
Less sun per panel than the US average
Typical payback
11.5 years
US average: 10.6 years
Slower than the US average on a $150 bill
Solar cost & savings by system size in Delaware
Computed with Delaware's rate (17¢/kWh), sun (~4 kWh/kW/day), and full 1:1 net metering, at the 2026 national benchmark of ~$2.75/W with no federal credit.
| System size | Installed cost | Generation/mo | Annual savings | Payback |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4kW | ~$11,000 | ~480 kWh | ~$979 | ~11.2 yrs |
| 6kW | ~$16,500 | ~720 kWh | ~$1,469 | ~11.2 yrs |
| 8kW | ~$22,000 | ~960 kWh | ~$1,958 | ~11.2 yrs |
| 10kW | ~$27,500 | ~1,200 kWh | ~$2,448 | ~11.2 yrs |
Savings assume a home large enough to use this output. Figures last reviewed July 2026,size a system from your actual bill instead.
How exports are paid in Delaware
Full retail 1:1 net metering with annual true-up.
Policies change often, always confirm current rules with your utility or at DSIREbefore deciding.
Delaware solar FAQs
Is solar worth it in Delaware in 2026?
For a typical $150/month bill, we estimate a Delaware system pays for itself in about 11.5 years, with no federal tax credit assumed (the residential credit expired at the end of 2025). At 17¢/kWh with full retail net metering (1:1), the case is workable but depends on your roof, usage pattern, and quotes.
How much does a solar system cost in Delaware?
At 2026 benchmark prices (~$2.75/W), a 6kW system runs about $16,500 installed, generating roughly 720 kWh a month in Delaware's sun. Local quotes vary 20-40% between installers, so always collect several.
What is the net metering policy in Delaware?
Full retail 1:1 net metering with annual true-up.
Does Delaware have a state solar incentive?
Active SREC market (DE SRECs) plus utility Green Energy Program grants. Since the federal residential credit ended in 2025, state and utility incentives are the main upfront help available.
How many solar panels do I need in Delaware?
A 7.5 kW system suits a typical $150/month bill in Delaware, that's roughly 18 modern 425W panels needing about 488 sq ft of unshaded roof. Enter your own bill in the calculator above for a precise size.