How To Save With Delaware Solar Grant For Your Project
If you're a Delaware homeowner thinking about going solar, a Delaware solar grant could be the key that makes it financially possible. And for Miriam and Tom R. in Bear, DE, it was exactly that.
Their story is one of purpose, smart planning, and taking full advantage of the Delaware solar incentives that are available right now to homeowners across the state.
How Miriam and Tom Decided to Go Solar
Homeowners Miriam and Tom R. in Bear, DE capitalize on a solar grant to help fund their ambitions for PV solar power.
Miriam and Tom wanted to do their part in reducing the carbon footprint of their home. They researched and considered various methods of accomplishing this goal, including switching over to LED lighting. It soon became clear that solar was the way to go if they wanted to become 100% carbon neutral.
After speaking with TerraSol about their goals for the project, TerraSol set to work designing a rooftop system on the southern-facing rooflines of their home.
This also happened to be the front of their house, so TerraSol took careful consideration with the aesthetic, making sure to keep the panels neat and consistent across 3 different roofs.
Now that they had the perfect solar system design, Miriam and Tom were further thrilled by the opportunity to save significantly on the initial costs.
Delmarva customers in Delaware are eligible to apply for the Energize Delaware Green Grant. When combined with the federal-level tax credit, new solar buyers in Delaware can receive 50% of their initial investment back within the first year of operation.
This grant gives lower-income homeowners the ability to reduce the total cost of a system, thus making solar more affordable for anyone interested in doing their part.
Since the program’s inception, the Green Energy Fund has supported the installation of over 4,764 solar energy systems (as of 2020).
These programs, combined with the recurrent savings from the reduction of monthly electricity bills, make the decision to go solar in Delaware a huge financial win.
What Is the Delaware Solar Grant?
The Energize Delaware Green Grant is one of the most powerful Delaware solar incentives available to residents today.
Administered by the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC), this program helps make solar panel systems accessible and affordable for a wide range of income levels — from moderate income households to low-income homeowners who may qualify for even greater assistance.
Here's what you need to know about the program:
Who Is Eligible?
Who Is Eligible?Eligibility is based on the area median income (AMI) for each county in Delaware. The program is specifically designed to help low to moderate income homeowners reduce the upfront cost of going solar. Different benefit tiers apply depending on income level:
Low-income residents can receive a free solar system up to 4 kW — making solar panels in Delaware essentially zero-cost for qualifying households.
Moderate-income households can receive 70% off solar systems up to 6 kW, dramatically reducing the installed cost.
This means that even if the upfront cost of a solar panel system feels out of reach, the Delaware solar grant program can cover a significant portion of that expense.
How Much Can Delmarva Power Customers Save?
If you’re a Delmarva Power customer in Delaware, you're in a particularly strong position. Delmarva Power offers $0.70 per watt for solar capacity, which translates to rebates of up to $6,000 for eligible solar installations. That's a meaningful reduction in your electricity costs from day one.
Delaware Electric Cooperative customers also benefit, receiving $0.35 per watt for solar — still a substantial contribution toward the total system cost.
When combined with the federal solar tax credit (also called the federal tax credit or investment tax credit), new solar buyers in Delaware can receive roughly 50% of their initial investment back within the first year of operation.
That's an extraordinary financial benefit that makes the decision to install solar panels in Delaware one of the smartest moves a homeowner can make.
How to Apply for the Delaware Solar Grant
The grant application process is straightforward, but there are a few important requirements to keep in mind:
Complete an energy audit before submitting your application. This is a required step to establish a baseline for your home's energy needs.
Use a state-approved renewable energy contractor for your solar installation. Delaware requires this for grant eligibility, so make sure you're working with a certified team like TerraSol.
Submit your application online through the Green Grant Delaware system. All grant applications must be submitted through this official portal.
Project Goals: Reducing Environmental Impact Without Sacrificing Aesthetics
When Miriam and Tom first contacted TerraSol, they had two primary objectives:
Reduce the home's carbon footprint
Install a system that complemented the appearance of their property
Because the most productive roof sections were located on the front-facing portion of the home, system design became especially important.
TerraSol's design team carefully evaluated the home's southern-facing roof planes to maximize solar production while maintaining a clean, balanced appearance from the street. Rather than concentrating panels in a single area, the design was distributed across three roof sections in a way that preserved visual symmetry and enhanced curb appeal.
The result was a custom rooftop solar system designed to generate substantial clean energy while blending naturally with the home's architecture.
The Financial Turning Point: Delaware Solar Incentives
For many homeowners, cost remains the biggest obstacle to going solar.
For Miriam and Tom, the availability of Delaware solar incentives changed the economics of the project entirely.
Delaware residents served by Delmarva Power may qualify for substantial incentive programs through Energize Delaware's Green Energy Program. When these incentives are combined with the federal solar tax credit, homeowners can potentially recover a significant portion of their initial investment during the first year following installation.
This dramatically lowers the effective cost of solar ownership and shortens the payback period of the system.
According to Energize Delaware program data, thousands of residential solar systems have been installed throughout the state with support from the Green Energy Fund, helping homeowners access renewable energy while reducing dependence on fossil fuels.
Additional Delaware Solar Incentives Homeowners Should Know About
The Delaware solar grant is just one piece of a broader ecosystem of solar incentives available to Delaware homeowners. Here's a fuller picture of what's on the table when you go solar in the First State.
Solar Renewable Energy Credits (SRECs)
One of the most overlooked long-term financial benefits of generating solar energy is the ability to earn Solar Renewable Energy Certificates (SRECs) — also known as Solar Renewable Energy Credits. In Delaware, SRECs are awarded for every megawatt-hour of electricity your solar panels produce.
Homeowners can sell SRECs back to utility companies to meet their renewable energy obligations, and Delaware homeowners can earn approximately $180 annually from SRECs initially. Over the life of your solar panel system, these solar credits add up to meaningful long-term savings on top of your reduced electric bill.
Full Retail Net Metering
Full Retail Net MeteringDelaware offers full retail net metering for solar energy systems. This means that when your solar panels produce more electricity than your home uses, the excess energy gets sent back to the grid — and your utility company credits you at the retail rate.
That’s the same rate you'd pay for electricity, not a discounted wholesale rate. Over time, net metering can virtually eliminate your monthly electric bills.
The Federal Solar Tax Credit
The federal solar tax credit (also called the federal tax credit) allows homeowners to deduct a percentage of their solar installation costs from their federal income taxes.
Combined with Delaware's state-level tax credits and rebates, the total financial benefits of going solar in Delaware are substantial. This is one of the reasons why Delaware solar adoption has grown so dramatically in recent years.
Additional Delaware Solar Programs
Beyond the green grant, DNREC administers several other solar energy incentive programs worth knowing about:
Weatherization Assistance Program: Helps low-income homeowners improve overall home energy efficiency alongside solar upgrades.
Delaware Solar Pilot Program: An ongoing initiative designed to expand access to renewable energy for moderate income homes and underserved communities.
Green Energy Program: The broader Delaware green energy program umbrella that encompasses grants, rebates, and solar energy is beginning to change the world.
Long-Term Financial Benefits of Solar in Delaware
While grants and rebates often receive the most attention, the largest financial benefit typically comes from decades of avoided utility expenses.
Homeowners who install solar may benefit from:
Reduced monthly electric bills
Protection against future utility rate increases
Additional value through SREC generation
Increased energy independence
Potential home value enhancement
Over the lifespan of a solar system, these savings can significantly exceed the initial installation cost.
Lessons Homeowners Can Learn From This Project
Miriam and Tom's experience highlights several important takeaways for Delaware homeowners considering solar.
1. Incentives Can Dramatically Improve Affordability
Many homeowners assume solar is financially out of reach without first exploring available grants, rebates, and tax credits.
2. System Design Matters
A properly designed solar system can maximize energy production while preserving the appearance of the home.
3. Planning Ahead Creates Better Outcomes
Understanding incentive requirements early in the process helps avoid delays and ensures access to available funding.
4. Solar Is Both an Environmental and Financial Decision
While reducing carbon emissions was the primary motivation, the long-term economic benefits made the project even more compelling.
Why Choose TerraSol for Your Delaware Solar Installation?
At TerraSol, we don't just install solar panels. We engineered solar systems that fit your home, your goals, and your budget. As a NABCEP-certified solar installer, TerraSol meets all the state-approved renewable energy contractor requirements needed for Delaware grant eligibility.
We handle everything from your initial consultation and energy audit to system design, installation, and ongoing support.
Whether you're a Delmarva Power customer looking to maximize your rebate, a Delaware Electric Cooperative member exploring your options, or a homeowner simply curious about what buying solar panels would look like for your property, we're here to walk you through every step.
We've helped hundreds of Delaware homeowners across New Castle County and beyond unlock the full value of the Delaware solar incentives available to them. From solar water heating to full rooftop solar panel systems, our team is equipped to handle projects of every scale.
Request your custom solar proposal today and let TerraSol help you navigate every available Delaware solar grant, rebate, and incentive to make your solar investment go as far as possible.
