Net metering customers
15,766
32.7 per 1,000 homes
Capacity
169.0 MW
10.7 kW per customer
Efficiency incentives per home
$26.66
11th of 50
Average price
17.15 cents
about the same as the US average
Net metering in Delaware
Utilities in Delaware reported 15,766 residential customers on net metering in 2025, with 169.0 megawatts of capacity, which averages 10.7 kilowatts per customer. That is 32.7 customers per 1,000 homes. Among the 51 places that reported, Delaware ranks 17th, and the national ranking is on the net metering by state page.
| Utility | Net metering customers | Megawatts |
|---|---|---|
| Delmarva Power | 17,741 | 152.2 |
| Delaware Electric Cooperative | 3,328 | 27.9 |
| City of Dover | 564 | 4.3 |
| Town of Middletown | 351 | 3.0 |
| City of Milford | 217 | 1.7 |
Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration, Form EIA-861 (final 2025 data), net metering schedule, residential. The count covers net metering only. Solar homes on other export arrangements are tracked separately by EIA.
What an exported kWh is worth in Delaware
The value of a solar export depends on the credit your utility pays. As an illustration, take 7,000 kWh of solar power in a year, a made-up figure and not a forecast for any home. At the 2025 Delaware average price of 17.15 cents per kWh, that power is worth $1,200 if the utility credits it at the full retail price. If the utility credits exports at half that rate, it is worth $600.
The gap shows why the export credit matters so much. Ask the utility which applies to you, and use the solar savings calculator to set the retail and export prices separately.
Utility efficiency rebates in Delaware
In 2025, 5 Delaware utilities reported efficiency programs to EIA. Together they paid about $12,845,900 in incentives to residential customers, or $26.66 per home, which ranks 11th of 50. The programs reported 6,295 megawatt hours of first year residential savings, about 0.5 kWh for each dollar of incentive.
| Utility | Paid to residential customers |
|---|---|
| Delaware Sustainable Energy Utility | $12.6 million |
| Delaware Electric Cooperative | $259 thousand |
| City of Newark | $10 thousand |
| Town of Middletown | $6 thousand |
Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration, Form EIA-861 (final 2025 data), energy efficiency schedule. Paid incentives show what a utility spent, not what you can get. See efficiency rebates by state for the national ranking.
What the federal credits mean in Delaware
The IRS says the residential clean energy credit, which covered solar panels, does not apply to expenditures made after December 31, 2025, and the home improvement credit does not apply to property placed in service after that date. That is true in every state. What remains are state and utility offers, and the federal home energy rebates that states run. See solar incentives and home energy rebates.
Source: IRS FS-2025-05, read October 10, 2026. This is not tax advice.
Where to look for current Delaware offers
- Search the DSIRE database for Delaware incentives and net metering rules.
- Enter your ZIP code in the ENERGY STAR rebate finder.
- Ask your electric company about its net metering, export credit and rebate programs. Find it in the Delaware utility list.
- Read the rules at the Delaware Public Service Commission, which oversees investor-owned utilities.
Delaware solar and rebate questions
Does Delaware have net metering?
Delaware utilities reported 15,766 residential net metering customers and 169.0 megawatts in 2025. The credit for exports depends on the utility and the state rules, so ask yours.
Is there a federal solar tax credit in Delaware?
The IRS says the residential clean energy credit does not apply to expenditures made after December 31, 2025, so it does not apply in any state for new installs.
How much do Delaware utilities pay in efficiency rebates?
In 2025, Delaware utilities that reported to EIA paid about $12,845,900 in efficiency incentives to residential customers, about $26.66 per home.
Where do I find Delaware solar and rebate offers?
Search the DSIRE database and the ENERGY STAR rebate finder, then ask your electric company and your state energy office before you sign anything.