WilmingtonSolar Incentives 2026: Rebates, Tax Credits & Net Metering
Wilmington homeowners stack the 30% federal tax credit and Delmarva Power net metering. At 4.4 peak sun hours a day, a home with a $135/month bill (about 964 kWh) needs roughly a 9.1 kW system — 23 panels — and pays back in about 6.4 years.
Solar Incentives Available in Wilmington
Solar incentives in Wilmington come in three layers. First, every homeowner qualifies for the 30% federal Residential Clean Energy Credit on the full installed cost, claimed on IRS Form 5695. Delaware does not add a state income tax credit, so the federal credit is the main up-front incentive. Third, Delmarva Power sets the local rules for crediting the solar power you export.
Delmarva Power net metering plus Delaware's SREC market and Green Energy Program grants make Wilmington solar pay.
How Much Solar Wilmington Homes Produce
Wilmington gets 4.4 peak sun hours a day, so each 1 kW of panels produces about 1,285 kWh per year here. A 9.1 kW system — the size that fits a typical $135/month Delmarva Power bill — generates roughly 11,692 kWh annually, worth about $1,637 in avoided electricity in year one and more as rates rise.
Delmarva Power Net Metering in Wilmington
Delmarva Power credits excess solar generation from Wilmington homes under Delaware's full retail-rate net metering (~100% of retail). A right-sized system can bring net annual electricity costs close to zero. See full Delaware net metering rules →
How Much Do Solar Panels Cost in Wilmington?
At Delaware's 2026 average of $2.90/watt, the 9.1 kW system most Wilmington homes need runs about $26,390 before incentives. The 30% federal credit takes off $7,917, plus DE SREC income — landing the net cost near $11,273, with payback around 6.4 years.
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Frequently Asked Questions
See your exact Wilmington solar savings
Enter your Delmarva Power bill and we'll apply every Delaware and federal incentive to your real numbers — system size, net cost, payback, and 25-year savings.