The best solar installers in Delaware
Delaware is a small residential solar market — the top picks below cover New Castle County (Wilmington) and Sussex County (beach communities). For Kent County / Dover, expect to compare an in-state installer against one of the Mid-Atlantic regionals in Honorable mentions.
CMI Solar & Electric Local
Why listed: 4.3-star Google rating from 11 reviews on an owner-verified Google business listing, with a working website (checked October 2026).
Clean Energy USA Local
Why listed: 4.9-star Google rating from 161 reviews on an owner-verified Google business listing, with a working website (checked October 2026).
Green Street Solar Local
Why listed: 4.9-star Google rating from 189 reviews on an owner-verified Google business listing, with a working website (checked October 2026).
Solar Energy World Regional
Why listed: 4.6-star Google rating from 995 reviews on an owner-verified Google business listing, with a working website (checked October 2026).
Lumina Solar Regional
Why listed: 4.9-star Google rating from 842 reviews on an owner-verified Google business listing, with a working website (checked October 2026).
National installers National
Sunrun, Tesla Energy, and Palmetto Solar are the major national installers still actively taking new Delaware residential contracts as of 2026. Palmetto Solar currently holds EnergySage's Elite+ tier — the platform's highest installer rating. National installers typically have larger sales footprints but also higher financing markup and more variable local service quality than the state-based installers above. DE is a small market — national footprint here is limited.
Avoid — recently bankrupt or exited: Sunnova (Chapter 11 June 2025), the original SunPower (Chapter 11 August 2024 — the current "SunPower Inc." is rebranded Complete Solaria, a separate company), ADT Solar (exited residential solar January 2024 — warranty service only), and Freedom Forever (Chapter 11 April 2026, converted to Chapter 7 liquidation August 2026). If a salesperson contacts you under any of these brand names, ask which legal entity is actually signing the contract and warranty.
For the complete list of national installers with state coverage maps, financing terms, and ratings:
Honorable mentions
Additional installers worth getting a quote from — primarily regional Mid-Atlantic operators with DE coverage.
Regional installers serving Delaware
Worth a quote in northern Delaware (closer to PA / NJ) or the Eastern Shore corridor.
Trinity Solar — DE/NJ/PA only Regional
Why listed: 4.5-star Google rating from 1818 reviews on an owner-verified Google business listing, with a working website (checked October 2026).
Paradise Energy Solutions Regional
Why listed: 4.9-star Google rating from 173 reviews on an owner-verified Google business listing, with a working website (checked October 2026).
Delaware solar economics in 2026
| Metric | Delaware average |
|---|---|
| Average residential rate | $0.14–$0.17 / kWh |
| Typical 8 kW system cost (cash) | $22,000–$28,000 before incentives |
| Average $/W | $2.75–3.50 |
| Average annual production (kWh per kW) | ~1,300–1,400 kWh/kW/year |
| Net metering structure | Net metering at retail (Delmarva Power) |
| Average cash payback | 10–12 years |
For full state-by-state cost comparison see solar cost by state.
Delaware solar incentives and rebates (2026)
Delaware stacks federal credit pathways (commercial Section 48E for businesses and third-party-owned residential), state-level credits/rebates where applicable, statutory tax exemptions, and utility-specific programs. Below is the 2026 picture with links to authoritative sources.
Federal credits (2026)
- Commercial Section 48E (Clean Electricity Investment Credit): Available to businesses, farms, and to third-party owners in lease/PPA structures (which can pass the benefit through as lower monthly payments). FEOC restrictions apply — see FEOC rules guide and FEOC compliant parts list. IRS — Clean Electricity Investment Credit.
- USDA REAP grants (agricultural / rural small business): Up to 50% of project cost, with low-interest loan guarantees on top. Quarterly application windows. "Before you build" rules — you must apply before construction starts. USDA — REAP Program.
- Federal 30C EV Charger Tax Credit: Up to 30% of eligible EV charging equipment + installation costs at qualifying locations. Expires for property placed in service after June 30, 2026. IRS — 30C Credit.
Delaware state-level incentives
- Property tax exemption: DE has no specific statewide solar property tax exemption.
- Sales tax: DE has no state sales tax.
Net metering & utility programs in Delaware
DE has retail-rate NEM up to 25 kW residential. See also net metering explained.
- Delmarva Power: NEM + Green Energy Program (per-watt rebate, ~$0.40-0.50/W historically; verify 2026) www.delmarva.com
- DEMEC munis (Newark, New Castle, etc.): Each muni has own rules
- Delaware Electric Cooperative: Member rules
Delaware SREC market
Active DE SREC market — smaller than MD/NJ but real residual revenue.
Delaware EV charger and EV-purchase incentives (2026)
- State EV purchase rebate: DE Clean Vehicle Rebate: Up to $2,500 for new EV.
- Federal 30C EV Charger Tax Credit: Up to 30% of eligible equipment + installation in qualifying low-income / non-urban census tracts. Expires June 30, 2026 for property placed in service after that date.
- Many Delaware utilities and cooperatives offer Level 2 EV charger rebates ($150–$800 typical) often tied to TOU enrollment or smart-charger requirements. Check directly with your specific utility.
Authoritative sources to verify before signing
- DE DNREC: dnrec.delaware.gov/energy-climate
- DSIRE (Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency): programs.dsireusa.org/system/program?state=DE — searchable national database, kept current by NC State.
- Federal IRS guidance: irs.gov — Clean Electricity Investment Credit
What to verify before signing in Delaware
- Contractor license: Verify with your state contractor licensing authority before signing.
- NABCEP certification: Most reputable installers carry NABCEP-certified installers on staff. Ask which crew member holds the certification.
- Insurance: General liability + workers comp + roofer's insurance separate from electrical insurance.
- References from your county: Permitting and inspection requirements vary. Ask for 2–3 references from your specific county.
- Get at least three bids: Solar bids vary by 20–35% on the same scope of work. See how to compare solar bids.
Got bids from Delaware installers? Compare them properly.
Upload up to four solar proposals from any Delaware installer. The analyzer compares $/W, production estimates, equipment, and financing structure — and tells you which one to sign.
Analyze My Bids →Frequently asked questions about Delaware solar
Does solar make sense in Delaware?
Yes for most homeowners with a $150+ monthly electric bill, an unshaded roof, and 8+ years of expected ownership. Delaware's specific economics are summarized in the table above.
How much does a typical Delaware solar install cost in 2026?
$22,000–$28,000 for an 8 kW system before incentives. Effective net cost depends on your state and utility incentives.
Should I get more than three bids?
Yes — three is a minimum. Four or five is better. Solar bids vary by 20–35% on the same scope of work. See how to compare solar bids.
Are there other reputable Delaware solar installers besides these?
Many. The list above represents installers with strong public profiles in Delaware; reputable installers exist beyond it. Get bids from a mix and compare them objectively rather than relying on any one list.