"Get It, While the Gettin' is Good"- The Federal Solar Tax Credit Expires on Dec 31,
Best Net Metering Programs Offered in Delaware
Delaware offers some of the most supportive net metering programs in the region, primarily through utilities like Delmarva Power and various municipal electric companies. These programs allow solar system owners to receive full retail rate credits for the excess electricity they generate and send back to the grid, helping to significantly reduce monthly energy bills. Net metering in Delaware applies to residential, commercial, and non-profit customers, with system size limits of up to 25 kW for residential and 2 MW for non-residential users, depending on the utility. The policy ensures that unused credits can roll over month-to-month, making solar energy more financially viable and attractive across the state.
Delmarva Power
Net Metering Program: Delmarva Power is one of the most prominent electric companies in Delaware offering net metering. It allows both residential and commercial solar customers to receive credits for excess energy generated by their solar panels. These credits are applied to future electricity bills, offsetting the cost of power used during non-sunny periods (such as nighttime or cloudy days).
Credit for Excess Generation: The surplus electricity generated is credited at the retail electricity rate, which means that solar customers receive the same value for the energy they send back to the grid as they would for the energy they consume from the grid.
Annual True-Up: At the end of the annual billing cycle, if there are any unused credits, they are carried over to the next year. However, if there is an excess of credits by the end of the year, Delmarva Power settles the remaining balance at a reduced rate, known as the avoided cost or price-to-compare.
Solar Renewable Energy Credits (SREC): Delmarva Power participates in the Solar Renewable Energy Credit (SREC) market. This allows solar owners to sell their SRECs to utilities, providing them with an additional revenue stream. This incentivizes solar energy production and helps offset the upfront costs of solar panel installation.
Community Solar Programs: Delmarva Power also supports community solar initiatives in Delaware. These programs allow customers to subscribe to a shared solar array and receive credits for their share of the electricity produced. This is particularly beneficial for individuals or businesses that cannot install solar systems on their own property due to space limitations.
Delaware Electric Cooperative (DEC)
Net Metering Program: Delaware Electric Cooperative offers a net metering program for both residential and commercial solar customers. Under this program, excess energy generated by solar panels is credited back to the customer’s bill at the retail electricity rate. This allows solar owners to significantly reduce their utility costs, especially when their systems generate more electricity than they consume.
Credit for Surplus Generation: Similar to Delmarva Power, DEC credits customers for the excess electricity they produce, allowing customers to use these credits during times of higher energy demand or when their solar system isn’t producing enough electricity (like on cloudy days or at night).
Annual True-Up: At the end of the annual billing period, any remaining credits that have not been used during the year are settled at a reduced rate (avoided cost), which is the market price the utility would pay for purchasing power from other sources.
SREC Participation: Delaware Electric Cooperative participates in the Solar Renewable Energy Credit (SREC) market, giving solar customers the opportunity to sell their generated credits to utilities. This provides a financial incentive for solar installations and helps further reduce the upfront cost of solar systems.
Community Solar Initiatives: Delaware Electric Cooperative is working to expand community solar programs across Delaware. Through these programs, residents and businesses can subscribe to a shared solar array and receive credits based on their share of the solar farm’s energy production. This makes solar energy more accessible to individuals who cannot install solar panels on their own property.
PSEG Delaware (Through PSEG Power)
Net Metering for Solar Customers: PSEG Power offers net metering to eligible customers near the Delaware border, allowing them to earn bill credits for excess solar energy they send to the grid—making solar installations more cost-effective.
Community Solar Access: PSEG provides community solar programs that let customers subscribe to shared solar arrays and receive credits on their electricity bills, ideal for renters or those unable to install rooftop systems.
Support for Businesses in Border Regions: Businesses operating near Delaware can take advantage of PSEG’s clean energy initiatives, especially those with multi-state operations, to reduce energy costs and meet sustainability goals.
Regional Clean Energy Commitment: PSEG actively supports renewable energy growth in the mid-Atlantic region, investing in large-scale solar projects and promoting accessibility through energy equity programs.