The Home Almanac

Vol. I, MMXXVIThe American home, in season.Across all fifty states

Solar in Delaware

What a typical 8 kW rooftop system generates and saves in Delaware, from NREL sun data and the local power rate. A planning estimate, not a quote.

Generates10,560kWh per year
Saves$1,859per year on power
Install cost$24,000before rebates
Pays back in12.9years, simple
25-year net$19,560after payback

Based on 1320 kWh per kW per year of sun in Delaware, a 17.6¢ per kWh rate, and $3.00 per watt installed.

In Delaware, the payback is reasonable. Delaware has decent mid-Atlantic sun and a moderate rate, a reasonable case improved by the federal credit.

Want to try a different system size? The full estimator lets you change the kilowatts and switch states. Remember this uses a state average; your roof, your exact rate, net metering, and any incentives will shift the numbers, so get two or three local quotes.

Delaware solar questions

Is solar worth it in Delaware?

Delaware has decent mid-Atlantic sun and a moderate rate, a reasonable case improved by the federal credit. A typical 8 kW system in Delaware generates about 10,560 kWh a year and saves roughly $1,859, paying back in about 12.9 years against an install cost near $24,000.

How much do solar panels cost in Delaware?

At about $3.00 per watt installed (2.50 to 3.50 is the typical US range), a 8 kW system runs around $24,000 before the 30 percent federal tax credit or any state and utility programs.

How much sun does Delaware get for solar?

NREL PVWatts puts Delaware's photovoltaic output near 1320 kWh per kW of panels per year (Wilmington). That is the figure behind the generation estimate; your roof's tilt and shading move it up or down.

Sources

Sun from NREL PVWatts, rate from the US Energy Information Administration, cost from 2026 US cost benchmarks. Last reviewed 2026-06-30. This is a planning estimate, not a quote. It uses a state-level representative figure for sun and electricity price; your roof, shading, tilt, exact utility rate, net-metering rules, financing, and incentives will change the result. The payback shown is before incentives; the 30 percent federal solar tax credit and any state or utility programs shorten it. Run PVWatts for your address and get two or three local quotes before deciding. Figures last reviewed on the verified date.

Other states: Hawaii, California, Maryland, Rhode Island. Or see the full estimator.