Solar in Wilmington: Delmarva Power, SRECs and Green Energy Program

Local market

Solar in Wilmington by the numbers

Metro population

710K

Typical cost per watt

$2.90

Paid lead cost

$100.00 to $180.00

Installer density

Moderate

Climate for solar

How much sun does Wilmington get?

Wilmington gets around 4.4 peak sun hours per day with 203 sunny days per year, moderate for solar. Winter snow derating is modest (5 to 10 percent annual loss). Summer thunderstorms reduce afternoon production more than most installers model.

Who delivers power here

Utilities serving Wilmington

Delmarva Power (Exelon subsidiary), investor-owned, serves most of New Castle County including Wilmington, City of New Castle Municipal Services serves parts of New Castle (city-level distribution).

For how exports are credited and what the statewide rules look like, see the Delaware solar market guide.

Permits and inspection

Pulling a residential solar permit in Wilmington

City of Wilmington Department of Licenses and Inspections typically runs residential solar permits in 2 to 4 weeks. SolarAPP+ is in pilot for select contractors. New Castle County unincorporated areas run through the county with similar timelines. Delmarva Power interconnection post-install typically runs 3 to 5 weeks.

Running a solar company here

Running a solar company in Wilmington

Running a solar company in Wilmington means working in a small, mature market with strong stacked incentives (SRECs + Green Energy Program grant + federal credit + retail NEM). The best Wilmington operators have templated workflows for all three incentive programmes. Lead costs run $100 to $180 on Google search, among the lowest in the US because installer density is modest.

Questions people ask

Solar in Wilmington: FAQ

Does Delmarva Power have net metering in Wilmington?

Yes, retail-rate net metering for residential solar systems up to 25 kW AC at Delmarva Power. Credits accrue monthly at retail; annual true-up at year-end with excess rolled forward.

What incentives apply in Wilmington?

Three stackable incentives: the Delaware Green Energy Program grant ($0.70 per watt DC capped at $5,000), ongoing SREC income (approximately $200 to $360 per year for a 7 kW system), and the 30 percent federal tax credit. All three apply to Wilmington residential installations.

How long does a solar permit take in Wilmington?

City of Wilmington Department of Licenses and Inspections typically runs residential solar permits in 2 to 4 weeks. SolarAPP+ is in pilot. New Castle County unincorporated runs similar timelines. Delmarva Power interconnection post-install adds 3 to 5 weeks.

How much does solar cost in Wilmington?

Wilmington runs about $2.90 per watt installed for residential, meaning a 7 kW system typically costs around $20,300 gross. After the 30 percent federal tax credit, the Green Energy Program grant, and the present value of 10 years of SREC income, effective net cost is often $8,500 to $10,500.

Is solar worth it in Wilmington?

Yes substantially. The combination of Delmarva Power retail NEM, the Green Energy Program grant, DE SREC income, and the 30 percent federal credit makes residential solar payback typically 6 to 9 years for Wilmington homes with suitable roofs.