Plug-In Solar in Delaware — Legislation Pending
Bill: SB 270 — Plug-In Solar Device Consumer Access Act
Sponsor: Sen. Marie Pinkney
Legislative Status: Introduced in Senate. In Senate Energy & Transit Committee. No committee vote yet.
Current Status: Introduced · In Senate Energy & Transit Committee (2026)
Is Plug-In Solar Legal in Delaware?
Delaware has active plug-in solar legislation under SB 270, currently introduced, but it has not been enacted. Before installing or connecting equipment, confirm current utility or interconnection rules, local code or permit requirements, property or lease conditions, outlet and electrical suitability, and the equipment listing and manufacturer instructions.
Last Updated: March 2026
Key Information
| Average Electricity Rate | 14.8¢/kWh |
| Estimated Annual Savings | $175/year |
| TOU Rate Spread | 6¢/kWh |
| Peak Sun Hours/Day | 4.3 |
| Retail Choice | full |
Key Provisions
Would exempt certified plug-in solar devices from PSC interconnection requirements. Allows self-installation without permits.
Law Provisions
| Effective Date | Not specified in bill text |
| Wattage Limit | 1,200 watts |
| UL 3700 | not_mentioned — UL or equivalent nationally recognized testing laboratory certification required |
| HOA Provision | Not addressed in the bill text. |
| Renter Provision | Not addressed in the bill text. |
| Utility Approval | Waived |
| Permit Required | Not addressed |
| Backfeed/Net Metering | Not explicitly addressed. |
| Key Differences | SB 270 follows the standard model legislation template. Delaware's small size and single major utility (Delmarva Power) could simplify implementation. |
| Notable Omissions | Does not address HOA restrictions, renter rights, net metering, or building permits. |
What You Can Do
If passed: self-install without Delmarva Power approval.
What You Can't Do (Yet)
Law not yet enacted. Utilities require interconnection agreements for grid-tied systems.
Available Rebates & Incentives
Delaware Green Energy Program offers utility rebates ($0.70/W from Delmarva Power, up to $6,000; $0.35/W from Delaware Electric Cooperative). Delaware has no state sales tax — solar equipment is automatically tax-free. Net metering for systems up to 25 kW. Delaware SREC market (~$30/SREC for first 10 years). The federal 30% ITC (Section 25D) expired December 31, 2025.
Incentive Program Links
- Delaware Green Energy Program — DNREC — Utility rebates: Delmarva Power $0.70/W (up to $6,000); Delaware Electric Cooperative $0.35/W.
- Delaware Net Metering — PSC — Net metering for residential systems up to 25 kW; credits carry over monthly.
- DSIRE — Delaware Solar Incentives — Full list of Delaware state and utility solar incentive programs.
Demographics (US Census 2023)
| Population | 1,031,388 |
| Total Households | 402,038 |
| Owner-Occupied | 293,487 |
| Renter-Occupied | 108,551 |
| Single-Family Homes | 282,100 |
| Apartment Units (5+) | 30,357 |
| Median Household Income | $79,362 |
| Median Home Value | $345,000 |
Solar Resource Data (NREL PVWatts)
| Peak Sun Hours/Day | 4.88 |
| Optimal Tilt Angle | 20° |
| Optimal Azimuth | Due South (180°) |
| Est. Annual kWh (800W system) | 1123 kWh |
| Best Solar Months | April–September |
Major Utilities
| Utility | Customers | Net Metering |
|---|---|---|
| Delmarva Power | ~344,000 customers | Yes |
| Delaware Electric Cooperative | ~84,000 customers | Yes |
| Delaware Municipal Electric Corporation | ~99,000 customers | Yes |
News Coverage
- Balcony solar is taking state legislatures by storm — Canary Media (February 2026)
Explore Your Next Steps in Delaware
Use these tools and guides alongside the state-specific rules above to evaluate your space, potential savings, and the right connection approach.
- Compare every state — Return to the national tracker to compare enacted laws, pending bills, and unclear jurisdictions.
- Check your DE setup readiness — Review placement, outlet, property, and state-rule questions before choosing equipment.
- Estimate savings in Delaware — Use your location and setup assumptions to estimate bill savings and storage value.
- Follow the national legislation picture — See how pending proposals compare with enacted plug-in solar frameworks in other states.