Delaware

DE

SB 270 — Plug-In Solar Device Consumer Access Act

Pending
Current Status
Last verified: March 2026

Legislative Status

Introduced in Senate. In Senate Energy & Transit Committee. No committee vote yet.

Sponsored by: Sen. Marie Pinkney

Legislation Progress

Introduced

15%

pipeline complete

Introduced
In Committee
Passed Committee
One Chamber
Both Chambers
Gov. Desk
Enacted

Passage Likelihood

40%

Introduced in Senate committee. Delaware has a Democratic trifecta. Governor Meyer (D) is generally supportive of clean energy. No committee vote yet. Session ends June 30, giving time.

Session Deadline

June 30, 2026

Legislative calendar cutoff

Expected Timeline

Committee vote possible April–May 2026. Passage possible by June 2026 if committee acts.

Delaware Solar Data

Avg. Electricity Rate14.8¢/kWh
TOU Peak Spread
6¢/kWh
Est. Annual Savings
~$190/yr
Last UpdatedMarch 2026
Calculate DE Savings
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Key Provisions

Would exempt certified plug-in solar devices from PSC interconnection requirements. Allows self-installation without permits.

Effective DateNot specified in bill text
Wattage Limit1,200 watts
UL 3700Not mentioned
PermitNot addressed
Utility ApprovalWaived
UL 3700 DetailsUL or equivalent nationally recognized testing laboratory certification required
HOA / DeedNot addressed in the bill text.
RentersNot addressed in the bill text.
Net MeteringNot explicitly addressed.
What Makes This State Unique

SB 270 follows the standard model legislation template. Delaware's small size and single major utility (Delmarva Power) could simplify implementation.

Notable Gaps

Does not address HOA restrictions, renter rights, net metering, or building permits.

What This Means for You

What You Can Do

If passed: self-install without Delmarva Power approval.

Current Limitations

Law not yet enacted. Utilities require interconnection agreements for grid-tied systems.

Official Bill Reference

Introduced · In Senate Energy & Transit Committee (2026)
View Full Bill Text — SB 270

Opens official state legislature website in a new tab.

Delaware State Overview

Key data on solar potential, demographics, utilities, and incentives.

Solar Resource
Peak Sun Hours4.88 hrs/day
Optimal Tilt20°
Best FacingDue South (180°)
Est. Annual Output (800W)1,123 kWh/yr
Best MonthsApril–September

The PVWatts energy estimate is based on an hourly performance simulation using a typical-year weather file that represents a multi-year historical period for Wilmington, DE for a Fixed (open rack) photovoltaic system. The kWh range is based on analysis of a nearby data site.

Major Utilities
Delmarva Power
~344,000 customers
Net metering
Delaware Electric Cooperative
~84,000 customers
Net metering
Delaware Municipal Electric Corporation
~99,000 customers
Net metering

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 Income
$79,362
Median Home Value
$345,000

27% of Delaware households are renter-occupied — approximately 108,551 households that could benefit from plug-in solar without owning their home.

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.

Delaware has a fully deregulated electricity market. You may be able to get plug-in solar bundled with your electricity plan through a Retail Energy Provider (REP) — potentially at lower cost than buying hardware outright.

Learn about REP partner offers →

News Coverage

Media coverage of plug-in solar developments in Delaware.

Balcony solar is taking state legislatures by storm

Canary MediaFebruary 2026