Delaware Green Energy Program Grants and Rebates Best state incentives to help residential homeowners cut installation costs
Delaware is not among the big states of the United States, but it does not mean that Delawarians cannot contribute much towards a clean environment. The state is committed to supporting its residential homeowners in switching to solar energy. Besides the 30% federal solar tax credit, Delaware offers local solar incentive programs for promoting green energy. With state solar rebates like the Delaware Green Energy Program Grants, homeowners can switch to solar energy by offsetting the high solar installation costs.
In this article, we will explore each Delaware Green Energy Program grant and how it is beneficial for a homeowner to install solar panels in Delaware.
What is the Delaware Green Energy Program?
Initially, the Green Energy Program began with one utility in 1999. Over the years, it has grown to include more utility companies. At that time, The Delaware Energy Office and the Delaware Economic Development Office (DEDO) were responsible for managing the grant program.
Due to legal requirements, the program is exclusive to Delmarva Power customers. Also, they are required to contribute to the fund. Electricity bills were, and still are, the source of monthly contributions to the Delmarva Power customer fund. There is a fee for each kilowatt-hour (kWh) that a customer buys from Delmarva Power. The actual cost per kWh is $0.000356. The State Green Energy Program for Delmarva customers was Delaware’s only green energy program from 1999 until 2005.
Since 1999, the Green Energy Program has granted funds to over 4,300 renewable energy projects in Delaware. However, the other utilities in Delaware are also offering comparable initiatives.
What are the available grants in the Delaware Green Energy Program?
The Delaware Green Energy Program is sponsored by the DE Energy Office. It is a three-part state grant for the customers of the following utilities:
Delmarva Power & Light (DPL)
Delaware Electric Cooperative (DEC)
State Municipal Utilities
The funds are granted to applicants whose electricity supplier collects program funds and offers a grant program for renewable energy projects for eligible renewable energy systems installed in Delaware. However, each utility company that participates in the Green Energy Program and offers rebates has its own rules, specifications, and application forms.
Delmarva Power Green Energy Fund
Delmarva Power offers its customers a maximum of $6000 rebate for installing residential solar in Delaware. The aim is to support the maximum number of homeowners in going solar and saving on high electric bills for the future.
Installing qualified solar water heating, wind turbine, geothermal heat pump, and photovoltaic (PV) systems qualifies for program incentives.
Furthermore, the funding may also be available for energy efficiency education programs. Recently, the program was changed to permit projects funded by third-party power purchase agreements (PPAs).
For residential customers, 40% of rebate funding is available under the investor-owned program. And for non-residential customers, including energy efficiency education initiatives, the funding is 60%. The maximum grant does not exceed 65% of the annual gross income received by the Delmarva Power Green Energy Fund. The incentive terms vary according to technology, system size, and industry.
For eligibility, the residential solar system must be installed by the Delmarva Power Certified installer like SolarSME. Also, the PV solar must have a full 5-year warranty. Before getting funds, applicants must register with the Delaware Division of Accounting as an eSupplier. The grant processing is dependent upon the registration.
Delaware Electric Cooperative Green Energy Program Incentive
Under this program, the incentive amount for residential solar customers is $0.50 for the first 5kW and $0.20 after 5kW. Solar photovoltaic (PV), solar thermal, wind, fuel cells, and geothermal systems installed by DEC member-owners are eligible for incentives from the Delaware Electric Cooperative (DEC). Residential and non-residential member-owners get incentives based on average peak demand over 12 months.
Also, The members are distributed in two classes. Class A member-owners are those who, during the preceding 12 months, had an average monthly peak electric demand of 50 kW or less. A Class B member-owner is one who, during the preceding 12 months, had an average monthly peak energy demand of more than 50 kW.
Moreover, before the grant approval, the applicants may need to have an energy audit completed by a contractor certified by the Building Performance Institute (BPI). The incentives are available for wind and photovoltaic systems that are connected to the grid or off. However, the systems must supply loads that the electric utility handles. Renewable energy systems such as independent power producers or third-party ownership are not eligible for the green energy grant program.
Delaware Municipal Electric Corporation Green Energy Fund
In contrast to the State’s Green Energy Fund, this Municipal Green Energy Fund is independent and self-managed. On behalf of the nine municipal utilities in the state, Delaware Municipal Electric Corporation (DEMEC) is offering this rebate in Delaware. It is a joint action agency and wholesale electricity provider.
The nine members of DEMEC include Newark, New Castle, Middletown, Dover, Smyrna, Seaford, Lewes, Clayton, and Milford. Every municipal utility has an independent fund. Fund revenues of one utility are not accessible to customers of another utility.
What is Energize Delaware Residential Solar Loan?
The low-interest Energize Delaware Residential Solar Loan program aims to promote the acquisition of customer-owned and sited renewable energy. As a result, customers will be able to reduce their high electric bills, protection from power outages, and grid independence.
The total loan amount is $5,000 – $30,000 with an interest rate of 3.9. However, the total loan cannot exceed 70% of the project cost. Furthermore, the customer must be a residential homeowner of Delaware with a minimum 650 credit score.
So, if you live in Delaware and still have not switched to solar energy, the Geen Energy Program is to encourage you. As the state’s mission is to make clean energy affordable for all the residents, the utilities are also contributing by offering solar incentives in Delaware. The Green Energy Program is also designed to offset the solar installation cost for homeowners. What are you waiting for now? Plan your solar panel installation and reap all the other incentives along with a 30% tax credit.
Looking for a certified solar installer in Delaware? SolarSME can assist you in switching to solar power and saving big for the future by reaping all the best solar incentives in the state.
