2024 Solar Incentives Guide for Middletown, DE - Tax Credits & Rebates

In this guide, we'll cover the latest solar incentives and rebates available in Middletown.

You'll learn about:

  • Local & State Solar Incentives
  • Federal Tax Credits (Updated for 2024 and beyond)
  • Ways to optimize your solar investment

Solar installers are experts in maximizing your solar tax credits and rebates.
Get a free quote from one of our trusted Middletown solar installers to see how much you can save.

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated June 24, 2024

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We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

What Solar Tax Credits, Incentives, and Rebates are Available in Middletown?

Delmarva Power - Green Energy Program Incentives

Incentive Type:
Rebate Program
Solar PV
Residential: $0.70/W
Residenital Leased/PPA systems: Not eligible
Non-Residential (systems less than 6 kW): $0.50/W
Non-Residential (systems 6 kW or larger): $0.70/W
Non-Profit: $1.40/W

Wind
Residential: $0.85/W for first 5 kW, $0.25/W up to 50 kW
Non-Residential: $0.85/W for first 5 kW, $0.25/W up to 50 kW
Non-Profit: $1.75/W for first 5 kW, $1.00/W up to 50 kW

Solar Water Heating (SWH)
Residential: $1/kWh saved
Non-Residential: $1/kWh saved
Non-Profit: $2/kWh saved

GeoThermal Heat Pumps
Residential: $800/ton (first 2 tons), $700/ton (over 2 tons)
Non-Residential: $800/ton (first 2 tons), $700/ton (over 2 tons)
Non-Profit: $1,000/ton (first 2 tons), $800/ton (over 2 tons)

SREC Procurement Program

Incentive Type:
Solar Renewable Energy Credit Program
Market bid price for the first 10 years, $35 for the next 10 years.

Sustainable Electric Utility (SEU)- SREC Purchase Program

Incentive Type:
Solar Renewable Energy Credit Program
Upfront payment of $450/kW in exchange for the first 20 years of SRECs created by a solar system

Solar Renewable Energy Credits (SRECs) Spot Market Program

Incentive Type:
Solar Renewable Energy Credit Program
Varies based on market conditions; as of October 2014 the SRECs were trading at approximately $55 per MWh in SREC marketplace.

Delaware Electric Cooperative - Green Energy Program Incentives

Incentive Type:
Rebate Program
PV:
Class A and Class B: $0.50 for first 5kW, $0.20 after 5kW
Non-Profit: $1.05 for first 5kW, $0.52 after 5kW

Solar Thermal (water and radiant space heating), 20% of installed costs

Wind: $0.85/W

Fuel Cells: 20% of installed costs

Geothermal Heat Pumps: $700 - $800 per ton (varies by size)

Federal Residential Renewable Energy Tax Credit

Incentive Type:
Personal Tax Credit
30% federal tax credit for systems placed in service after 12/31/2021 and before 01/01/2033. Good for: solar water heat, solar photovoltaics, biomass, geothermal heat pumps, wind (small), fuel cells using renewable fuels.

Source: https://www.dsireusa.org/


The term "solar incentives" covers a wide range of financial incentives put in place to make installing and using solar panels more affordable. This is done to encourage people to switch to renewable energy. Different kinds of incentives, including discounts, cash back or credit towards your monthly utility bill, may be available to you. Certain incentives may be provided via the Delaware government, by your utility company or by county or municipality, while other incentives are federal. You might qualify for any of the following types of solar incentives:

  • Tax Credits: Tax credits are dollar-for-dollar reductions in the amount of income tax that you owe the government. (This is different from a tax deduction.)
  • Net Metering: You can sign a net metering agreement with your Middletown utility company that will apply to all or a percentage of the excess electricity your solar panels generate. Your utility company will then subtract this value from your utility bill each month.
  • Rebates: Solar companies may help you claim a rebate, or partial refund after purchase, for your solar system. States or counties will also offer limited-time rebates at various times. The value of a rebate will usually come off your total price before any tax credits are calculated.
  • Tax Exemptions: These may come in the form of property tax exemptions, which can let you exclude the value added by your solar panels when paying taxes on your house. You may also qualify for an exemption on sales tax at the time of purchase.
  • Solar Renewable Energy Certificate (SREC): In general, solar systems that produce more than a predetermined (usually small) amount of electricity qualify for SRECs or other similar performance-based incentives. SRECs and similar incentives are typically provided at the state level. SRECs can be sold to your utility company or another buyer, and the money you receive is normally considered part of your taxable income.

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Federal Solar Incentives

Federal solar incentives are likely the first thing that comes to mind when thinking about solar incentives. One of the incentives many people are probably familiar with is the Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC). This is a tax credit for a given percentage of your solar system's cost.

The ITC originally covered 30% of the cost of solar system installation, although that number has fluctuated slightly over the years between 26-30%. The installation date of your solar system will determine what percentage you qualify for. The total cost of installation includes the panels themselves as well as the cost of equipment, labor and accessories. There is no maximum amount you can claim. The ITC can be applied to solar systems installed after January 1, 2006, on your primary or secondary residence. The residence must be owned by you and in the United States.

Your local Middletown solar panel installation expert can give you more information about the ITC and how it applies to your situation.

In August 2022, the Inflation Reduction Act laid out new provisions for the ITC, now referred to as the Clean Energy Credit. For solar system installations that begin after January 1, 2022, and are completed by the end of 2032, homeowners can receive a credit equal to 30% of the total cost. The percentage will then decrease annually until the Clean Energy Credit expires in 2035. The expansion also makes it easier to get credit for energy storage systems, beginning in 2023.

Click here to learn more about the new Inflation Reduction Act. The easiest way to learn more about how the new Clean Energy Credit might apply to you is to get in touch with your local Middletown solar panel installation expert.

State & Local Solar Incentives

Some solar incentives are often also offered at the local or state level. Similar to federal incentives, these may include tax credits, rebates and more. Certain incentives are ongoing, while others might only be available for a limited time. Solar incentives may be offered by your county or municipality, or by the Delaware government.

Next Steps for Installing Solar in Middletown

The large number of available solar incentives has enormously increased the nationwide adoption of solar energy over the past 15 years. You might qualify for solar incentives from your local utility company, the Delaware government or the federal government. When you're ready to switch over to solar energy, talking to your local Middletown solar panel installation expert is a great first step.

EcoWatch's Middletown, DE Solar Incentives FAQs

How much can I save on my electric bill annually if I add solar panels to my Middletown home?

Once you add solar panels to your home in Middletown, you can expect to save about $906.76 per year, or about $17,228.42 over 20 years.

Who installs solar panel systems near me?

To learn about the top solar panel installers near you, read our article on the top solar companies in Middletown.

Can I receive incentives both towards the up-front cost of solar panels, and later as reimbursement?

Yes, you can claim both rebates and tax credits towards the cost of solar panels. Depending on which incentives you are receiving, they may apply in a different order. Be sure to speak with your solar installer or a local tax professional to verify that you are claiming incentives correctly and that you're getting the most money possible.

Can I receive any incentives when I add solar panels to a rental property, vacation home or commercial property?

While we recommend talking to your local solar installer and/or tax professional to fully understand what solar incentives apply to you, many can be claimed on a second home, as long as it is in the United States and owned by you. There may be other incentives available specifically for commercial properties, depending on the details.

Our goal is to reach as many people as we can with sensible solutions like solar energy. Our team of full-time local researchers collects solar price and installation data for every city in America then compiles it to create these digestible city guides. If you want to read our solar expert's opinion on the top solar companies featured here, follow this link.

Solar incentive research was conducted by Melissa Smith and Karsten Neumeister. Local data analysis was conducted by James Savino. See something we missed or could do better? Email the editor.

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