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Plug-in solar in Delaware

Not yet — Delaware's bill stalled in 2026

  • SB 270 proposed a lower 800 W cap
  • Did not reach final passage before the 2025–26 session ended

Last verified

Status
Bill stalled
Bill
SB 270
Signed
—
Effective
—
Size cap
800 W AC
Avg. electricity rate
18.48¢/kWh (+1% vs US)

800 W kit · typical year

$160saved

Payback ≈ 5.6 yrs · ranks #21 of 51 for savings

Delaware's SB 270 stood out for proposing a lower 800 W cap — the European norm — rather than the 1,200 W used elsewhere. It did not reach final passage before the 2025–2026 General Assembly session ended, so a new bill would be needed in 2027.

What plug-in solar is worth in Delaware

Delaware households pay an average of 18.48¢ per kWh, 1% above the US average of 18.31¢. With roughly 4.3 peak sun hours a day, here is what a well-placed system produces and saves. We assume panels facing south at about 30°, 86% system efficiency and 80% of output used on-site.

800 W kit (2 panels)

Saved per year
$160
Payback ($900 kit)
5.6 yr
Energy used
864 kWh/yr
25-year net
$3,091

1,200 W kit (max)

Saved per year
$239
Payback ($1,300 kit)
5.4 yr
Energy used
1,296 kWh/yr
25-year net
$4,686

Run your own numbers

Change the orientation, mounting and size to match your balcony.

800 W
80%

Plug-in systems aren't net-metered: surplus sent to the grid earns nothing. ~80% is typical without a battery; 95%+ with one.

Estimated savings · Delaware

$160/ year

≈ $13.30 per month

Payback
5.6 yrs
Energy used
864 kWh/yr
25-year net
$3,091
CO₂ avoided
700 lb/yr

Monthly savings profile

Estimates only. Rate: EIA July 2026 state average; sun hours: long-term averages. See our methodology.

What to do now

  1. 1Don't connect a grid-tied plug-in system yet — without a law, it may breach your utility agreement.
  2. 2Consider an off-grid setup in the meantime: a panel charging a portable power station is legal everywhere.
  3. 3Cut your bill today with no-cost measures — see our guide to lowering your electric bill.
  4. 4Contact your Delaware state legislators: constituent support is what moved the 2026 bills.

Delaware plug-in solar FAQ

Is plug-in solar legal in Delaware?

Not yet. A bill was introduced but stalled this session. Expect it back. Without a law, connecting a grid-tied plug-in system may violate your utility's interconnection rules. Off-grid setups (a panel charging a portable power station) are allowed everywhere.

How much can balcony solar save in Delaware?

At Delaware's average residential rate of 18.48¢/kWh (EIA, July 2026) and about 4.3 peak sun hours a day, a south-facing, tilted 800 W kit saves roughly $160 a year, paying back a $900 kit in about 5.6 years. Vertical railing mounts produce about 30% less.

What is the maximum plug-in solar size in Delaware?

The bill would allow up to 800 watts of AC output. That's roughly the safe continuous load on a standard 15-amp household circuit.

Sources

Not legal advice. Laws and effective dates can change; confirm with official Delaware sources and your utility.