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5 Best Solar Companies in Delaware (2024 Guide)

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Default Author Icon Written by Tamara Jude + 1 other Reviewer Icon Reviewed by Roger Horowitz Updated 05/13/2024

Delaware may rank 39th in the United States for solar energy production,* but government officials have developed an aggressive Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) goal to increase its clean energy use. Delaware will dedicate 40% of its electricity use to green energy resources by 2035. The government has also introduced state incentives and programs to make going solar more affordable for its residents. 

Our team spent over 60 hours researching the best solar installers nationwide, including regional and local companies. We’ve selected Delaware’s best solar companies and offered shopping advice for finding the right solar installer for your home. 

*According to data from the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA).

Compare Solar Installers in Delaware

Company Star Rating BBB Rating Location Presence Link
4.2
A+ 10 States GET QUOTE
4.4
A+ 6 States GET QUOTE
4.2
NR 33 states GET QUOTE
4.2
A+ 9 States GET QUOTE
No results were found.

Delaware’s Top Solar Energy Companies


Our Top Picks for Solar Installation in Delaware

Learn more: SunPower review

Venture Solar Best Northeast Regional Installer
4.2
Pros and Cons
Pros High-efficiency solar panels through SunPower System monitoring via smart devices and computer Two-month installation turnaround, per the company Cons Limited panel selection Phone number required for online quotes No solar battery options
Why We Chose Venture Solar

Venture Solar focuses on a smaller regional coverage area to provide a more personalized experience. As a SunPower dealer, the company offers high-efficiency solar panels with higher-than-average energy production. These all-black panels blend into most roof designs, providing a more inconspicuous rooftop installation. Additional protection includes critter guards to keep pests away from your system.

Venture completes its installation with in-house teams, leading to a quicker and cleaner process. The company uses drone footage for its roofing assessments for improved measurements. Venture Solar states its installations take one day to complete, with an average two-month timeframe from design to activation.

Warranty and Financing

Warranty

Venture Solar includes a 25-year bumper-to-bumper warranty covering service, parts, and power output.

Financing Options

✔ Full purchase
✔ Loan
✔ Lease

Reputation and Awards

The company maintains an A+ rating with the BBB but is not accredited. Customers praised Venture Solar for its courteous and knowledgeable sales team, but some cited cases of numerous failed inspections due to project issues.

LGCY Power Best Solar Consultation
4.2
Pros and Cons: What Makes Them Different?
Pros Certified partner of Sunrun, one of the largest U.S. solar companies Hands-on, guided installation process from start to finish Library of informative blogs and solar power guides Cons Limited website details on offered solar products Some customer reviews noted customer support communication issues Varying product warranty lengths, depending on equipment
Why We Chose LGCY Power

LGCY Power offers a thorough solar consultation process, helping customers build the best custom system for their home. Customers receive a dedicated energy consultation that guides them through the solar panel installation. Its team also assists with applying for solar incentives, helping homeowners lower their solar panels costs. Its website includes guides and blogs on solar energy systems, financing options, and other solar-related topics.

The company works with Sunrun as a certified partner, offering its catalog of high-quality solar panels, inverters, and solar batteries. LGCY includes manufacturer and workmanship warranties. However, warranty length varies between products. LGCY also offers its customers ongoing system maintenance and 24-hour monitoring.

Warranty and Financing

Warranty
LGCY offers product, inverter, and workmanship warranties. However, warranty length varies between its products.

Financing Options
✔ Full purchase
✔ Loan
✔ Lease
✔ PPAs

Reputation and Awards

LGCY ranked 17th on the 2023 Inc. 5000 for the Rocky Mountain region. The company also ranked in 2019, 2021, and 2022. Utah Business chose LGCY for its 2019 Fast 50 list, recognized as one of the state’s fastest-growing companies.

The company maintains an A rating with the BBB* and is accredited by the organization. When checking online reviews, we found customers praised LGCY Power for its dedicated project managers and informed consultants but experienced communication issues with customer support.

Solar Energy World Best East Coast Installer
4.4
Pros and Cons
Pros Extensive catalog of solar panels, inverters, and solar batteries NABCEP-certified solar designers and in-house installers Complimentary system monitoring Cons Some customer reviews cite communication issues No company-level power production guarantee Warranty coverage varies by product
Why We Chose Solar Energy World

Solar Energy World focuses on a select East Coast service area to provide more personalized experiences. The company offers a large selection of solar panels from leading manufacturers, such as Silfab, LONGi, and Q Cells. Customers have more customization options with a choice of inverters and solar batteries, such as the popular Tesla Powerwall battery. Although the company offers manufacturer warranties with its purchases, they vary by product. 

Solar Energy World offers system monitoring and a dedicated app compatible with smartphones, computers, or tablets. The company assists with solar incentive applications and completes its projects with NABCEP-certified installers.

Warranty and Financing

Warranty
Solar Energy World offers 25–30 years of manufacturer coverage and up to 25 years for power production. However, coverage varies by solar panel and isn’t guaranteed by every brand.

Financing Options
✔ Full purchase
✔ Loan
✔ Lease
✔ PPA

Reputation and Awards

Solar Energy World was recognized as a Top Residential Installer by Solar Power World from 2014–2022. The company donates a portion of its profits to the GivePower Foundation, which provides solar-powered water purification solutions to developing countries. 

The company holds an A+ rating from the BBB and is accredited by the organization. In our customer review analysis, we noted that homeowners praised the company’s smooth installation process and knowledgeable staff but complained about communication issues that delayed their final system activation.

Learn more: Solar Energy World review


What Are the Available Solar Incentives in Delaware?

Delaware offers several solar incentives, credits, and rebates to help lower solar panel installation costs and support its aggressive green energy goals. Although it has fewer incentives than other states, homeowners can still save money. The federal solar tax credit provides 30% off installation costs for photovoltaic (PV) panels, solar shingles, and stand-alone solar batteries. All Delaware residents who legally own their systems qualify; leasing and PPA customers are excluded.

  • The Delaware Sustainable Electric Utility (DESEU) offers a renewable energy credits program. Customers earn solar renewable energy certificates (SRECs) for generating solar energy. You can sell these credits in a specialized SREC marketplace for cash. Residents earn one SREC for each megawatt-hour (MWh) their solar power system generates. Homeowners must apply for the program to begin earning SRECs. It’s a very competitive program, so acceptance is not guaranteed. 
  • Delaware’s net metering program means you receive a one-to-one bill credit on your electric bill for any excess electricity you produce and send back to the grid. Though payment rates vary among states, Delaware ensures customers receive the full retail electricity rate.
QUICK Tip
We recommend visiting the Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency (DSIRE) for an up-to-date list of available solar incentives and programs in your area.

Consider the factors below as you compare solar panel companies.

Solar Services

The solar installation process affects your customer experience and your system’s quality. Many companies use either in-house or third-party installers. In-house installers allow the company to maintain higher quality and better cross-team communication. Third-party installations involve various local contractors who may maintain varying standards. You’ll also have more points of contact with third-party teams, adding to communication issues. We recommend choosing solar companies with in-house installers to ensure a smooth process. 

We also suggest looking for companies that offer additional support services, such as ongoing system monitoring and energy audits. System monitoring offers insight into your panel performance, average energy usage, and system issues. Energy audits check your home for air leaks or poor insulation that could impact your energy costs. Resolving these efficiency issues will boost your solar system’s effectiveness and lower your energy bills. 

Warranties and Power Performance Guarantees

Most solar panel systems last 25 years or longer, so you’ll want excellent warranty coverage to protect long-term performance. Most solar installation companies offer manufacturer and workmanship coverage for each system. A manufacturer warranty covers any issues resulting from the manufacturer’s error. Workmanship warranties protect against issues caused by your solar installer. Both warranties are crucial to your system’s performance, ensuring your energy production and savings last through the system’s lifetime. Ideally, you’ll want the longest coverage available, so look for warranties that last 25 years or longer. 

Your installer may also offer a power production guarantee, which protects your system’s energy production. Solar panels lose 0.5% efficiency annually. Solar companies know about this gradual decline and add warranty provisions to back their panels’ performance. Top-performing residential panels include production protection for 25 years or longer, while cheaper solar panels include 10–15 years of coverage. During our solar company research, we’ve seen protections as low as two to 10 years. Although a power production guarantee isn’t typical, it’s an excellent added protection for your system’s long-term performance. 

Payment Options

Solar financing options affect your up-front costs and return on investment (ROI). Cash and solar loans are the two most common payment options and provide the best financial benefits. These options make you the legal system owner and qualify you for most solar incentives. You’ll benefit from additional solar savings and a better solar payback period, which is the time it takes for your system to pay for itself. 

Additional options, such as solar leases and power purchase agreements (PPAs), keep system ownership with the solar company. You won’t qualify for additional incentives and receive minimal financial benefits. However, solar leases work well for homeowners uninterested in owning a solar system. 

When we spoke with solar experts, they recommended cash payments and solar loans for maximum financial benefits.

Customer Support

You should also consider each company’s customer support options. When reading customer reviews, we noticed that some homeowners complained about unresponsive customer support teams. Some companies offer limited contact options, such as phone or email. Other companies include added contact features, such as online chat and in-app correspondence. Check each company’s contact options and customer reviews to gauge customer experience.


How To Get a Solar Quote in Delaware

You’ll need detailed product and service quotes to compare each solar company. Below is an overview of the typical quote process when researching Delaware solar installers. 

  1. Contact each solar installer: Most companies offer online forms or phone numbers to begin the quote process. When using online forms, check the terms to ensure you aren’t signing up for automated SMS and phone calls. When our team conducted secret shopping for solar installers, it was common to speak with at least two representatives. The first rep qualifies you for the company’s solar services, the next is the sales representative. 
  2. Schedule a consultation: You’ll meet with a company representative for an in-person or virtual appointment. Check your phone or computer for any system requirements indicated on the website for virtual visits. 
  3. Review your electricity use: This step requires access to your most recent energy bills. Solar companies review your past energy use to determine the best system size for your energy needs. Although some companies only require the most recent bill, having multiple months available is best. 
  4. Assess your roof layout: Companies must check your roof layout and available space to accurately plan your solar array. They’ll consider structural designs, such as chimneys and skylights, and check for surrounding objects and trees. Since solar panels work by absorbing sunlight, any objects that cast surface shadows will impact their efficiency. Reps may recommend tree removal, roof repair, or electrical services before your solar system installation. 
  5. Create your solar system: The solar company will build your system based on your previous assessments. You’ll have input into the type of solar panels, available inverters, and any add-ons or upgrades, such as electric vehicle (EV) chargers and solar batteries. Customization options vary between providers. 
  6. Check the final system design and contract: You’ll receive a detailed quote listing all items for your new solar system. Your itemized quote includes all equipment details, solar panel costs, labor charges, and warranty coverage. Installers also provide details on financing options and your estimated solar panel payback period. Some solar installers also assist with solar incentive applications to help reduce your up-front costs. We recommend reviewing each company’s final quote and contract before committing to a provider.

Our Conclusion

SunPower tops our list of best Delaware solar installers thanks to its industry-leading, high-efficiency systems and 25 years of system protection. Although it’s more expensive than many providers, it’s worth it to invest in a reputable company with leading solar technology. 

We recommend getting free quotes from at least three companies as you search for the right solar provider.


Other Delaware Home Service Resources


FAQ About Solar Companies in Delaware

Can you get free solar in Delaware?

No, free solar panels are not available in Delaware. However, you can use federal and state solar incentives to reduce your solar conversion costs. Local utility companies also offer rebates and credits to customers converting to solar power. Check with your utility company for more information. 

Does Delaware have a solar tax credit?

No, Delaware does not offer a state solar tax credit. Instead, homeowners should use the federal solar tax credit to qualify for up to 30% off their solar panel installation costs. This credit is available to all residents who own their solar panel system. 

Does Delaware offer property tax exemption for solar?

No, Delaware does not exempt property taxes for solar panel installation. Residents benefit from the boost in home value with solar but will face high property taxes.

Can I lease solar panels in Delaware?

Yes, Delaware allows solar panel leasing. However, leases offer the least financial benefits and ROI. Unless you’re adamant about not owning your solar system, we recommend a cash payment or solar loan for the best financial benefits.


Our Rating Methodology

We are committed to providing comprehensive and unbiased reviews to our readers. After over a thousand hours of research on solar companies, interviews with experts, and common customer needs, we’ve created a detailed rating system for solar providers based on six factors:

  • Solar equipment, installation, and services (25%)
  • Warranty and performance guarantees (25%)
  • Brand reputation and certifications (15%)
  • Financing options (15%)
  • Experience (10%)
  • Availability (10%)

Total scores are divided by 20 for a final 5-point rating scale.

To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews team at reviews@thisoldhousereviews.com.