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Energize Delaware offers several ways to reduce the cost of home upgrades, including rebates for energy efficiency improvements, weatherization assistance, and Solar Renewable Energy Credits (SRECs). Explore available programs below and find out how much you could save.
In Delaware, the Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) requires electricity suppliers to source a portion of their energy from solar generators. To meet this requirement, Delmarva Power must purchase Solar Renewable Energy Credits (SRECs) annually.
An SREC is created for every megawatt-hour (MWh), or 1,000 kilowatt-hours (kWh), of electricity generated by a solar system. SRECs represent the renewable attributes of the electricity produced and are traded separately from the electricity itself.
SREC values are determined by market forces, primarily supply and demand, and may be sold to electricity suppliers seeking to satisfy their solar RPS obligations. We are committed to supporting the RPS and strengthening the SREC market through dedicated programs.
Annual SREC Procurement
In 2011, Delaware amended its Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) to shift the responsibility for acquiring SRECs from power providers to electric distribution companies, largely making Delmarva Power the primary long-term buyer. In response, Delmarva Power proposed the SREC Delaware Procurement Program to offer long-term contracts to SREC sellers through competitive bidding.
Delmarva Power selected Energize Delaware to operate the program and plans to run at least one solicitation each year to fulfill its long-term SREC needs.
Each procurement is bid-based and categorizes solar properties into tiers based on attributes like system size, interconnection date, and ownership type. Applicants have a two-week window to submit bids, specifying system details and a desired SREC price. After the window closes, the Program Administrator verifies the bids, ranks them by price, and accepts the lowest bids in each tier until full. Winning bidders receive multi-year contracts to sell their SRECs through the program.
Solar properties built with Delaware labor or Delaware-manufactured parts may receive a 10% SREC bonus for each qualification. Properties meeting both criteria qualify for a 20% bonus. The Delaware Public Service Commission certifies whether a property meets the bonus requirements.
Here is a guide from the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) with some considerations when installing solar panels in Delaware.
Should you have any questions, contact Drew Slater at 302-883-3038 or at Drew.Slater@deseu.org.
The Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP), offered through the Delaware Division of Climate, Coastal, and Energy, provides weatherization services to low-income households across the state. The program aims to lower energy costs by improving home energy efficiency while enhancing health, safety, and overall comfort.
The process begins with a comprehensive energy audit conducted by a trained professional, who will assess your home’s energy performance and may recommend installing one or more of the following measures:
State Weatherization Program
Energy Coordinating Agency – ECA
WAP is administered by the Energy Coordinating Agency.
You can apply here or call 302-504-6111. For application assistance, email info@ecasavesenergy.org
Homeowners and customers of Delmarva Power, Delaware Electric Cooperative, and Delaware Municipal Electric Corporation are eligible for grants to offset the installed cost of photovoltaic, solar water heating, wind and geothermal renewable energy technologies.
The Green Energy Program is administered by DNREC.
To check the status of your grant application, email DNREC.GEP@delaware.gov, include your full name, address, and electric utility provider when requesting information.
For assistance or questions about the online application system, contact Green Grant Delaware Customer Service at 1-877-453-2327.