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5 Best Solar Companies in Delaware (2024 Guide)

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Author Image Written by Tamara Jude + 1 other Reviewed by Roger Horowitz Updated 11/07/2024

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).

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Delaware’s Top Solar Energy Companies


Our Top Picks for Solar Installation in Delaware

Blue Raven Solar

4.4

Blue Raven Solar has one of the best reputations for reliability and trustworthiness. It has won awards for its team and CEO, and customer reviews report great customer service and prompt installations. The company also stands out for its in-house financing, which includes 18 months of free solar energy.

Out of all solar brands in the market, 6.5% of our survey respondents chose Blue Raven.

How We Scored Blue Raven Solar

Blue Raven received 4.4 out of 5 stars according to our rating system. The company scored the most points for its customer service reputation and warranty coverage. It also earned points for providing all standard solar panel services but lost some due to its limited financing options and lack of roof leak coverage.

  • Solar Equipment and Services (18 out of 25 points): Blue Raven offers solar panel and battery installation, active monitoring services, and energy audits. However, it doesn’t offer solar roofs, EV chargers, or additional roofing services. 
  • Warranty and Performance Guarantees (22 out of 25 points): The company offers top-of-the-line warranties, including a 25-year workmanship warranty. The company earned points fo providing a performance guarantee, but its guarantee is shorter than many other providers. However, it doesn’t provide any roof leak coverage. 
  • Brand Reputation and Professional Certifications (13 out of 15 points): Blue Raven has high customer review ratings on its BBB profile and other popular review sites. The company uses in-house installers but doesn’t ensure they’re NABCEP-certified, which made it lose some points in this category.
  • Financing Options (12 out of 15 points): Blue Raven offers some of the best in-house financing of the companies this list, but it limits this financing to solar loans. You may want to consider a different provider, such as Sunrun, if you’re looking for a lease or PPA.
  • Industry Experience (7 out of 10 points): Blue Raven has less experience than other providers, with only 10 years in the industry.
  • State Availability (7 out of 10 points): The company limits its service area to 19 states.

Warranty and Financing

Warranty

A Blue Raven system has a 25-year product warranty, a 10-year workmanship warranty, and a two-year production guarantee.

Financing Options

✔ Full purchase
✔ Loan

State Availability

Available in: Colorado, Florida, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nevada, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, South Carolina, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington

Reputation and Reviews

Blue Raven has won numerous awards from Comparably, a site known for its company culture and reputation reviews. It also ranked No. 20 on Glassdoor’s Best Place to Work in the USA in 2021.

Blue Raven is accredited by the BBB and currently holds an A+ rating. We noted that customers praised the knowledgeable staff and prompt installation but cited poor communication after completing projects. We analyzed several consumer reviews and found that some of these issues stem from the company’s financing department and third-party installers.

Read our review of Blue Raven Solar for more information.

Venture Solar

4.2

Venture Solar specializes in installing systems that are perfectly symmetrical and have no visible wiring or mounting devices. This design provides a simple, stylish look tailored to your roof’s appearance. Additionally, Venture offers comprehensive financing options similar to Sunrun, making solar energy more accessible to homeowners.

How We Scored Venture Solar

Venture earned 4.2 out of 5 stars. It gained most of its points due to its flexible financing options paired with an in-house financing department. It also provides plenty of solar services to match most customers’ wants and needs, though it lost points for lacking roofing services, energy audits, and EV charger installations. 

  • Solar Equipment and Services (16 out of 25 points): Venture offers solar panel and battery installation with active monitoring. The company lost points in this category because it doesn’t provide EV chargers, solar roof installation services, energy audits, and roof repairs.
  • Warranty and Performance Guarantees (25 out of 25 points): The company features excellent warranty perks with 25 years on labor, products, and performance. It also includes roof leak protection. 
  • Brand Reputation and Professional Certifications (13 out of 15 points): Venture has a great reputation. It features high ratings on its BBB profile with an accreditation and no active issues like lawsuits.
  • Financing Options (14 out of 15 points): Venture provides financing options through an in-house financing team and works with every payment method except PPAs. 
  • Industry Experience (7 out of 10 points): The company holds only eight years of experience in the solar industry.
  • State Availability (7 out of 10 points): Venture has a limited service area of only three states.

Pros and Cons

Pros Provides transparent information about its financing options online Includes remote monitoring Includes a 25-year roof and system warranty with all panel systems Cons Requires your phone number to submit an online quote Reviews mention mixed experiences with customer support Doesn’t work with power purchase agreement

Warranty and Financing

Warranty

Venture offers a 25-year bumper-to-bumper warranty that covers workmanship, products, and power output. 

Financing Options

✔ Full purchase
✔ Loan
✔ Lease

State Availability

Available in: Connecticut, Massachusetts, and New York.

Reputation and Reviews

Venture has an A+ rating and accreditation on its BBB profile. According to customer reviews, the company provides high-quality workmanship on its solar panel systems and good customer support. However, some customers have raised concerns about the pricing and quoting process. They found it confusing to determine the total cost of their system and experienced frequent back-and-forth over pricing.

Some customers also noted that Venture focuses on premium products, leading to higher pricing even when unnecessary. We found several Reddit threads discussing Venture where other solar customers and installers mentioned similar experiences.

Solar Energy World

4.4

Solar Energy World (SEW) is one of the most robust and well-regarded solar installation companies. It boasts several impressive features, such as its 30-year manufacturer’s warranty. Its service area is limited, and it doesn’t offer energy auditing services. We like that SEW discloses what solar panels it primarily works with and that the panels are from trusted, quality brands such as Qcells and Silfab.

Roughly 11% of our surveyed solar users purchased their system from Solar Energy World.

How We Scored Solar Energy World

SEW scored 4.4 out of 5 stars according to our methodology. The company received many points because of its warranty, which is longer than most other solar companies’ warranties. SEW offers a 30-year manufacturer’s warranty on all its solar panels and inverters, whereas many providers only offer 25-year warranties.

  • Solar Equipment and Services (18 out of 25 points): The company is an ideal option for many basic solar products and services, such as solar panels and battery installation. It lost points because it doesn’t install EV chargers or perform energy audits.
  • Warranty and Performance Guarantees (19 out of 25 points): SEW’s manufacturer and labor warranties are standout features, but the company doesn’t include any production guarantees with its work. 
  • Brand Reputation and Professional Certifications (15 out of 15 points): The company’s reputation is one of the best, with high BBB and Google Reviews ratings. We also found no active alerts or lawsuits.
  • Financing Options (13.5 out of 15 points): SEW offers all possible solar payment options but doesn’t provide an in-house financing department. 
  • Industry Experience (8 out of 10 points): The company has been in business since 2009, so it received most of the points in this category.
  • State Availability (6 out of 10 points): SEW limits its service area to eight East Coast states.

Pros and Cons

Pros Features an extensive solar product catalog with trusted brands Includes free active monitoring Hires NABCEP-certified installers and designers Cons Reviews mention communication issues with staff Warranty coverage varies by solar panel brand Doesn’t offer a power production guarantee

Warranty and Financing

Warranty

SEW offers a 30-year manufacturer’s warranty on all purchased solar panels and inverters. However, coverage varies by brand, and the company doesn’t guarantee them with every panel option. 

Financing Options

✔ Full purchase
✔ Loan
✔ Lease
✔ PPA

State Availability

Available in: Washington, D.C, Delaware, Florida, Maryland, New Jersey, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, and Virginia

Reputation and Reviews

The company landed on Solar Power World’s 2023 Top Solar Contractors List in the No. 10 spot.

The BBB accredits SEW, and the company holds an A+ rating. Former customers praise the company for its professionalism, assistance with applying for financial incentives, and smooth installation process. However, some reported discrepancies in finances and scheduling.

Learn more: Solar Energy World review

Sunrun

4.5

We like Sunrun for its four financing options, including its unique leasing options if you don’t want to own your system. This stands out to us because the other companies on this list don’t offer as many options.

Prepaid and leased systems also include a 25-year warranty with system service and maintenance, ongoing monitoring, and theft insurance. The company even offers financing plans for quality monocrystalline solar panels and products from trusted brands such as LG.

How We Scored Sunrun

Sunrun earned 4.4 out of 5 stars based on our methodology. The company gained many points for its positive reputation, comprehensive leasing options, and well-rounded warranty coverage. It lost some points for is limited service selection.

  • Solar Equipment and Services (15 out of 25 points): Sunrun provides solar panel and battery installation but uses third-party installers. Though this is becoming an industry standard, in-house installers typically yield better communication and quality. The company also doesn’t provide roofing services or energy audits but does offer quality active monitoring assistance. 
  • Warranty and Performance Guarantees (19 out of 25 points): Sunrun offers quality warranties, such as its 25-year manufacturer and labor warranty, but doesn’t include a performance guarantee. 
  • Brand Reputation and Professional Certifications (13 out of 15 points): Sunrun has one of the higher customer BBB ratings we’ve encountered, and the company maintains an overall positive customer reputation online.
  • Financing Options (13.5 out of 15 points): The company doesn’t offer any in-house financing but provides more warranty coverage for customers interested in solar leasing than other providers, such as Palmetto.
  • Industry Experience (9 out of 10 points): Sunrun holds 17 years of experience in the solar industry, making it a veteran compared to a newer company such as Blue Raven Solar.
  • State Availability (8 out of 10 points): The company only serves 18 states.

Pros and Cons

Pros Provides system monitoring that signals issues with your system Offers diverse financing options to suit various budgets Provides EV and solar battery solutions Cons Limited online information on solar incentive disqualification with leases Requires added costs for the same coverage plans as leased and prepaid customers Varies solar battery availability by state

Warranty and Financing

Warranty

Sunrun backs its systems with a 10-year comprehensive warranty which includes product, roof penetration, and workmanship coverage.

Financing Options

✔ Full purchase
✔ Loan
✔ Lease
PPA

State Availability

Available in: California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Hawaii, Illinois, Massachusetts, Maryland, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Texas, Vermont, plus Washington, D.C. and Puerto Rico.

Reputation and Reviews

The company earned DroneDeploy’s 2022 Guardian of Safety Award for incorporating drone technology in its site assessments. In 2021 and 2022, Sunrun was recognized by Comparably with 14 awards. Its accolades include Best CEOs for Diversity 2022, Best Company Culture 2021, and Best Company for Women two years in a row.

Sunrun currently holds an A+ rating from the BBB and is accredited. Former customers praised the comprehensive coverage for leased systems but complained about delayed installations, poor customer service, and poor communication with project managers. Additionally, some customers note being confused by Sunrun’s leasing and PPA options, though they also mention Sunrun is willing to discuss and clarify these plans.

Paradise Energy Solutions Best Mid-Atlantic Regional Installer
4.4
Pros and Cons
Pros Full-service installations with in-house installers High-efficiency panel solutions from Q Cells Smaller service area for more customized service Cons Additional costs for tiered monitoring and servicing protection plans Shorter workmanship and production guarantee coverage System monitoring is limited to 10 years
Why We Chose Paradise Energy Solutions

Paradise Energy Solutions offers full-service solar installations to Mid-Atlantic homeowners. The company employs in-house installers and guides you through the entire installation process, from design to activation. The company installs high-efficiency Q Cell panels and Enphase inverters. New customers receive the company’s “Triple Ten Guarantee,” covering workmanship, performance, and system monitoring. The company will compensate you if your system falls short of your estimated production levels.

Its Paradise Protect Service Plan includes tiered options for advanced system monitoring, performance analysis, and annual on-site checkups for solar owners outside their initial warranty. This includes existing customers or homeowners with systems from other solar providers. Paradise offers additional solar services to help maintain your system, such as maintenance and checkups, panel removal and reinstallation, and critter guard installation. It offers these at-cost services to any solar customers within its service area.

Warranty and Financing

Warranty
Paradise Solar Solutions provides 25–30 year manufacturer warranties that vary by solar panel brand. The company’s “Triple Ten Guarantee” includes 10 years of workmanship, performance, and system monitoring coverage.

Financing Options
✔ Full purchase
✔ Loan

Reputation and Awards

Paradise Energy Solutions holds an A+ rating from the BBB but is not accredited. We noted that homeowners were impressed by the company’s courteous customer service team and prompt installation experience, but some cited roof leak issues after installation.

Note: In July 2024, SunPower notified dealers it would be halting all new shipments and project installations. The company also noted it would “no longer be supporting new Leases and PPA sales nor new project installations of these financing options.


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.
  • Certain utility companies offer other solar rebates and credits directly to their customers. The Delmarva Power Green Energy Program offers up to 70 cents per watt for a solar system, with a $6,000 maximum. The Delaware Electric Cooperative (DEC) Green Energy Program provides rebates for 50 cents per watt up to 5 kW and 20 cents for any additional watts.

Quick Tip


What Should You Look For in a Solar Company?

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 Production 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

Your method of paying for solar affects 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

Solar Energy World tops our list of best Delaware solar installers thanks to its years of experience and high-efficiency solar panels.

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.