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New to plug-in solar?

Plug-in solar lets anyone generate free electricity — no roof, no permit, no contractor. A single panel on your balcony can meaningfully cut your bill, especially as rates keep rising.

What is plug-in solar? →How it saves you money →
Pending legislation

Coming Soon — Delaware is considering plug-in solar legislation

Would permit residential plug-in solar systems up to 800W without utility approval or interconnection requirements.

Get notified when Delaware goes legal

We track every vote. One email when this bill passes — no spam.

🔋

Solar you can use in Delaware today, while you wait

Plug-in solar that ties into your home's wiring isn't legal here yet — but a portable solar generator (a panel charging a battery you plug devices into directly) never touches your home's wiring, so it's legal everywhere, including Delaware, right now.

See solar backup options →

Bill Status

Bill number
SB 270
Expected vote
In Committee — 2026 session
Proposed watt cap
800W AC
As written in current bill text — subject to amendment
Primary utility
Delmarva Power / Delaware Electric Co-op

Pending bill information may change as legislation advances. Bill text, watt caps, and effective dates are subject to amendment or failure. This is not legal advice.

What to Expect If This Passes

🔌

Up to 800W, no permit

The bill as drafted would allow systems up to 800W AC connected to a standard household outlet — no permit, no utility approval required.

⚡

No net metering

The bill does not include net metering for plug-in systems. Excess generation would not be credited. Self-consumption maximization is key.

🏠

Renters included

The bill does not restrict installation to homeowners. Renters would still need landlord consent, but no permanent installation is required.

Electricity Cost Trend

↑ 4.0%/yr avg — Moderate
Rates up 22% over the past 5 years
From $0.115/kWh in 2021 → $0.140/kWh today. Every year you delay solar, your bills compound.
4.0%
avg. annual increase
Historical avg. residential rate ($/kWh)
$0.115
2021
$0.120
2022
$0.124
2023
$0.129
2024
$0.135
2025
$0.140
2026
20-year projected rate
$0.307/kWh
at 4.0%/yr escalation
Extra you'll pay over 20 yrs*
$1,369
vs. today's rates (1,000 kWh/mo household)
Best time to go solar
Now
Each year of delay = a year of higher grid bills

Estimated Savings Preview

Based on Delaware's $0.140/kWh avg. rate and 4.3 sun hours/day. Use this to plan — not to make a purchase yet.

Best-fit kits for Delaware

sorted by your payback period
10yr payback~$2,484 lifetime savings

PluggedSolar 800W Plug-In Kit

Four 200W panels + UL 1741 microinverter + WiFi monitor. Sold on Amazon.

Output
800W
Lifespan
25 yrs
●Panel warranty: 25 yr
●Inverter: 10 yr
UL1741
$999~$100/yr avg cost
Buy on Amazon →
11yr payback~$1,211 lifetime savings

CraftStrom 400W Eco Line Plug-In Kit

400W Eco Line bifacial panel + ETL/UL 1741 microinverter.

Output
400W
Lifespan
25 yrs
●Panel warranty: 25 yr
●Inverter: 10 yr
ETLUL1741
$530~$48/yr avg cost
Shop Now →
12yr payback~$2,284 lifetime savings

EcoFlow STREAM Ultra (with battery)

Hybrid microinverter + 1.92kWh LFP battery. Stores daytime generation for evening use.

Output
800W
Battery
1.92 kWh
●Panel warranty: 25 yr
●Inverter: 10 yr
UL1741FCC
$1,199~$100/yr avg cost
Shop Now →

Payback estimates use your current slider settings with each product's wattage and price. We earn an affiliate commission on purchases at no extra cost to you.

Default: 4.3h/day (Delaware avg)
$1,200
$900$2,200
800W
400W800W
60%
30%100%
$0.140/kWh
$0.080/kWh$0.400/kWh
Rate Escalation Scenario
Year 1 Generation
640 kWh
53 kWh/mo
Year 1 Savings
$90
$7/mo
Payback Period
12 yrs
by year 12
25-Year Savings
$3,483
net $2,283
ℹPanels typically last 25–30 years with a 25-year output warranty. Microinverters carry a 10–25 year warranty depending on brand. Battery modules degrade faster — expect 10–15 years before capacity drops below 80%. The 25-year savings figure above assumes the panel and inverter run for the full window; budget ~$200–$400 for an inverter swap around year 15 if needed.
Cumulative Savings vs. Break-even ($)
Selected scenario2% escalation8% escalationBreak-even
Calculator AssumptionsSavings estimates are projections based on average sun hours, self-consumption assumptions, and rate escalation scenarios. Actual results vary by roof orientation, shading, usage patterns, and local rate schedules. The federal ITC for residential solar expired December 31, 2025.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a Delaware HOA prevent me from installing solar panels?
No. Delaware House Bill 65 (2019) prohibits homeowner associations from restricting the installation of roof-mounted or ground-mounted solar panels on private residences.
Is plug-in or balcony solar specifically addressed under Delaware law?
No. Delaware's HB 65 and net metering rules were written for conventional solar installations and do not specifically address small plug-in devices. Several other states (Utah, Maine, Virginia, Colorado, Maryland, Connecticut) have passed plug-in solar laws, but Delaware has not yet introduced comparable legislation.
Does Delmarva Power offer net metering for small solar systems?
Yes, net metering is available for residential systems up to 25kW, with excess production credited in kilowatt-hours. A 2025 PSC update revised system size limits and interconnection procedures, and an ongoing cost-benefit study (from SJR 1) may affect future policy.
Would I need Delmarva Power's approval to use a small plug-in solar panel?
Under current rules, any device that interconnects with household wiring would generally fall under Delmarva's standard interconnection requirements, since Delaware has no plug-in-solar-specific exemption yet.

Stay in the Loop

We monitor the Delaware legislature and will email you the moment SB 270 is signed into law or fails. No spam — one email per bill outcome.

Legal DisclaimerLaws change. Information on this site reflects our best understanding of current statutes as of the date shown. It is not legal advice. Verify requirements with your state utility commission, local building department, and a qualified attorney before installation.