Low- to Moderate-Income Solar Pilot Program

Delaware's LMI Solar Pilot Program offers cost-free solar systems up to 4 kW plus weatherization services to low-income households, or reduced-cost systems up to 6 kW (with the program covering 70% of costs) for moderate-income households. To qualify, low-income applicants must apply through the Weatherization Assistance Program by calling the Energy Coordinating Agency at 302-504-6111 and meet income limits (e.g., $29,160 for a single person), while moderate-income applicants work directly with approved contractors who submit applications to the Green Energy Program and must meet county-specific area median income thresholds. The program serves all Delaware households regardless of utility service territory.

Approved LMI solar contractors can serve low-income customers referred through the Weatherization Assistance Program and moderate-income customers who directly contact them; moderate-income work is split with the program paying 70% of system costs up to 6 kW and the homeowner paying 30%. For moderate-income projects, contractors submit applications to the Green Energy Program, and the program maintains a list of approved contractors by county (CMI Solar & Electric and KW Solar Solutions in New Castle and Kent Counties; Clean Energy USA in Sussex County). Contractors should verify customer income eligibility through tax returns and 4506-C forms before proceeding.

The program operates through two intake pathways: low-income households via the Weatherization Assistance Program (managed by the Energy Coordinating Agency) receive grant-funded systems up to 4 kW at no cost, while moderate-income households apply through the Green Energy Program with selected contractors covering 70% of system costs up to 6 kW. Eligibility is income-based, verified by tax returns and 4506-C forms, with thresholds set at 200% of federal poverty level for low-income and county-specific area median income for moderate-income households (ranging roughly $50,300–$121,150 depending on household size and county). Program administration is handled by DNREC's Division of Climate, Coastal and Energy (contact: 302-735-3480) and targets historically underserved low- to moderate-income segments across all utility service territories statewide.