In this Simple Senate Resolution, the Delaware Sustainable Energy Utility (DESEU) is requested to engage in a study and analysis of the safety and utility of portable solar generation devices more commonly known as “Balcony Solar” and “Plug-in Solar”. In conducting the study, the DESEU is requested to collaborate with the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) and the public electric utilities in Delaware. The Resolution requests that the DESEU issue a report on the study to the Governor, the General Assembly, and the Director and Librarian of the Division of Legislative Services on or before January 26, 2027.
This bill makes provision for solar generation of electricity through small portable solar generation devices. The bill defines the term “portable solar generation device" and provides that such devices a) may have a maximum power output per meter of not more than 800 watts; b) are designed to be connected to a building’s electrical system through a standard 120-volt alternating current outlet; c) are intended primarily to offset part of the customer’s electricity consumption; and d) meet the standards of the National Electrical Code, as adopted by the State Fire Marshal. Portable solar generation devices that meet the requirements of the new section are exempt from any interconnection requirements in Title 26 of the Delaware Code, Chapter 10, unless the customer intends to engage in net metering. The portable solar generation devices must be installed and operated in accordance with the latest revision of IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) 1547, which is the primary standard governing the interconnection and interoperability of distributed energy resources. The bill provides that an electric distribution company can not require a customer to obtain its approval before installing or using a portable solar generation device. The bill requires an electric distribution company to establish an online registration system, on or before January 15, 2027, through which its customers must register their portable solar generation devices. The bill also provides that a customer’s electric distribution company is not liable for any injury or damage caused by a portable solar generation device. The bill directs the Delaware Sustainable Energy Utility to perform a safety study of portable solar generation devices and provide a report with findings and recommendations for future expansion of these systems in Delaware by January 1, 2027.
SB 239 removes an 8% cap on net metering for customer-generated electricity in Delaware. This change directly affects residential and business customers with solar panels or other renewable energy systems, allowing them to send more excess power to the grid without hitting the previous limit. Utilities will now need to accommodate higher levels of customer-generated energy under this policy. The bill was introduced in the Senate on February 19, 2026, and referred to the Environment, Energy & Transportation Committee.
This Act requires that an electric supplier’s interconnection rules, for purposes of net-metering, align with the most recent version of the Interstate Renewable Energy Council’s Model Interconnection Procedures (Procedures) within 12 months of the Procedures’ latest publishing date.
Senate Joint Resolution No. 3 was passed by the 152nd General Assembly and signed by the Governor. SJR No. 3 directed all electric utilities in Delaware that offer net metering to solar customers to participate in a cost-benefit study and analysis of net metering in Delaware being undertaken by the Delaware Sustainable Energy Utility to address issues such as cost burdens and cost shifting to non-solar customers. The DESEU was to issue a report by December 31, 2024. However, due to the scope and complexity of the net metering study, the DESEU requires additional time to issue the report. This resolution reinstates the requirements of SJR No. 3 and extends the DESEU's reporting deadline to complete the cost-benefit study and analysis and finalize and issue a report to April 30, 2025.
This House Substitute No. 1 for House Bill No. 50 creates the Delaware Energy Fund to provide assistance to consumers whose household income is less than 350% of the federal poverty level. Under 2025 federal guidelines, 350% of the federal poverty level for a single person is $54,775 and for a family of four is $112,525. The Delaware Energy Fund will be administered by the SEU and recipients of assistance from the fund will also be required to participate in energy savings and efficiency programs. Only one assistance payment may be made per application. The Act also directs the Department of Natural Resources Environmental Control to transfer 30% of the funds generated by alternative compliance payments and solar alternative compliance payments to the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program. The Substitute also changes existing code language to require, rather than allow, 5% of CO2 allowance proceeds to be directed to the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program. The Act sunsets 3 years after its enactment.
This Act strikes the provisions in § 1014 (d) and (e) of Title 26, which allow Commission-regulated electric utilities, municipal electric companies, electric cooperatives, and electric distribution companies not to reimburse, credit, or otherwise remunerate net energy metering customers for any Excess kWh Credits at the end of the annualized billing period. Under the current provisions of § 1014 (d) and (e) of Title 26, Excess kWh Credits revert to the commission-regulated electric utilities, municipal electric companies, electric cooperatives, and electric distribution companies, which denies net metering customers the benefit of the Excess kWh Credits. This Act requires Commission-regulated electric utilities, municipal electric companies, electric cooperatives, and electric distribution companies to credit or carry over any Excess kWh Credits for net energy metering customers so that the customers receive the benefit of the Excess kWh Credits.
