FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 19, 2024
Newark, DE – Delaware’s Low-Income Solar Program, which provides solar panels at no cost to low-income households, has come under scrutiny due to concerns about high charges billed to the Delaware Fund and questions surrounding vendor profits. While the program aims to reduce energy bills for vulnerable families, critics are raising concerns about whether public funds are being spent efficiently.
1. High Installation Costs and Modest Savings
The Delaware Fund is currently being charged between $12,000 and $21,000 for the installation of 4kW solar systems. These systems generate savings of approximately $40 per month, or $480 per year, for participating households. At these rates, it would take between 25 and 43 years for homeowners to recover the cost of the installation through energy savings alone.
Calculation of Payback Periods:
- For a $12,000 system, it would take 25 years to recover the cost:
-
- $12,000 ÷ $480 = 25 years.
- For a $21,000 system, it would take 43.75 years to recoup the installation cost:
-
- $21,000 ÷ $480 = 43.75 years.