Is Electrification Worth It in Delaware?

Delaware is tiny, flat, and perfect for heat pumps.

Wilmington gets 4,600 heating degree days—moderate heating needs. Delmarva Power electricity costs $0.14/kWh. Natural gas runs $1.55/therm. Climate is mild enough that basic heat pumps work fine. Energize Delaware offers rebates up to $500 (not huge, but every bit helps).

Heat pumps make sense for most Delaware homes. If you're replacing both heating and cooling, go for it—payback will be 7-9 years. If you're heating with propane or oil (common in Sussex County), switch immediately and save $900-1,500/year. Solar is decent too—8-year payback with Delaware's SREC program.

Updated December 2024•Data from EIA, DSIRE, NREL
Heat Pump Payback
Not Recommended
With incentives
Annual Savings
$2,446
Full electrification
Available Incentives
$10,700
Federal + state + utility
CO₂ Reduction
12.8 tons
Per year

Delaware Energy Costs

Electricity Rate
$0.148/kWh
Natural Gas Rate
$1.58/therm
Average Electric Bill
$145/month
Average Gas Bill
$78/month
Climate Zone
mixed
Heating Degree Days
4,600
Cooling Degree Days
1,100
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Visual ROI Analysis

Payback Period Comparison

Lower is better • Shortest payback = fastest return on investment

Annual Savings Comparison

Higher is better • More annual savings = greater long-term benefit

Cumulative Net Savings Over Time

Point where line crosses $0 = payback achieved • Steeper line = faster savings growth

Return on Investment by Upgrade

🌡️

Heat Pump HVAC

Upfront Cost$12,000 - $22,000
Total Incentives-$2,500
Net Cost$9,500 - $19,500
Annual Savings$67/yr
Payback PeriodNot Recommended
Lifetime ROI12%
CO₂ Reduction2.9 tons/yr
☀️

Solar Panels

Upfront Cost$15,000 - $30,000
Total Incentives-$4,500
Net Cost$10,500 - $21,000
Annual Savings$1,039/yr
Payback Period15.9 years
Lifetime ROI135%
CO₂ Reduction3.3 tons/yr
💧

Heat Pump Water Heater

Upfront Cost$2,500 - $4,500
Total Incentives-$2,400
Net Cost$100 - $2,100
Annual Savings$252/yr
Payback Period5.4 years
Lifetime ROI83%
CO₂ Reduction1.8 tons/yr
⚡

EV Charger + Electric Vehicle

Upfront Cost$800 - $2,500
Total Incentives-$1,300
Net Cost$-500 - $1,200
Annual Savings$1,088/yr
Payback Period0.4 years
Lifetime ROI1410%
CO₂ Reduction4.8 tons/yr

Full Electrification Package

Total Upfront Cost
$30,300 - $59,000
Total Incentives
-$10,700
Net Cost After Incentives
$19,600 - $48,300
Annual Energy Savings
$2,446/year
Lifetime Savings (18 years)
$44,032
Simple Payback
15.6 years
💡

Best ROI for Delaware

Based on your state's energy costs and climate, EV Charger offers the best return on investment with an average payback of 0.4 years and an ROI of 1410%.

0.0 years slower than average compared to the national average.

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