Governor Meyer Announces Delaware Shines, The State’s First and Country’s Most Comprehensive Solar Storage Program

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tuesday, September 1, 2026
Media Contact:
Jamie Mangrum
[email protected]

SMYRNA, Del. - Governor Matt Meyer, along with the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC), Delaware Sustainable Energy Utility (Energize Delaware), Senator Stephanie Hansen, Senator Kyra Hoffner, Representative Frank Burns, local utilities and solar companies, local government officials and other key stakeholders today announced Delaware SHINES.

Delaware SHINES is the state's first and the country's most comprehensive solar and battery storage program designed specifically to help households, small businesses and nonprofits reduce power bills and see tangible savings.

"Delaware SHINES puts the power, literally and financially, back in the hands of Delaware families, turning the roof over your head into money back in your pocket," said Governor Matt Meyer. "Even as resources are rolled back at the federal level, we know exactly what rooftop solar can do for a family's bottom line, and we're investing accordingly. This is about giving Delawareans reliable, affordable energy and real control over their own costs, month after month."
DNREC, the state's agency responsible for managing its natural resources and energy policy closely coordinated with the Governor's Office, enhanced grants and rebates, and collaborated with local partners to bring this initiative forward, which impacts Delawareans across the state.

"To support Gov. Meyer's solar goals, DNREC will use increased Green Energy Fund grants to make solar more affordable for homeowners, businesses and nonprofits, Low-To-Moderate Income solar grants to lower energy costs for those who need it most, and the Delaware Energy Hub to help everyone find these opportunities to go renewable," said DNREC Secretary Greg Patterson. "Delaware SHINES turns rooftops and home batteries into a source of savings and energy security for every Delaware family."

Held at Asbury United Methodist Church in Smyrna, its pastor, Reverend Julie A. Lewis, uses the state's solar program and spoke at the press conference. She highlighted its benefits to the community and congregation and noted that the energy saving programs positively impacted the month-to-month expenses for the church. The Reverend also noted how programs like Energize Delaware help non-profits, and communities across the state.

Energize Delaware is an initiative established in 2007 to assist residents, businesses, farms, and public organizations in reducing energy costs and carbon emissions. The organization offers resources such as energy audits, financial incentives, and low-interest financing for efficiency and renewable energy upgrades. Energize Delaware is the public-facing brand name and comprehensive program portfolio used by Delaware Sustainable Energy Utility (SEU) to deliver its services.

"Today's announcement pairs state and non-profit programs and resources to expand access to residential solar in our state," said Drew Slater, Executive Director of SEU. "As utility costs continue to rise, solar and energy efficiency help to reduce our consumption, which lowers our bills supporting our message that the cheapest, cleanest energy is the energy we don't consume."

Governor Meyer was also joined by local solar companies like Green Street Solar, who emphasized the value of growing their business in Delaware, noting that the state's support has driven more customer interest in going solar than they've seen anywhere else.

As of 2026, nearly 6,000 Delawareans have already subscribed to a community solar project, and by adding solar, an average Delaware household paying nearly $200 a month for electricity can save more than $300 over the course of a year. Delaware SHINES is layering expanded offerings for energy efficiency upgrades that in 2025 translated into an average of $300 of yearly energy savings for participating households.

For Delawareans interested in learning more about how to access solar energy, please visit solar.delaware.gov. The website will be available on Wednesday, September 2.

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