New Study Highlights Feasibility of City-Scale Solar in Delaware

A new study published in SSRN Journal explores the potential for city-scale solar power using public buildings in Newark and Wilmington, Delaware. Supported by the Delaware General Assembly’s SET Services Program, the research investigates innovative approaches, including bifacial solar modules and dual-orientation racking, to maximize solar output.

Findings indicate that prioritized municipal, university, and hospital rooftops could host solar PV systems at a competitive 9.68 cents/kWh—significantly below current average retail electricity rates above 14 cents/kWh. This positions public infrastructure as a highly attractive platform for sustainable urban energy.

With Delaware’s solar electricity consumption having surged at a 138% compound annual growth rate from 2010–2016, the report highlights a practical pathway for cities to expand renewable energy adoption, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and lower electricity costs through strategic rooftop solar development.