There can be solar tax credits and incentives available at the federal, state and local levels. The calculator above will show you the value of all incentives your home is eligible for.
Washington D.C. now has the nation’s most aggressive Renewable Portfolio Standard, and a nice solar carve-out to boot. That means the district requires utilities here to source a huge chunk of their electric mix from renewable energy sources, like the solar panels on your rooftop.
If you’re lucky enough to own any kind of property here with a view of the sun (south, east, or west-facing), it makes a lot of sense to connect with installers who can turn keys to make your installation happen. There are also new low and moderate income programs for solar energy here that are second to none.
Read on to learn all you need to know about investing in home solar power in Washington D.C.
Learn what solar incentives are available to District of Columbia homeowners
See what District of Columbia solar incentives you qualify for based on your utility company and city
Find out how much these incentives and/or District of Columbia solar tax credits will reduce your cost to go solar and add batteries
The federal solar investment tax credit will have the biggest impact on the cost you will face to go solar in District of Columbia
If you install your photovoltaic system before the end of 2032, the federal tax credit is 30% of the cost of your solar panel system. This is 30% off the entire cost of the system including equipment, labor, and permitting.
Example: If your solar energy system costs $20,000, your federal solar tax credit would be $20,000 x 30% = $6,000.
The federal tax credit falls to 26% starting in 2033.
With net metering in some states, you get full retail rate credit for the amount of electricity you send back into the grid with your solar panels.
Net Metering requires your utility to monitor how much energy your solar power system produces and how much energy you actually consume, and make sure you get credit for the surplus.
Pepco (D.C.’s only electric utility) offers a standard net metering contract to all residential customers. For all systems under 100 kW, all surplus electricity is credited to your next bill at the full retail rate. Surplus may be carried over indefinitely. All that is superb, and net metering is very strong for residential customers here.
Unfortunately, Washington D.C. no longer offers any cash rebates to people who purchase solar panels. There are still a few nice incentives available in the District, though.
First established in 2016, Washington D.C.’s Solar For All Program has a goal of bringing the benefits of solar to 100,000 low- and moderate-income households by the year 2032.
The program provides community solar shares to homeowners and renters who are at 80% of area median income or below, currently around $100k for a family of 4. The program promises a 50% reduction in utility bills over a 15-year subscription.
For more information about the program, visit the program manager’s website, the D.C. Sustainable Energy Utility (DCSEU), an independent non-profit utility, and overseen by the D.C. Department of Energy and Environment (DOEE).
As this is a community solar program, you don’t even need to have a property with solar panels on it to qualify for this program. You simply see if you’re eligible, and enroll to get your solar shares at an offsite facility which then credits your utility bills over the next 15 years.
In addition to creating electricity, your solar panels create solar renewable energy certificates (SRECs). SRECs are proof of the green value of electricity, and your utility company can buy them from you to avoid hefty alternative compliance fees from the local government for not meeting their clean energy goals.
Since the solar energy carve out of the RPS is so strong in DC, the alternative compliance fees are relatively high. Therefore, SREC prices here are around $400 per SREC. If you have a 6kW system, you can generate about 8 of them a year and sell them for cool $3,100 over the first year.
Until the state’s solar carve out is met, you can expect a similar amount annually over the 15 year term of your SREC sale agreement ! For this 6kW solar system example, your cumulative SREC profits can amount to roughly $35,000. That’s a huge reward as a solar panel owner in Washington DC.
We can stand up and applaud that the District gives you a 100% property tax exemption on all that extra home value you get from your solar power.
Showing data for:
Prices based on a 10.2kW system, after 30% federal tax credit
9 solar companies in District of Columbia provide pricing on SolarReviews. Here are the best rated companies near you.
4.91 367 Reviews
Terry Mauser, over 1 month
I would like to thank Bethany Fuller for helping me out. I couldn’t under stand why my production rates were not adding up properly. I was told I don’t have a consumption meter and the energy that my house was was in accurate She is a very intelligent lady and very nice to talk with. Thanks Bethany again for Your help.
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Terry Mauser, over 1 month
I would like to thank Bethany Fuller for helping me out. I couldn’t under stand why my production rates were not adding up properly. I was told I don’t have a consumption meter and the energy that my house was was in accurate She is a very intelligent lady and very nice to talk with. Thanks Bethany again for Your help.
4.22 34 Reviews
Mary, over 1 month
My project person delayed the work for almost 5 weeks, would not respond to my emails (still doesn't), and I had to resort to the writing to the web site. He failed to keep track of my project so it did not move to the next step. There were three trips from VA to MD to install the skirting. First time they did not bring enough. Second was not enough that wasn't scratched up. I wasn't here for the last visit and the scratched up piece that I had said not to use was installed. A black magic marker was used to cover the scratches and it is visible from the ground. BGE approved the connection on 7/14. I turned on the switch two different employees told me to turn on when I got the call from BGE. Ipsun's contract reads that they monitor by computer to make sure the panels are properly functioning. Three months and one week later, I got a call that there is a problem with the monitoring application. So they send a guy up to flip another switch. So no monitoring was done for 3+ months, AND I had no solar for those summer months. They still have not set up the program for me to view the status of the solar panels on my laptop. Oh, and when they do call, they do not leave messages and the caller ID reads "name unavailable." Finally, I sent personal checks when required. It took weeks for them to reach Richmond, VA from MD and one they never received. Obviously, the mail people are not too good either.
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Mary, over 1 month
My project person delayed the work for almost 5 weeks, would not respond to my emails (still doesn't), and I had to resort to the writing to the web site. He failed to keep track of my project so it did not move to the next step. There were three trips from VA to MD to install the skirting. First time they did not bring enough. Second was not enough that wasn't scratched up. I wasn't here for the last visit and the scratched up piece that I had said not to use was installed. A black magic marker was used to cover the scratches and it is visible from the ground. BGE approved the connection on 7/14. I turned on the switch two different employees told me to turn on when I got the call from BGE. Ipsun's contract reads that they monitor by computer to make sure the panels are properly functioning. Three months and one week later, I got a call that there is a problem with the monitoring application. So they send a guy up to flip another switch. So no monitoring was done for 3+ months, AND I had no solar for those summer months. They still have not set up the program for me to view the status of the solar panels on my laptop. Oh, and when they do call, they do not leave messages and the caller ID reads "name unavailable." Finally, I sent personal checks when required. It took weeks for them to reach Richmond, VA from MD and one they never received. Obviously, the mail people are not too good either.
4.19 35 Reviews
Anonymous, over 1 month
Borrego Solar sold off their residential business. The people that they sold it to have folded. No one responds to my inquires about system warranty service. Up a $35000.00 creek without a paddle it seems.
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Average cost (5kW system)
$42,750 ($8.55 per watt)
Anonymous, over 1 month
Borrego Solar sold off their residential business. The people that they sold it to have folded. No one responds to my inquires about system warranty service. Up a $35000.00 creek without a paddle it seems.
4.17 10 Reviews
Kapil, over 1 month
My system was installed about 4 yeats back in Dec 2019 and it was one of the most competitive quote I had got that time. Installation was as promised with complete satisfaction. Fast forward 4 years, I have had three issues (not related to the installation, normal unpredictable breakdowns), Chip and Elena not only promptly adressed them, they went above and beyond and covered the labor that was not covered under warranty and would have costed me a few hundred dollars. More than the money aspect, their professional and friendly approach to service is the best part. A happy and fully satisfied customer.
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Kapil, over 1 month
My system was installed about 4 yeats back in Dec 2019 and it was one of the most competitive quote I had got that time. Installation was as promised with complete satisfaction. Fast forward 4 years, I have had three issues (not related to the installation, normal unpredictable breakdowns), Chip and Elena not only promptly adressed them, they went above and beyond and covered the labor that was not covered under warranty and would have costed me a few hundred dollars. More than the money aspect, their professional and friendly approach to service is the best part. A happy and fully satisfied customer.
4.17 4 Reviews
Will.Brett21, over 1 month
Installation went really well. My Project Co-ordinator Fred communicated with me on weekly basis at every step to confirm I knew what's going on with my project and what was next. I've been very happy with my choice for solar installation.
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Will.Brett21, over 1 month
Installation went really well. My Project Co-ordinator Fred communicated with me on weekly basis at every step to confirm I knew what's going on with my project and what was next. I've been very happy with my choice for solar installation.
3.75 1 Reviews
Anonymous, over 1 month
This is a reputable company. Rep Brian Gonzalez made the whole process smooth and hassle-free. I'm very happy with my solar panels and enjoying a $9 a month power bill.
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Average cost (5kW system)
$24,800 ($4.96 per watt)
Anonymous, over 1 month
This is a reputable company. Rep Brian Gonzalez made the whole process smooth and hassle-free. I'm very happy with my solar panels and enjoying a $9 a month power bill.
3.75 1 Reviews
Robert Kilworth, over 1 month
With contractors having a reputation for being not being on time and finishing within a predetermined agreed time; Via Solar finished the work the work as promised, on time and was very fairly priced. They were even nice enough to call back a few weeks later to check on if we had any questions or needed any assistance with our new system.
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Average cost (5kW system)
$26,800 ($5.36 per watt)
Robert Kilworth, over 1 month
With contractors having a reputation for being not being on time and finishing within a predetermined agreed time; Via Solar finished the work the work as promised, on time and was very fairly priced. They were even nice enough to call back a few weeks later to check on if we had any questions or needed any assistance with our new system.
3.75 1 Reviews
Edward MacAllister, over 1 month
We've wanted to go solar for some time because of rising energy costs and environmental concerns, but hesitated because the process seemed complicated. Finally pulled the trigger late last year after Uprise patiently walked us through every step, explained every issue, and answered all of my questions. Financially speaking: it's a no-brainer with energy cost savings AND income from selling SRECs. And can't overstate how easy Uprise made the installation, dealing with the DC govt. and the SREC broker. Finally, Uprise is a locally owned and operated company, invest in DC!
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Edward MacAllister, over 1 month
We've wanted to go solar for some time because of rising energy costs and environmental concerns, but hesitated because the process seemed complicated. Finally pulled the trigger late last year after Uprise patiently walked us through every step, explained every issue, and answered all of my questions. Financially speaking: it's a no-brainer with energy cost savings AND income from selling SRECs. And can't overstate how easy Uprise made the installation, dealing with the DC govt. and the SREC broker. Finally, Uprise is a locally owned and operated company, invest in DC!
3.50 2 Reviews
S. McLaughlin, over 1 month
I am not only a Solar Solution customer but an actual neighbor to the owner. He appears to be knowledgeable about solar panels but after he spray painted his rowhouse in DC he also inadvertently covered my entire system with paint overspray. It has taken me almost 6 months and repeated contact with his company to get them to remove the paint from my system. His people have always treated me with professionalism. He, on the otherhand, lacks sound judgement and I would be concerned about doing business with him.
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S. McLaughlin, over 1 month
I am not only a Solar Solution customer but an actual neighbor to the owner. He appears to be knowledgeable about solar panels but after he spray painted his rowhouse in DC he also inadvertently covered my entire system with paint overspray. It has taken me almost 6 months and repeated contact with his company to get them to remove the paint from my system. His people have always treated me with professionalism. He, on the otherhand, lacks sound judgement and I would be concerned about doing business with him.