Discover Solar Savings
in Washington DC
Elevate Energy Efficiency and
Savings with Solar Energy!
Washington, DC, the capital of the United States, is leading the way in renewable energy and sustainability projects. Even though Washington is famous for its rainy seasons, the state receives ample sunlight—152 days on average annually—to produce sufficient solar energy. In Washington, there are several solar incentives available that might help you save even more money if you’re thinking about switching to solar energy. Solar incentives in Washington DC like federal solar tax credit and the solar energy system sales tax incentive, can significantly reduce the initial cost of installing a solar system.
Explore the best Washington solar incentives and rebates for minimizing your upfront installation cost in Washington DC.
Washington State Solar Incentives
To increase the affordability and accessibility of solar energy in Washington, DC, the state provides several rebates and incentives.
Here are the main available programs:
Residential Clean Energy Credit
The Federal Investment Tax Credit is available to businesses and homeowners in Washington, DC (ITC). A considerable tax benefit is provided by this program for the installation of solar systems. You can claim a tax credit equal to 30% of your solar system cost. Both residential and commercial solar owners can take advantage of this state tax credit.
Solar Renewable Energy Certificates (SRECs)
You can contribute and get compensation for producing solar power with SRECs. As part of the program, you will receive one D.C. SREC for every MWh of clean electricity. Also, you can sell SRECs in the DC market. Most solar owners manage the tricky part—selling the SRECs to the utility companies—using a broker. Explore how much you can earn with SRECs!
DC Solar for all
Program
While free solar panels are exceptional, Washington D. C’s Solar for All program helps low-income families with rooftop solar installation. For 2024, the program will cover up to $10,000 of the system’s cost, potentially saving up to $500 annually on electricity. To qualify, you must either receive government assistance (like SNAP or SSI) or have a household income below 80% of the area’s median income.
Solar Property Tax Exemption
Washington D.C. provides a solar property tax exemption. The installation of rooftop solar typically increases property values, which in turn raises your property tax liability. However, homeowners are not required to pay property taxes on the value added by solar panels under D.C. law. In D.C., the normal property tax rate is 0.55%. Currently, this policy does not have any expiry date recorded
Net Energy Metering (NEM) in Washington
Under Washington State’s net metering program, both residential and commercial customers can send any excess energy to the grid and earn credits. Utility companies are required to provide net metering programs to their consumers under the net metering regulations set by the UTC for Washington. Systems up to 100 kW are covered by the state’s net metering regulation.
PEPCO Credits
When your solar system isn’t producing much, PEPCO uses your accumulated credits to cover your energy needs. Credits, given in kWh, offset your actual energy usage but don’t cover fixed monthly rates. Credits roll over monthly but expire annually. Unused credits are mostly cashed out: for example, 800 kWh could earn you about $70, though transmission costs aren’t reimbursed, making each credit slightly less valuable in cash.
Solar SME Installation Services in Washington DC
Ready to switch to solar and take advantage of Washington DC’s incentives and rebates? Solar SME is your local solar partner to answer your questions, guide you through the process, and help you make the most of your solar investment.
Explore your Solar Savings in Washington DC!
Frequently Asked Questions
The Federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC) allows homeowners to claim a 30% tax credit on the cost of their solar installation, making solar systems more affordable for residential and commercial owners.
Solar owners earn one D.C. SREC for every megawatt-hour of electricity their system generates. These SRECs can be sold in the market, often through brokers, providing additional income for solar energy production.
The Solar for All Program helps low-income families by covering up to $10,000 of solar installation costs, enabling significant annual savings on electricity bills. Eligibility depends on household income or receiving government assistance.
No, D.C. offers a Solar Property Tax Exemption, ensuring homeowners don’t pay additional property taxes on the increased value from solar panel installations, saving 0.55% annually.
Under NEM, excess solar energy can be sent to the grid for credits. These credits offset energy usage, rollover monthly, and expire annually, offering significant energy savings.
