Is solar worth it in Washington DC?

Exceptionally yes—DC has some of the best solar economics in America. DC SRECs sell for $300-500+ each (vs $40-80 in neighboring states), adding $2,100-4,000/year income for a typical system. Combined with Pepco net metering, expect 3-6 year paybacks—among the fastest in the US.

What does solar cost in Washington DC?

DC solar costs $3.00-3.40 per watt. A typical 7 kW system costs $21,000-24,000 gross but generates $3,100-4,800/year in combined value (electricity + SRECs). Even small row house systems are highly profitable due to premium SREC income.

How do DC SRECs work and why are they so valuable?

DC's small size and aggressive renewable standards create SREC scarcity—prices often hit $300-500+ each vs $40-80 in MD or PA. You earn 1 SREC per 1,000 kWh produced. A 7 kW system earns ~7 SRECs/year = $2,100-3,500 annual income on top of electricity savings.

Can I install solar on a DC row house?

Yes—DC row homes with flat roofs are excellent for solar. Flat roofs avoid visibility issues in historic districts. Even smaller roofs (3-5 kW capacity) are profitable due to high SREC values. Historic Preservation Review Board approval may be needed but is usually granted for rear/flat roof installations.

How long does solar installation take in Washington Dc?

The full process from signing a contract to flipping the switch typically takes 2-4 months in Washington Dc. The actual roof installation is usually 1-3 days, but permitting and utility interconnection add weeks. Local permit processing times vary by jurisdiction.

Can I go solar if I have an HOA in Washington Dc?

Yes. Most states have solar access laws that prevent HOAs from banning solar panels outright. Your HOA may have aesthetic guidelines about placement, but they generally cannot deny your right to install solar. Check your state's solar access law for specifics.

Washington DC Solar Guide 2026 | Pepco & DC SRECs

Quick Answer

Washington DC has exceptional solar economics—among the best in America. DC SRECs sell for $300-500+ each (vs $40-80 in neighboring states), adding $2,100-4,000/year to typical system income. With Pepco net metering at $0.13-0.16/kWh (EIA data), expect 3-6 year paybacks. Even small row house systems are highly profitable. If you're waiting, you're leaving serious money on the table.

DC Solar Overview

Washington DC has one of the most attractive solar markets in the country, thanks to an exceptionally valuable SREC market. DC's aggressive renewable energy standards have created premium SREC prices that make solar financially compelling even for smaller systems. Combined with Pepco's net metering, DC residents have excellent solar economics.

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From my experience:DC is honestly one of the best solar markets in the entire country, and most people don't know it. Those SRECs at $300-500+ each? That's real money. A small row house system that would struggle to pencil out in most cities becomes highly profitable in DC. If you live in the District and you're waiting to go solar, you're leaving serious money on the table every year. The SREC market won't stay this valuable forever—more installations mean more supply, which pushes prices down. Lock it in.

DC Solar Stats

DC averages about 4.6 peak sun hours daily. A typical 7 kW system produces approximately 8,400 kWh/year. Pepco rates average $0.13-0.16/kWh, but DC SRECs can add $300-500+ per kW annually—making total returns exceptional. (Source: NREL Solar Resource Data)

[Editor's Note, Jan 2026]:Local utility rates, incentive programs, and installer availability verified for current accuracy.

Pepco Programs

Pepco Net Metering

Pepco serves Washington DC with favorable net metering policies:

Full retail credit: Excess generation credited at retail rate
Monthly rollover: Credits carry forward
System size limit: Up to 100% of annual usage
Interconnection: Standard DC process

Pepco Rate Details

Rate Component	Details
Average Rate	~$0.13-0.16/kWh
Net Metering Credit	Full retail rate
Customer Charge	~$7-10/month (not offset)
Rate Trend	Gradually rising

DC SREC Market

DC's SREC market is the star of the show. The District's small geographic size and ambitious renewable standards have created premium SREC values.

DC SREC Details

Value: $300-500+ per SREC (market fluctuates, often premium)
Annual earning: ~7-8 SRECs for a 7 kW system
Additional income: $2,100-4,000/year!
Market driver: DC's solar carve-out in Renewable Portfolio Standard

DC SREC Premium

DC SRECs are worth significantly more than Maryland or Pennsylvania SRECs—often $300-500 each vs $60-80. A 7 kW system earning 7 SRECs at $400 = $2,800/year in SREC income alone. This dramatically changes solar economics. (Source: SRECTrade and state program data)

Federal Tax Credit (2026 Update)

Purchase Type	Federal Credit	Notes
Cash/Loan Purchase	None (25D expired)	Ended Dec 31, 2025
PPA/Lease	30% (48E)	Through Dec 2027

Costs & Savings in Washington DC

Typical System Costs

System Size	Gross Cost	Est. Annual Value*
5 kW	$15,000-17,000	$2,200-3,500
7 kW	$21,000-24,000	$3,100-4,800
10 kW	$30,000-34,000	$4,400-6,800

*Includes electricity savings + SREC income; SREC values fluctuate

Savings Breakdown

Electricity offset: $160-190/year per kW
DC SREC income: $300-500/year per kW (market dependent)
Total value: $460-690/year per kW
Payback period: 3-6 years (with strong SREC market)
25-year savings: $50,000-90,000+

Exceptional ROI

DC's solar economics are among the best in the nation. A 7 kW system costing $22,000 and generating $4,000/year in combined value pays back in about 5.5 years. After payback, decades of free electricity + SREC income. (Source: EnergySage market analysis)

DC-Specific Considerations

Historic Districts

Much of DC is subject to historic preservation rules:

HPRB review: Historic Preservation Review Board may need to approve
Visibility restrictions: Street-visible panels may be limited
Rear installations: Often easier to approve
Flat roofs: DC row homes with flat roofs often avoid visibility issues

Row Homes & Townhouses

Flat roofs: Very common in DC; good for ballasted systems
Limited space: Row home roofs may limit system size
High SREC value: Even smaller systems are worthwhile in DC
Shared walls: No side-access needed for installation

Condos & Co-ops

Building approval: Condo associations must approve
Common area solar: Some buildings install shared systems
Individual challenges: Individual rooftop access often limited
Community solar: Alternative for condo owners

The Bottom Line

Washington DC has exceptional solar economics—among the best in the US.The premium SREC market, combined with Pepco net metering, creates 3-6 year payback periods. Even small systems on row home roofs can be highly profitable.

Best candidates: Any DC homeowner with viable roof space. The economics are so favorable that even modest systems make financial sense. Historic district requirements add complexity but are usually navigable.

Act while SREC values are high: DC's SREC market could change as more solar is installed. Current premium values make acting sooner rather than later advantageous for locking in attractive economics.

Small system? Still worth it: In markets with weak net metering, small systems struggle. In DC, even a 3-4 kW system on a row home roof can deliver excellent returns thanks to SREC income.

Questions About DC Solar?

Our AI can help you understand Pepco programs, DC SRECs, historic district rules, and whether solar makes sense for your District home.

Ask About DC Solar

SREC Guide

How SRECs work

Baltimore Solar

Nearby MD comparison

Virginia Solar

Nearby VA comparison

Community Solar

Alternative for condos

Written by

Lincoln Panasy

Founder, SolarQuest AI • Solar Expert Since 2018

Lincoln created SolarQuest AI after seeing too many homeowners get burned by pushy solar salespeople. With 8 years of experience in the solar industry since 2018, he writes and reviews all content on this site—combining his real-world expertise with AI tools to deliver accurate, unbiased solar education.

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