Solar Panels in Washington DC: 2026 Incentives, Costs & Savings

Q: Are DC SRECs really the most valuable in the country?

Yes. At roughly $350 to $380 in 2026, DC SRECs trade well above other SREC states like Maryland, New Jersey, and Massachusetts, driven by DC's aggressive local solar mandate and limited in-District solar supply.

Q: Is the 30% federal solar tax credit still available in DC?

No. The federal residential credit expired December 31, 2025 and does not apply to 2026 installations. DC's value comes from SRECs, net metering, and (for those who qualify) Solar for All.

Q: How much can I make from SRECs in DC?

A typical 7 kW system earns about 8 to 9 SRECs per year, worth roughly $2,400 to $3,600 annually at current prices, for 15 years.

Q: Can I get free solar in DC?

Possibly, through Solar for All, if your household is at or below 80% of Area Median Income or you're enrolled in qualifying assistance programs. Single-family funding is limited in FY2026 and applications are currently waitlisted.

Washington DC is one of the best places in the country to go solar — not because of the weather, but because of the money. DC's solar credits (SRECs) are worth more than anywhere else in the United States, and the District still offers full-retail net metering through Pepco. This guide breaks down what's actually available in 2026, what it's worth, and what to watch out for.

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Is Solar Worth It in Washington DC in 2026?

For most DC homeowners with a sunny roof, yes — and the main reason is the SREC market. DC requires utilities to source a growing share of their power from local solar, and that mandate makes each credit your system earns unusually valuable. Combined with net metering, those credits can cover a large share of your system cost over time.

The honest caveat: the 30% federal residential solar tax credit is gone. It expired December 31, 2025 and is not available for systems installed in 2026. So DC's value case rests on local programs, not a federal write-off. See our 2026 tax credit guide.

Washington DC Solar Incentives in 2026

SRECs — the District's biggest solar advantage

A Solar Renewable Energy Credit (SREC) is earned for every megawatt-hour (1,000 kWh) your system produces. In DC you can sell these credits, and DC SRECs are the highest-value in the nation.

Current 2026 price: roughly $350–$380 per SREC.
How many you earn: a typical 7 kW home system produces about 8–9 SRECs per year.
Annual value: roughly $2,400–$3,600 per year at current prices.
How long: DC systems earn SRECs for 15 years from installation.
Where prices are headed: the compliance payment that sets the market ceiling is $440 for 2026, scheduled to step down toward $300 by 2033 — so installing earlier captures more value.

Net metering through Pepco

Pepco credits you at the full retail rate for excess electricity your panels send to the grid. Credits bank month to month and offset the power you pull at night or in winter, so you only pay for net usage. This is one of the most favorable net metering setups still in place.

Solar for All (income-qualified residents)

DC's Solar for All program provides free or reduced-cost solar to low- and moderate-income households, targeting about 50% savings on electricity bills over 15 years. Eligibility is household income at or below 80% of Area Median Income, or enrollment in programs like SNAP, TANF, LIHEAP, or SSI. Note: single-family rooftop funding is limited for FY2026 and new applications are currently waitlisted — worth applying, but don't count on immediate placement.

Federal tax credit — no longer available

To be clear, because there's a lot of outdated information online: the 30% federal residential solar tax credit (Section 25D) expired December 31, 2025 under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. Homeowners installing in 2026 cannot claim it. Any site telling you DC solar comes with "30% off from the federal government" is out of date.

How Much Do Solar Panels Cost in DC?

Pricing varies by installer, roof, and system size, so we don't quote a fixed per-watt number here — get a real quote rather than trusting a national average. What makes DC's math work is the back-end: between 15 years of high-value SRECs and full-retail net metering, the District offers one of the strongest payback profiles in the country even without the federal credit. See our 2026 cost breakdown for what drives pricing.

Want a real number for your roof and usage? Get a free solar quote →

Frequently Asked Questions

Are DC SRECs really the most valuable in the country?
Yes. At roughly $350–$380 in 2026, DC SRECs trade well above Maryland, New Jersey, and Massachusetts, driven by DC's aggressive local solar mandate and limited in-District supply.

Is the 30% federal solar tax credit still available in DC?
No. It expired December 31, 2025 and does not apply to 2026 installations. DC's value comes from SRECs, net metering, and Solar for All.

How much can I make from SRECs in DC?
A typical 7 kW system earns about 8–9 SRECs per year, worth roughly $2,400–$3,600 annually for 15 years.

Does Pepco pay me for extra solar power?
Through net metering, Pepco credits excess generation at the full retail rate against your future bills.

Can I get free solar in DC?
Possibly, through Solar for All, if you're at or below 80% of Area Median Income. Single-family funding is limited in FY2026 and applications are waitlisted.

Sources

SREC prices: Flett Exchange, SRECTrade. SREC value & system production: EnergySage. Net metering & Solar for All: DC DOEE. Federal credit expiration: IRS OBBB guidance.