Washington D.C. solar panels: The complete guide in 2025
Data updated Oct 28, 2025
Interested in going solar? You'll need to install a 10.19 kW solar panel system to cover the average electric bill in Washington D.C., which will cost you about $21,532 after the federal tax credit.
Thinking about going solar? In Washington D.C., you’ll need a 10.19 kW system to match the average electric bill. It’ll cost you around $21,532 after the federal tax credit.
Cost for an average system in Washington D.C.
| Cash price | $30,760 |
| 25-year savings | Payback period | Electricity offset |
|---|---|---|
| $103,147 | 4 Years | 77% |
Some states, towns, and utility companies offer incentives that can help lower the cost of solar.
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Going solar in Washington D.C.
Make this the year you vote for solar power! With D.C.-specific incentives and the federal tax credit, D.C. homeowners can save thousands on solar panels, making the switch to solar an easy and cost-effective decision.
Here's what you should know about going solar in D.C.
Cost
How much do solar panels cost in Washington D.C.?
Solar panels cost a lot to install, but they can save tons of money over time by shrinking or eliminating your electricity bills. The average Washington D.C. homeowner needs a 10.19 kW solar panel system to cover their electricity needs, which comes out to $30,760 before incentives. Prices range from $26,146 to $35,374, but after the federal tax credit, that drops by 30%. However, the federal tax credit is now set to expire after 2025, following recent legislative changes. If you're considering solar, starting the process now could save you $9,228.
However, there are other great incentives in Washington D.C. that can significantly improve your return on investing in solar panels, such as solar renewable energy certificates (SRECs) and the Solar for All program for low-income homeowners. That's why over 7,900 Washington D.C. homeowners have used EnergySage to receive and compare quotes for solar installations. You can expect to earn back your initial solar investment through electricity savings in about 3.55 years, while most systems last at least 25 years. You'll often see this number referenced as your solar payback period.
Solar panel systems are expensive, but there are ways to finance your investment and reduce upfront costs.
Cash purchase: You pay for your system outright, which typically provides the best long-term savings.
Solar loan: You pay for your system in monthly installments like a lease but maintain ownership like a cash purchase. Generally, the best solar loans are subsidized clean energy loans through local incentive programs. If you don’t have access to that, a home equity loan or a personal loan are often your next best options. Private solar loans typically come with higher interest rates or upfront fees.
Solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA): You make monthly payments on your system like a loan, but a third-party company owns your system. You’ll either sign a solar lease or purchase the electricity the panels generate through a PPA. Third-party ownership models typically deliver the lowest savings, but can make sense in some situations. If you choose this financing option, read the fine print: You can get trapped in them for longer than you'd like.
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Incentives
What are the best solar rebates and incentives in Washington D.C.?
Incentives help bring solar's price tag down considerably in Washington D.C.. Here are the major ones to know about:
| Incentive | Average savings in Washington D.C. | Description |
|---|---|---|
Residential Clean Energy Tax Credit (formerly known as ITC) | $9,228 | Lowers your solar panel system's cost by 30%, but expires on January 1, 2026. |
Solar Renewable Energy Certificates (SRECs) | $2,400 per year | Cash payments for producing solar power |
Solar For All | $10,000 | Free rooftop solar for low-income households |
Washington D.C. solar property tax exemption | The typical property tax in D.C. is 0.57% | Exempt from paying property taxes on the value added by solar panels. |
Is net metering available in Washington D.C.?
If you live in a state with a net metering program, you can earn credits for the excess generation your solar panel system produces and delivers back to the grid. It’s essentially a solar buyback program that makes it so you owe little to nothing on your electric bills.
In Washington D.C., PEPCO provides net metering services. When your solar panels produce electricity during sunny periods, your home uses this power first. Any surplus energy is sent back to the grid, and PEPCO gives you credits for it on your energy bill.
During periods when your solar panels don't produce enough energy, and you require electricity from the grid, PEPCO deducts from your accumulated credits. You only start paying for electricity once you've used up all your credits.
Equipment
Equipment quality
Solar panels continue to get more efficient, meaning they produce more power per square foot. In 2025, the most popular solar panels can produce about 450 watts of electricity in full sunlight—you’ll want panels with at least that much power output to get the most out of your installation.
It’s also important to choose a solar inverter setup that works for your roof’s layout.
And if you plan to install a solar battery, pick one that can easily integrate with that inverter.
While premium equipment can result in sticker shock, it typically saves you more money in the in the long run: The highest-quality panels degrade at a slower rate and maintain more of their power output for longer, and the best warranty terms often guarantee up to 40 years of coverage in case you need repairs or replacements.
Companies
Who are the best solar installers in Washington D.C.?
We pre-screen all of the solar companies on EnergySage to ensure they'll provide you with a high-quality installation. We then rate them based on their results, reputation, and responsiveness. Here are the highest-rated EnergySage installers in Washington D.C.:
Ready to start looking for a solar installer?
Here are some of the most popular ones near you:
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resources
Top solar resources for Washington D.C.
- Washington D.C. Solar Loan Providers
Search through our list of top loan providers to finance your solar panel system.
- EnergySmart D.C. Solar Initiatives
Learn more about solar initiatives in D.C.
- Washington D.C. Electricity Profile (EIA)
Learn about D.C. energy production and prices.
- D.C. Solar Policy (SEIA)
See quick stats about how much solar energy has grown in D.C.
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