Solar systems in DC

Net metering is a billing system designed to benefit solar energy owners by providing credits for any surplus solar energy they send back to the grid.

With net metering, every kilowatt-hour of excess energy you contribute to the grid earns you valuable credits. These credits not only offset your electric costs, but also cover both delivery and supply charges for each kilowatt-hour.

That way you get to enjoy the energy you generate on sunny summer days while using those credits to power your home during the winter months or any time your system produces less energy than you need.

Keep in mind that even though your credits roll over month-to-month, any unused credit will expire at the end of a calendar year. However, PEPCO will financially compensate you for those unused credits.

To dive deeper into the benefits of net metering, check out our insightful blog article: What is Net Metering and Is It Worth It for Solar Owners? 

This generous tax credit lets you claim 30 percent off your system’s cost, helping you lower your federal income tax return for the year. For example, if your system costs $20,000, you could receive a tax credit of $6,000. Please note that this tax credit may be phased out after 2025 if the Senate decides to discontinue it!

A SREC is a financial incentive that helps homeowners earn money from the sale of extra energy produced by their rooftop panels. They can earn 1 SREC for every 1 MWh or 1000 kWH of electricity their solar system generates.

For example, if a homeowner in Washington, DC has a system that generates 6 MWh (6,000 kWh) in a year and SRECs in that state sell for around $415, they could earn 6x $415= $2,490 per year!

Learn more about SRECs: SRECs: What Are They and Why Should You Care? 

The Solar For All program provides eligible low-income individuals in DC with completely free solar systems. Homeowners qualify if they receive assistance from government programs like Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF).

Solar owners in DC are also eligible for a property tax exemption.

Solar panels make your home more energy-efficient which helps to boost its value. Under the tax exemption however, you are exempt from paying any property tax on the value added to your home from your solar panels.

Warranties for panels typically cover 25 years and come with power performance warranties! Inverters come with 15-25 year warranties, and our installers guarantee their work and provide roof penetration warranties of 5-10 years.

If you choose a lease agreement versus a purchase agreement, everything is guaranteed for the lifetime of the 25 year lease, including maintenance, insurance and performance (at the cost of lower lifetime savings).