Solar energy for all in Washington, D.C.

The state of solar in Washington, D.C.

While Washington, D.C. may not be the sunniest city in the nation—averaging around 203 sunny days per year^*Best Places. Climate in Washington, District of Columbia. March 2021.—it has utilized more of its solar PV potential than any other city in the U.S., with more than 25% of its small solar-viable rooftops in use. The city currently meets 86% of its energy needs via renewable sources and aims to be powered by 100% clean energy by 2032.

How much solar energy does Washington, D.C. produce?

Washington, D.C., ranks 12th in the nation for total installed solar capacity with 88.97 MW and 13th in terms of solar PV per capita, with 126.66 watts per person. It is the leading solar city in the South Atlantic region and is expected to add another 246 MW of solar capacity by 2030. ^*Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA). Washington DC Solar. Q4 2020. The city had 10,618 solar installations as of 2020—up nearly 150% in the last five years.

What are the advantages of going solar in Washington, D.C.?

Switching to solar can change the world a little at a time, improving air quality and creating jobs. Since 2006, efforts to convert Washington, D.C. to clean energy have reduced carbon emissions in the city by 24% and increased economic growth by 14%.

Not only does solar usage help save the environment, but it also comes with the financial advantage of decreasing your electric bills. A purchased 5 kW system can pay for itself in 4-5 years and offer upwards of $56,000 in energy cost savings over 20 years.^*Energy Sage. Solar Panel Cost in Washington, D.C. March 2021.

You may be able to break even on your upfront costs even earlier by taking advantage of tax incentives, rebates, and net metering. Net metering allows you to send any excess energy your system produces back to your utility provider for a credit on your electricity bill that can be used to cover any energy usage from the grid.^*The availability of net metering varies by location and is subject to change. Your SunPower Dealer can help you determine if you qualify. You can also visit the dsireusa.org website for detailed solar policy information.

How much does solar cost in Washington, D.C.?

The cost of a home solar system can vary, even in the same city, due to a range of factors. These include:

• Available unshaded roof space

• Local weather

• Quality of the solar system

• Household's energy needs

To help you understand the price of going solar in your area, we've analyzed SunPower price quotes, as well as quotes gathered by third-party sources,^*Local Solar Installers 2020/2021, Solar Reviews 2021, Energy Sage 2021, Wood Mackenzie 2020, National Renewable Energy Laboratory 2020 for thousands of homeowners across the country. In Washington, D.C., we found that the average cost of owning a 5 kW solar system is $16,450 or in other words, from $3.29 per watt. And that's before considering the benefits of any available tax credits or incentives.

Residents of Washington, D.C. have access to many tax credits and incentives, such as:

• Solar Renewable Energy Credits (SRECs) - This program entitles you to one SREC per megawatt-hour your system produces. You can then sell your SREC on the marketplace. The value of SRECs in Washington, D.C. varies but is generally relatively high. Prices have hovered at over $400 over the last several months.^*SRECTrade, Inc. Washington, D.C. March 2021.

• Solar Advantage Plus Program - If you qualify based on your income level, you can receive as much as $10,000 for your solar system. On top of this monetary benefit, you are also able to sell the SRECs as mentioned above.

• 26% Federal Tax Credit – You can claim a 26% credit for the purchase of your system on your federal taxes. While the credit is non-refundable, it can be rolled over if your credit exceeds your tax liability.^*Tax credits subject to change. SunPower does not warrant, guarantee, or otherwise advise its partners or customers about specific tax outcomes. Consult your tax advisor regarding the solar tax credit and how it applies to your specific circumstances. Please visit the dsireusa.org website for detailed solar policy information.

What is the best way to go solar in Washington, D.C.?

The best way to go solar will depend on your personal energy usage, available unshaded roof space, budget, and more. It's also important to consider how much of your electricity usage you'd like to offset and whether you want to aim to produce more than you need to earn more SRECs.

Every home or business will have different needs. That's why solar system installation requires a custom approach. Reputable solar companies help you choose the best solar solution for your needs through free consultations. During the consultation and before signing a contract, you should receive a system design, monthly electric bill savings estimate, price quote, and an overview of available incentives and tax credits.

Curious about what your home will look like with solar panels? You can schedule a consultation with our solar experts today, call us directly at (800) 786-7693, or create your own solar design online at the SunPower Design Studio.