Power Your Home with the Sun
Solar in Washington, D.C.
Considering going solar in Washington, D.C.?
As a homeowner in the Nation’s Capital, you might be wondering if a home solar system is right for you. Washington D.C. is a great place in the country to go solar because of great incentives, rising utility rates, and increasing outages. A solar panel and battery system is simple: solar panels on your roof generate solar electricity right at your home, helping you take control of your electricity costs and giving you an energy source you can rely on. When your solar panel system produces more solar electricity than your home is using, that excess energy is often sent back to the electric grid for a credit on your electric bills—a system called net metering. This turns your home into its own miniature power plant, creating more predictable electricity bills and securing your energy future.
By adding battery storage you can take your entire system to the next level. Think of a battery like a personal power bank for your home: it can store your excess energy during the day so you can use it at night or, more importantly, when the electric grid goes down. This powerful combination of solar panels and battery storage gives you reliable backup during those unpredictable D.C. power outages.
Ready to see what a customized solar panel system looks like for your home? Getting started is easy. As America's #1 home solar and battery company, our team of experts will handle all the details—from design to permitting—so you can enjoy clean, reliable solar power without the hassle. Stop worrying about rising electricity costs and start powering your life on your terms.
D.C, go solar with confidence
Upgrade your home with a solar system and battery storage, and get expert installation from America’s #1 provider.
Powering D.C: Easy Process. Better technology. Happy customers.
Sunrun Subscription Plan vs. solar panels ownership
Our solar lease subscription plan offers predictable, affordable rates for as little as $0 down in upfront costs, or you could purchase solar panels outright.
Sunrun Subscription Plan
Leasing solar panels
Benefits
- Predictable, affordable payments
- Protect against rising utility costs
- Extended Sunrun warranties including workmanship and energy production guarantee for life of contract, 10 year roof penetration warranty, 24/7 system monitoring
Who maintains?
- Sunrun owns and maintains
- Plan transfers to new owners if you sell your home
Payments
- $0 to little down
- Locked in monthly solar lease
Solar panels ownership
Purchasing solar panels
Benefits
- Own your system outright
- Protect against rising utility costs
- Manufacturer's equipment warranties, 10 year workmanship guarantee, and 10 year roof penetration warranty
Who maintains?
- I service and care for my system myself
- Transfers to new owners if you sell your home
Payments
- Full system cost (cash upfront)
A home battery system is more crucial now than ever in Washington, D.C.
Power when you need it most
Keep your home running smoothly during outages
Control energy costs effectively
FAQs
What are the advantages of choosing Sunrun to install solar panels, DC residents should know?
Sunrun stands out among solar companies in Washington, D.C. by providing reliable solar installation and maintenance homeowners can trust. Unlike many solar companies out there, Sunrun is here to stay. As the pioneer of the solar subscription, we boast the longest track record in the industry and support over 1 million customers. Backed by our position as the largest residential solar and storage provider in the U.S., Sunrun combines national reach with a local touch.
While we are a national solar company, in D.C. we have local teams who are expert battery and solar installers. At the national level we are able to provide 24/7 system monitoring for all Sunrun Solar Subscription customers and if you need to sell your home, we easily transfer systems to new buyers to start them on their own solar energy journeys. With Sunrun you’ll experience an unmatched combination of expertise, customer service, and product warranty and performance guarantees.
How much does it cost to install a solar panel system in Washington, D.C?
In Washington, D.C., the cost of installing solar panels and battery storage can be as little as $0 down for qualifying homeowners. Just like you don’t pay a utility company to install power lines, with the Sunrun Solar Subscription, Sunrun solar installers set up your home solar system at little to no upfront cost. You then pay a fixed monthly rate for battery storage and the energy your panels produce—replacing part of your utility bill.
If you choose to purchase your home solar system, solar installation expenses will depend on various factors, including the number of panels being installed, what additional equipment you select–such as a backup battery, and any applicable solar incentives you may be eligible for and can utilize. If you want a detailed solar cost breakdown, check out this blog article. However, the best way to understand solar costs for your situation is to meet with one of our local Maryland solar energy consultants. A Sunrun representative will assess your home and energy usage and provide you with a customized quote.
What solar incentives are available in D.C?
For those seeking to own residential solar energy systems, the 30% Residential Clean Energy federal solar tax credit may help offset the large upfront investment. This federal tax credit will no longer be available for systems installed after 2025.
For many homeowners, an outright solar investment is not the right lifestyle fit or financial decision. The Sunrun Solar Subscription solves for this by potentially providing customers with long term savings without the initial expenses and personal responsibility of solar energy system ownership.
How do solar renewable energy certificates (SRECs) work in D.C?
SRECs are an incentive for D.C. homeowners who own a solar energy system.
Here is a breakdown of how they work:
What is an SREC? An SREC (Solar Renewable Energy Certificate) is a tradable credit that represents the renewable energy "rights" generated by your solar system. One SREC is created for every 1,000 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity your system generates.
Who earns them? Homeowners in D.C. who own a qualifying solar energy system are eligible to earn SRECs.
Why are they valuable? D.C. law mandates that certain companies and utilities meet a Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS), meaning they must source a specific percentage of their electricity from solar.
How do you get paid? These regulated companies meet their legal requirements by purchasing SRECs from solar system owners. Homeowners are paid for the SRECs their system creates, with the value determined by the current D.C. SREC market.