Washington D.C. Solar Calculator: The SREC Income Strategy (2026)
Washington D.C. Solar Calculator: The SREC Income Strategy (2026)
Why D.C. is the “Hidden Goldmine” of Solar
While California has the sun and high rates, Washington D.C. has legislation. The “Clean Energy DC Omnibus Act” created a market where your solar production is traded like a stock.
- The SREC Check: For every 1,000 kWh (1 MWh) you generate, you earn one SREC. In 2026, SRECs in D.C. are trading between $300 and $400. A typical home earns $3,000+ per year in checks alone.
- Property Tax Exemption: Solar adds value to your historic rowhouse but is 100% exempt from property tax increases.
- Pepco Rates: Rates are moderate (~$0.16/kWh), but when combined with SREC income, the effective value of solar is over $0.50/kWh.
System Sizing
Enter details for your D.C. property (Rowhouse/Detached).
Budget Builder
Financial Analysis
| Term | Monthly | Total |
|---|
Project Timeline
Comparative Table: D.C. vs. The Suburbs (MD/VA)
Geography matters. Moving just across the border to Maryland or Virginia changes the financials drastically.
| Feature | Washington D.C. | Maryland (MD) | Virginia (VA) |
|---|---|---|---|
| SREC Value | $$$$ (High) | $ (Low) | $ (Low) |
| Payback Period | 3 – 5 Years | 6 – 8 Years | 9 – 11 Years |
| Permitting Difficulty | Hard (Historic/DCRA) | Medium | Easy |
| Net Metering | 1:1 Full Retail | 1:1 Full Retail | Avoided Cost (Lower) |
3 Real District Case Studies
Case 1: Rowhouse in Capitol Hill (Historic District)
Challenge: Limited roof space and strict visibility rules (panels cannot be seen from the street).
Solution: 12 High-Efficiency 420W Panels on the rear flat roof.
Financials: System cost $18,000. ITC Tax Credit -$5,400.
SREC Income: Generates ~6 SRECs/year = $2,100 annual cash income.
Result: The system pays for itself in just 3.8 years.
Case 2: Detached Home in Chevy Chase
Scenario: Large roof, $300 Pepco bill.
Solution: 10 kWp System.
Result: Eliminates the electric bill entirely. Generates 12 SRECs/year ($4,000+ income). The homeowner uses this income to pay for their property taxes.
Case 3: Government Contractor (Commercial Office)
Scenario: Needs to meet ESG goals and reduce operating costs.
Solution: 50 kWp commercial rooftop system.
Result: Avoids D.C. BEPS fines (Building Energy Performance Standards). 5-year MACRS depreciation + SRECs creates positive cash flow in Year 1.
FAQ: Solar in the District
1. What happens if I live in a Historic District?
You need a permit from the HPRB (Historic Preservation Review Board). Generally, if the panels are not visible from the main street, it is approved. ShockTrail partners specialize in these permits.
2. How do I sell my SRECs?
You don’t need to do it manually. We set you up with an aggregator (broker) who sells them automatically and deposits the money into your bank account monthly or quarterly.
3. Is the SREC market guaranteed?
The D.C. market is legislated through 2041, but prices fluctuate. However, even at conservative estimates, it remains the most profitable market in the country.
4. Do I need a battery in D.C.?
Unlike California, D.C. has 1:1 Net Metering, so the grid acts as a free battery. You only need a battery (like a Powerwall) if you want backup power during storms.
5. Can I install solar on a flat roof?
Yes. Most D.C. rowhouses have flat roofs (TPO/Bitumen). We use “ballasted” mounts that use weight instead of drilling holes, preserving your roof warranty.
Critical Installation Tips for D.C.
- The “Pepco Hold”: Getting “Permission to Operate” (PTO) from Pepco can take 4-8 weeks after installation. Be patient; this is bureaucratic, not technical.
- DCRA Permitting: D.C. Department of Buildings is notoriously slow. Ensure your installer has a dedicated “permit runner” who physically goes to the office to expedite paperwork.
- Shading from Neighbors: Rowhouses are close together. A neighbor’s chimney can shade your panels. Use Microinverters to ensure one shaded panel doesn’t kill the output of the others.
Curiosities
Washington D.C. has a goal to run on 100% renewable energy by 2032, one of the most aggressive targets in the US. By installing solar, you are directly helping the capital reduce its reliance on the fossil-heavy PJM grid.
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