Here’s the thing:

Dominion Energy and Appalachian Power are trying to make changes to the Virginia net metering rules that could eliminate the energy savings for solar panels installed in 2025 and beyond.

If you install solar panels before the new rules go into effect (or meet certain income criteria), you can take full advantage of the current rules for net metering in Virginia.

The bottom line: Don’t wait. If you’ve been thinking about installing solar panels for your home in Virginia, give us a call today at 888-586-3343, or send us a message:

Since 2006, EDGE Energy has installed more than 5,000 solar energy systems in Virginia, Maryland, and Washington DC. We stand out as a six-time winner of the ENERGY STAR Contractor of the Year Award and SunPower Master-certified solar installer (top 5% nationally).

Net Metering Virginia: The State of the State

What is Net Metering?

Net metering is a policy that allows homeowners and businesses with solar energy systems to receive credit on their electric bills for the excess energy they generate and feed back into the grid. Essentially, it allows solar panel owners to offset their electricity costs by generating their own power.

How Net Metering Works in Virginia

In Virginia, net metering is regulated under Virginia code §56-594 and applies to investor-owned utilities (Dominion Energy and Appalachian Power) as well as electric cooperatives. Here’s a brief overview of how it works:

System Capacity Limits

• Residential: Up to 25 kW
• Non-residential: Up to 3,000 kW
• Agricultural: Up to 500 kW (aggregated capacity)

Monthly Excess Generation Credit Rate

Homeowners and businesses are credited at the full retail rate for the solar energy they send back to the grid. This means they receive the same rate for the energy they export as they pay for the energy they consume.

For more on net metering in Virginia, including caps, standby charges, and more, here’s a helpful rundown from the nonprofit Solar United Neighbors: Net metering in Virginia

Virginia Net Metering Changes

Apples to Apples Analogy

To explain the changes, let’s start with an analogy.

Instead of selling you energy, let’s pretend the utilities want to sell you apples.

They charge $1 per apple. You start growing your own apples, and they agree to buy apples from you for the same price – $1 per apple.

Then they want to change the rules – Instead of paying you $1 for each of your apples, they want to pay you only $0.20 per apple – way less – but continue to charge you $1 for each apple they sell you.

It’s the same with energy. The utility used to offer a 1:1 rate, offering the same price for energy they sell you and energy you produce with your solar panels. Now they want to pay you less and charge you the same amount (more over time).

Who is protected from the changes?

There are two groups protected from the upcoming changes to net metering in Virginia:

• Income Eligible Customers: They will have the option to install solar under either the current rules or the new ones – whatever makes the most financial sense for them. 
• Early Adopters: Customers who install solar panels and connect to the grid before the SCC issues its final order will be grandfathered in under the existing net metering provisions. This means they will continue to get the full retail rate credit for the electricity they feed back to the grid.

What should I do about it?

If you install solar panels and connect to the grid before the SCC issues its final order, you’ll be grandfathered in under the current net metering rules. That means you’ll lock in the full retail rate credit for your solar energy and get the greatest return on your solar investment.

Don’t wait! Give us a call at 888-586-3343 or send us a message to schedule your solar consultation today:

Why are Virginia’s Net Metering Rules Changing?

The Technical Answer: The Virginia Clean Economy Act (VCEA)

The Virginia Clean Economy Act (VCEA) of 2020 was a milestone for solar advocates, setting the stage for a zero-carbon electricity sector by 2050 and removing lots of barriers to solar installation in Virginia. 

This legislation, along with the Solar Freedom Act, expanded net metering – allowing residents, businesses, and local governments to get full retail rate credits for excess electricity fed back to the grid, making solar power more affordable.

However … the VCEA also included a clause for reevaluating net metering. 

Starting in 2024 for Appalachian Power and 2025 for Dominion Energy, the State Corporation Commission (SCC) will reassess how new net metering customers are compensated. 

On May 6, 2024, the SCC directed these utilities to propose changes, with deadlines set for September 2024 for Appalachian Power and May 2025 for Dominion Energy. The proceedings will determine the future terms of net metering compensation and the payback for new solar installations in Virginia.

The Actual Answer: Money

It’s mostly about money.

Investor-owned utilities hate net metering because it gives them less control over customers and cuts into their profits from building new generation and transmission infrastructure. 

Instead of admitting this, the utilities argue that net metering creates a “cost shift,” making non-solar customers pay more to maintain the grid while solar customers benefit from free electricity.

That’s an argument that just isn’t supported by the vast majority of studies. For example, a study by the Maryland Public Service Commission found that solar customers actually subsidize their non-solar neighbors, contrary to the “cost shift” narrative.

What’s more, research shows that rooftop solar provides a range of other benefits, including grid relief, reduced need for new infrastructure, and broader societal advantages like energy security and reduced carbon emissions. 

Despite these benefits, our inverter-owned utilities have obligations to their stakeholders and continue to push the “cost shift” argument without substantial evidence, influencing legislators to consider potential changes to net metering policies.

The SCC’s upcoming evaluations will determine the compensation rates for net metering customers. These are decisions that will significantly impact the future of solar energy in Virginia.

In the long run, solar panels can save thousands on your energy bills and significantly boost your home’s value. According to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, for every $1 reduction in annual energy costs, a home’s value increases by about $20. We’re talking about a substantial financial gain.

Switching to solar also means that you’re using a clean, endless energy source – the sun – which offsets 85% of energy costs for average EDGE Energy solar customers. With the addition of battery storage, you’re even set during outages, maintaining power when the grid goes down.

Before you sign on with a solar installer, there are a few important points to consider.

First, pricing obviously matters, but be wary of unusually low prices. Seasoned installers understand the true costs of a proper solar installation. Newer companies, on the other hand, may offer lower prices because they either don’t know the true costs, or they’re really desperate for the business. 

Here’s the thing – many reputable installers won’t fix mistakes made by others. If your system isn’t installed correctly, you could find yourself covering the cost to remove the faulty panels and repair any damage before the new system can be installed.

If you choose an unreliable solar installer, your solar dream could quickly become a nightmare. This article will walk through the most important considerations and questions you should ask to find a reliable solar company in Virginia, Maryland, or Washington DC.

If you have questions about whether solar for your home, feel free to give us a call at 888-586-3343, or send us a message anytime.

What are the risks of choosing an unreliable solar company?

Damage to Your Roof

Assessing the roof’s capacity to handle the solar panels’ weight and pressure is essential before installation. If the panels are not properly mounted, there could be leakage and structural damage. Effective flashing and sealing are crucial to prevent these issues.

Issues with Wiring

Poor wiring practices can lead to serious electrical hazards, fire risks, or a loss of system performance. Additionally, wires that are exposed to sunlight, moisture, or sharp edges are prone to degradation or damage. To prevent these issues, it is critical to properly run, bundle, label, and connect your wires, ensuring they are well-protected against environmental factors.

Also, an inverter that isn’t compatible, properly set up, or correctly installed may fail to transform the DC electricity from the panels into AC for the grid or appliances. This can cause power reductions, overheating, or inverter malfunctions. To mitigate these risks, the inverter should be chosen to fit your system’s specifications and installed in an environment that is cool and has good ventilation.

Before the installation, make sure to ask the right questions. Proper due diligence before the project begins can prevent poor workmanship, leaks, or other basic errors that might lead to future complications.

Solar Contracts with Misleading Terms

Some solar companies may not be entirely forthright, presenting contracts that could overcharge you or fail to hold them accountable if the system underperforms.

Here are a few things to watch for in particular::

Complex Loan Terms: The conditions of solar loans can differ significantly, with terms stretching from 5 to 20 years. It’s important to scrutinize the interest rates, monthly payment details, and any potential increases in rates throughout the term to prevent unforeseen financial strains.

Warranty Restrictions: There’s considerable variation in solar warranties between providers. Some offer extensive long-term protection, while others may include hefty limitations. It’s really important to understand both the duration and extent of the warranty, as it will affect your ongoing maintenance expenses.

Ownership of Solar Renewable Energy Credits (SRECs): SRECs can provide substantial financial benefits to solar system owners, especially in Washington DC. Be cautious of contracts where installers keep your SRECs or other incentives, which can greatly reduce your returns.

Conditions of Power Purchase Agreements (PPA): Carefully examine any PPA terms. Terms that are too restrictive can end up costing more than the system’s worth over its lifetime.

Realistic Energy Production Forecasts: Verify that the energy production estimates given by your installer are reasonable. Exaggerated predictions can result in dissatisfaction regarding both the system’s performance and its financial yield.

Questions to ask Solar Companies in Virginia, Maryland, and Washington DC

This set of questions is not meant to cover everything but will help you filter out solar companies that could cause serious issues. You’ll also find answers for our company, EDGE Energy, which has offices in Virginia, Maryland, and Washington DC, and is in the top 5% of solar installers nationally.

Feel free to call with any follow up questions: 888-586-3343.

How many years have you been in business?

How many solar installations have you completed? A solar company’s longevity is a good indicator of their ability to provide accurate project estimates and deliver on their commitments.

Choose established, financially stable manufacturers and installers like EDGE Energy. Companies that fail and close down can leave you without the support and warranty services you need.

EDGE Energy started installing solar panels in 2006. Since then, we’ve installed more than 5,000 solar energy systems in the DMV, all with a satisfaction guarantee.

Do you hold a NABCEP Certification?

The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a nonprofit organization that provides certification programs for renewable energy professionals.

While the certification isn’t mandatory, it provides solar professionals with additional skills and knowledge that set them apart from others in the field. This certification adds to the state licensing requirements. It doesn’t take their place but improves the installer’s qualifications, giving them a distinct advantage in terms of expertise.

EDGE Energy stands out with a NABCEP Certification. Our certification number is: PV-041115-011277.

Do you hire subcontractors for any portion of the installation?

If yes, could you provide details about them? What qualifications do they hold?

It’s important to know who is showing up at your home. Seeing a vehicle with an unfamiliar company logo can be unsettling. It’s OK for your installer to use subcontractors—as many companies do for various projects—but it’s crucial that these subcontractors are properly qualified.

EDGE Energy is a vertically integrated company, which means we complete nearly all of the work ourselves. If we need a subcontractor to meet a deadline, we will notify you ahead of time, guaranteeing a smooth process with no unexpected surprises during your solar installation.

What type of equipment do you install?

Could you provide details about the solar panel and inverter brands you use? What are their warranty conditions? Please provide specific product models, and take the time to look up the manufacturers to assess their industry standing. Checking reviews and customer feedback can be informative.

Solar panels and inverters vary widely in quality. If a quote seems unusually low, it might be because the components offered are of inferior quality, which could lead to less reliable performance over the long term.

At EDGE Energy, we install SunPower solar panels, which come with a hassle-free 25-year warranty. SunPower panels are considered the best on the market, capable of producing 55% more energy in the same space than traditional panels.

Are you licensed and insured for solar installation and electrical work in Virginia, Maryland, or Washington D.C.?

It’s crucial that your contractor holds the necessary state licenses to adhere to local building regulations. Be sure to request their license number and confirm its validity through the appropriate state agency depending on the location of the installation:

• Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation
• Maryland Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation
• D.C. Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection

It’s essential, and pretty much a given, not to go with a solar company unless they are fully licensed and insured.

EDGE Energy is fully licensed, bonded, and insured. We’re proud to have a clean record with no complaints. Feel free to look us up in Virginia (License #: 2705119932), Maryland (License #: 98688), or DC (License #: 69007081).

Do you partner with local energy programs, and can you help with tax credits?

We’re fortunate to have strong incentives and tax credits to offset the cost of installing solar panels in Virginia, Maryland, and Washington DC. 

However, if your solar installer lacks the necessary certifications or if they don’t design your system properly, you could miss out on serious savings.

Start by confirming that your installer is certified through the Virginia Department of Mines, Minerals, and Energy, the Maryland Energy Administration, or the District Department of Energy and Environment, depending on where you’re located.

EDGE Energy has helped homeowners claim more than $24 million in tax credits. This is a key part of the value we provide. Choosing EDGE Energy means that you get a partner who will help you to fully leverage the available tax credits, rebates, and incentives.

Solar Panel Installation in Virginia, Maryland, and DC: The Bottom Line

Don’t hesitate to ask plenty of questions to make sure you’re picking the right solar installer. Solar panels are a big deal and a big investment, so you definitely want to make sure they’re going to pay off like you expect.

If you have questions about solar for your home in Virginia, Maryland, or Washington DC, please give us a call at (888) 586-3343, We’re happy to help.

Not as many people know that we’ve committed about half our business to helping low and moderate income homeowners with energy efficiency upgrades.

We want as many people as possible to feel safe and comfortable at home with energy bills they can afford. That’s why we partner with almost every program serving income eligible homeowners in the DMV.

This week, we’re sharing the story of Kadir and his family. We found rebates and incentives from a few different sources to cover the entire cost of Kadir’s project.

We installed a new heat pump, heat pump water heater, solar panels, air sealing, insulation, and more – all at no cost to Kadir and his family. Here in the DMV, we’re fortunate to have robust resources to help homeowners save energy.

If you’re curious which resources you can claim or if you know someone who struggles with high energy bills, please give us a call at (888) 586-3343. You can also send us a message anytime.

Energy Assistance: Where It Started

Kadir and his family live in a three bedroom townhouse in Maryland. It was built around 1985 and has about 1,800 square feet of living space. For a townhouse that size, Kadir’s energy bills were relatively high. The bills took a bite out of the family budget every month.

Annual Energy Bills Totaling About $2,750

Digging in, we found that their electric baseload accounted for most of their energy consumption, followed by space heating, cooling, and water heating. The “baseload” included the cost to operate space heaters that supplemented the aging heat pump in the home.

Breakdown of Energy Consumption by Category

Maryland Energy Assistance: The Project

Home Energy Audit

We first partnered with emPOWER Maryland to cover the cost of Kadir’s home energy audit. 

When we do a home energy audit, we run a series of diagnostic tests to find out exactly where a homeowner is using and losing energy. The result is a prioritized list of recommendations, complete with costs, savings, rebates.

Based on the results of our tests, we recommended that Kadir start by sealing up air leaks and adding insulation. We also recommended that he swap out his older heat pump and water heater – both of which were nearing the end of their expected lifespans.

Kadir’s Energy Efficiency Priorities

By including each of the priorities in Kadir’s project scope, we were able to reduce his family’s energy bills by about 30%. Here’s what that looks like.

Kadir’s Cost Savings and Percent Energy Savings

Air Sealing and Insulation

With the combination of air sealing and insulation, we made Kadir’s house about 21% tighter.

Our goal is to make the home the home tight enough that Kadir and his family don’t notice drafts and cold spots, but not so tight that they experience issues with indoor air quality, such as the growth of mold and mildew.

Attic Insulation Before the Project

Attic Insulation After the Project

Heating and Cooling

We replaced the 25-year old heat pump with a brand new Goodman heat pump, which reduced Kadir’s heating bills by about 38% and his cooling bills by about 48%.

Heat Pump Before the Project

Heat Pump After the Project

Water Heater

The AO Smith Heat Pump Water Heater that we installed saves about $443 every year (a 74% reduction) compared to the existing electric tank water heater, which was installed around 2010.

Water Heater Before the Project

Water Heater After the Project

Indoor Air Quality

To ensure that Kadir’s house gets enough ventilation, we replaced the older existing bathroom fans with top-of-the-line ENERGY STAR bathroom fans.

We also found that Kadir’s dryer vent was not properly vented to the outside. When we arrived, the vent was pumping warm, moist air into the attic, which caused mold to start growing on the underside of the roof.

We fixed the vent to make sure that it sent the warm, moist air outdoors, rather than the attic, preventing any additional issues with mold or mildew in the attic.

Energy Assistance Programs: The Bottom Line

What was Kadir’s experience?

“EDGE Energy helped me navigate the process. Every person was very helpful. If I had any questions, they explained it. They were very punctual, arriving when they said they would. It was a very smooth experience.” -Kadir

There are so many programs and agencies with resources to help income eligible households with both solar and energy efficiency upgrades. There are so many, in fact, that it’s sometimes tough to know where to start.

Start here: Give us a call at (888) 586-3343, or send us a message.

We’ll help you navigate the programs, and since we do almost all of the work ourselves, you’ll have one point of contact for your entire project. We want as many people as possible to enjoy the benefits of a safe, comfortable, and efficient home.

• Who are the best solar companies in Maryland?
• What Maryland solar incentives and tax credits can I claim?
• How much money will I save with solar and battery storage?

In the case study, you’ll find answers to these questions and more. We’re featuring a project that we did for Jennifer F, who hired EDGE Energy to install solar panels and battery storage on her home in Maryland.

Please keep in mind that every home is different.

If you’d like to get a proposal to install solar panels or battery backup for your home, please give us a call at (888) 586-3343, or take a second to fill out our contact form:

Based in Beltsville, Maryland, EDGE Energy has successfully completed more than 2,000 projects since 2006. We stand out as the only ENERGY STAR® Contractor of the Year and Master-certified solar company in Maryland (top 5% nationally). Every project comes with a satisfaction guarantee.

The Right Time with the Right Solar Company

Jennifer cares about her carbon footprint, but she’s a realist.

She didn’t want to install solar panels until it made solid financial sense. She was also concerned about finding the right solar installer because she has a cedar shake roof with lots of bump outs.

The Right Time: Lower Costs, Higher Incentives

“The panels got better, and the battery storage tax credits and solar incentives got better. Solar aligns with our values, and it makes good financial sense because we’re going to be in our house for a while.”

Jennifer thought about installing solar panels for years, but she waited for the cost of the panels to come down and the value of the incentives and tax credits to come up. When the time was right, she started looking for the right installer.

The Right Installer: EDGE Energy

When the time was right, she reached out to eight solar installers.

“We ended up choosing EDGE because of a combination of the cost, quality panels, ability to work on a cedar roof, and the strength of our neighbors recommendation.”

Jennifer first reached out to EDGE Energy because we installed solar panels for her neighbors, who recommended that she get in touch.

“EDGE Energy was responsive and supportive throughout the process. They did the design and went through both PEPCO and the city to get approval.”

The System: Maryland Solar Panels + Battery Storage

Here’s an overview of what we proposed installed on Jennifer’s home.

Solar Panels

23 SunPower A-400 Watt AC Panels With Factory-Integrated Microinverters

Here are a few reasons that the SunPower A-400 Watt AC Panels work well for many homeowners in Maryland:

• Efficient: They have the most powerful cell in home solar, delivering the highest-efficiency module in residential solar.
• Light: They have a factory-integrated microinverter that is 60% lighter than prior SunPower microinverters and is engineered and calibrated by SunPower for SunPower AC modules.
• Integrated: They are part of the SunPower Equinox System, the only fully integrated solution designed, engineered, and warranted by one manufacturer.
• High Performance: They are designed to deliver up to 60% more energy over 25 years in real-world conditions like partial shade and high temperatures.
• Reliable: They have the best reliability and the best warranty in the industry, with a 25-year Combined Power and Product Warranty, including the highest Power Warranty in solar.

Battery Storage

SunPower SunVault Energy Storage System with 13 kWh Capacity

The SunVault energy storage system integrates seamlessly with SunPower solar panels to provide energy, monitoring and intelligence to power your home with or without grid power. Here’s what we like:

• More Charge Cycles: They have advanced battery technology that stores solar energy efficiently and allows more charge cycles than conventional storage systems.
• Seamless: They have a Hub+ device that houses backed-up circuits and controls your solar + storage system for optimal performance and seamless transitions from utility power to battery power.
• Easy Monitoring: They have an LED Panel that gives you up-to-date information about system status, energy use and in-app alerts.
• Peace of Mind: They give you peace of mind during an outage and the freedom to manage your energy as you see fit.

Maryland Solar Incentives and Tax Credits

Here in Maryland, we’re fortunate to have strong cash incentives for rooftop solar systems. The incentives are managed by the Maryland Energy Administration (MEA). Please visit their website for the latest, including current funding levels, eligibility requirements, and steps to apply.

You can also learn more about the Maryland Energy Storage Income Tax Credit, which is administered by the MEA. Each year, the MEA gets a certain amount for tax credits, which are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis.

The federal tax credit covers 30% of the cost of new solar panels and battery storage systems installed from 2022 to 2032. The credit rate decreases to 26% in 2033 and 22% in 2034.

System Performance and Payback

Net Zero from Day One

Jennifer’s 9.2 kW system produced about 10,400 kWh in the first year, which at the time was 132% of her electricity bills. In other words, she produced 32% more electricity than the electricity she used at home.

Here is an estimate of how much her Maryland solar panels will earn over time:

• 10 Years:  $20,079
• 25 Years:  $52,755
• 40 Years:  $95,473

How is the Battery Storage Performing?

The power has gone out a few times since Jennifer installed her SunVault energy storage system. When that happens, her system fires up automatically to keep the lights on, fridge cold, and furnace running. Her house stays lit up when everyone else on the block goes dark.

Conclusion

We’re proud to help Jennifer zero out her energy bills and keep the lights on when the grid goes down. Her project came with a satisfaction guarantee, which we offer for every solar installation.

If you’d like help with your home, please give us a call at (888) 586-3343, or send us a message anytime.

Financially, installing solar panels is a slam dunk. In the first year, you can get a tax credit that covers up to 30% of the cost of your system, then you can save tens of thousands more over time with (1) lower energy bills; (2) net metering; and (3) the most generous renewable energy credits in the country.

Which Washington DC solar incentives can you claim? Start by giving us a call at (888) 586-3343, or send us a message anytime. We’re here to help.

Here’s what we’ll cover in the article below:

• Solar Renewable Energy Credits (SRECs)
• Federal and DC Solar Tax Credits
• DC Solar for All Program: Income Eligible Incentives
• Net Metering in Washington DC
• Washington DC Solar Incentives: The Bottom Line

Before jumping in, please note that incentives change, and we’re Washington DC solar installers, not accountants. This page is for informational purposes only and should not be relied on for tax, legal, or financial purposes. Please consult with your accountant, attorney, or other advisors before moving forward with any transaction.

Solar Renewable Energy Credits (SRECs)

SRECs are the key to making money from solar power in DC. They’re certificates that you get for generating solar electricity. 

Here’s the thing – DC offers the highest and most stable SREC prices in the nation, and you can cash in your SRECs for thousands of dollars annually from your solar system.

Right now, SRECs are worth more than $400 each (get the latest here), which is double the next best in the country (MA) and five times the average price across the only seven other states that have SREC markets. 

If you install an 8 kW solar system that generates 10 MWh of solar electricity annually, you can claim 10 SRECs or more each year. That means an extra $4,000 in your pocket annually or $20,000 over five years in addition to your energy savings and tax credits. We’re talking about serious DC solar incentives.

What Are SRECs, and How Do They Work?

SRECs are created by the local government to encourage more solar power production in DC. The government requires utilities to get a certain percentage of their electricity from renewable sources, and a specific portion of that must come from solar.

This is called the renewable portfolio standard (RPS), and it aims to achieve 100% renewable energy by 2032, with 5% from solar.

As the solar panel owner, you can help utilities meet their RPS goals by generating solar electricity and creating SRECs. You get one SREC for every 1,000 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of solar electricity you produce, which is equivalent to one megawatt-hour (MWh).

For example, if you have an 8-kilowatt (kW) solar system, you can expect to generate about 10 MWh of solar electricity per year, and thus 10 SRECs.

You can then sell your SRECs to utilities or other buyers through the SREC market, which is like a stock exchange for solar certificates. The price of SRECs depends on supply and demand, and it can change daily.

That said, DC has one of the highest and most stable SREC prices in the country, thanks to its ambitious RPS goals and high penalties for utilities that fail to comply.

How Much Can I Earn From SRECs in DC.?

The amount of money you can make from SRECs depends on two factors: 

1. How much solar electricity you generate, and 
2. How much SRECs are worth at the time of sale. 

The more solar electricity you produce, the more SRECs you create, and the more income you can earn. The value of SRECs, on the other hand, varies based on market conditions and can range from $300 to $500 per SREC.

To give you an idea, let’s assume you have an 8-kW solar system that generates 10 MWh of solar electricity per year, and you sell your SRECs for $400 each. In that case, you can earn $4,000 per year from SRECs alone, or $20,000 over five years.

This is in addition to the savings you get from reducing your electric bill and the tax credits you get from the federal government.

• 10 SRECs×$400=$4,000 in year one
• 50 SRECs×$400=$20,000 over 5 years

Of course, these numbers are just estimates, and the actual earnings may vary depending on the performance of your solar system and the fluctuations of the SREC market. 

DC is likely to maintain its high and steady SREC prices in the future, as it has increased its RPS and solar carve-out targets to 10% by 2041. That said, Washington DC solar incentives won’t last forever.

If you’re serious about installing solar panels, give us a call today at (888) 586-3343, or send us a message to get started.

How to Sell SRECs in DC?

If you want to take advantage of the SREC program in DC, you need to own (not lease) your solar system and register it with the local government.

You also need to find a buyer for your SRECs, which can be challenging if you don’t have the time or expertise to navigate the SREC market.

That’s why most solar panel owners use an intermediary service called an aggregator or broker, which acts as a middleman between you and the buyers. Some of the popular SREC aggregators in DC include:

• SRECTrade
• Sol Systems
• Knollwood Energy

They can help you sell your SRECs at the best possible price, handle the paperwork and transactions, and monitor the market trends.

Depending on what you prefer, you can choose different ways to sell your SRECs through an aggregator. You can sell them on a spot market, where you get the current market price at the time of sale. You can also sell them on a forward market, where you lock in a fixed price for your future SRECs. 

Federal and DC Solar Tax Credits

The Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC) is the other big incentive you should consider. 

The ITC is a tax credit that allows you to deduct a percentage of the cost of your solar system from your federal income taxes. This means that you can save money on your solar investment and reduce your tax liability.

Federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC)

The ITC is currently 30% of the cost of your solar system, including equipment, labor, and permitting. This means that if you spend $20,000 on your solar system, you can claim a tax credit of $6,000.

However, the ITC will decrease to 26% in 2033 and to 22% in 2034, and expire in 2035 unless Congress extends it. 

To claim the ITC in the current tax year, you need to own your solar system and install it before the end of the year. You also need to file IRS Form 5695 with your tax return and keep the receipts and invoices of your solar purchase.

You can carry over any excess credit to the next year if you don’t have enough tax liability to claim the full amount in one year.

Solar Energy System Property Tax Exemption

One of the benefits of installing solar panels in Washington DC is that you can save money on your property taxes. The Solar Energy System and Cogeneration System Personal Property Tax Credit exempts you from paying any additional taxes on the increased value of your home due to your solar system. 

The bottom line – You can enjoy the savings from your solar electricity without worrying about higher tax bills. Pretty sweet, right?

The savings can be significant. According to a survey conducted by Zillow, solar panels boost the average home value by 4%in the U.S. If you own a home worth $500,000 in Washington DC, we’re talking about an extra $20,000 in your pocket when you go to sell.

In this example, you wouldn’t be taxed on the increased property value of your home because of the property tax exemption for DC homeowners.

Homes with Solar Sell for 4.1% More Nationally

If you want to take advantage of the tax exemption, you need to apply for it with the Office of Tax and Revenue. You’ll need to provide proof of your solar system installation, such as a copy of your contract, invoice, or permit.

You will also need to fill out a form that certifies that your solar system is operational and meets the eligibility criteria. You can find the form and more information here.

When you hire EDGE Energy to install your rooftop solar system, we’ll help to make sure you get your property tax exemption. Just give us a call at (888) 586-3343 to get started.

DC Solar for All Program

Solar for All is a program that aims to provide the benefits of solar energy to 100,000 income eligible families in DC. by 2032. The program offers free or discounted solar power to eligible residents, either by installing solar panels on their homes or by subscribing to community solar projects. 

By participating in Solar for All, you can save up to 50% on your electricity bill and help the District achieve its clean energy goals.

How to Qualify for Solar for All

To qualify for Solar for All, you’ll need to meet the income guidelines below, based on your household size and income. Please note that guidelines change over time. Click here for the latest. 

• $85,200 for 1 person household
• $97,350 for 2 person household
• $109,500 for 3 person household
• $121,700 for 4 person household
• $133,850 for 5 person household

As an alternative to the guidelines listed above, you could also qualify for Solar for All if you receive assistance from one of the following programs: SNAP, TANF, SSI, LIHEAP, or another government assistance program.

If you have question about whether you qualify for the Solar for All program, please give us a call at (888) 586-3343.

Net Metering in Washington DC

Net metering is a policy that allows you to send the excess electricity you generate from your solar panels to the grid and receive a credit on your electric bill. This means that you can use the grid as a backup for your solar system and lower your energy costs.

Net metering in DC is available for solar systems up to 1 MW in size and community solar projects up to 5 MW in size. You can net meter with PEPCO, the main utility in DC. You’ll need a special meter that can measure the flow of electricity in both directions.

How to Benefit From Net Metering in DC

With net metering, you only pay for the net amount of electricity you use from the grid each month. If you produce more electricity than you consume, you get a credit for the excess generation at the full retail rate. This credit will roll over to the next month indefinitely, until you use it up.

For example, if you use 800 kWh of electricity from the grid and generate 1,000 kWh of solar electricity in a month, you will have a net excess generation of 200 kWh. You will get a credit for 200 kWh at the retail rate, which is about $0.13 per kWh in DC.

This credit will be applied to your next bill, reducing your net consumption and saving you money.

• 800 kWh−1,000 kWh=−200 kWh
• −200 kWh×$0.13 per kWh=−$26 credit

DC Solar Incentives: The Bottom Line

We have some of the best solar incentives in the country right here in Washington DC. 

You can get a tax credit that covers up to 30% of the cost of your system this year, then save thousands more over months and years with: (1) lower energy bills; (2) net metering; and (3) renewable energy credits – the most generous in the country.

It may seem daunting to navigate all of these programs and incentives. If you hire EDGE Energy to install your solar panels, we’ll guide you every step of the way. We’ve got you covered.