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.

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.