Solar Panels Cost 5.0k-15k in District of Columbia | June, 2025

Solar Panels Cost $5.0k-$15k in District of Columbia | June, 2025

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How much do solar panels cost in District of Columbia in 2025?

Typically, in District of Columbia in the month of June, 2025, the price per each watt for solar panels is $3.6/W.

Or in other words, for every 1000 watts (or 1 kW) your system can generate you will spend $3,600 to get your system installed in . A 5 kW solar panel system in District of Columbia is typically approximately $12,600 after accounting for the 30% federal income tax credit. In accordance with your energy usage habits, you may require a bigger system.

On the left side, choose your county to see the average roof size and the maximum capacity of solar panels for homes in your area. Displayed below is a summary of the price, payback period, and 20-year average savings for a 5 kW system in your county.

Average out-of-pocket cost for a 5 kW system The upfront amount spent to buy and install solar.
District of Columbia: $12,600US Average: $12,523
Average Payback Period The number of years until you break even on the solar investment.
District of Columbia: 9 yearsUS Average: 7 years
Average Net 20-year savings The total amount of money saved over 20 years minus the out-of-pocket cost.
District of Columbia: $11,121US Average: $17,280

Solar Potential in District of Columbia

Estimated system size and solar electricity production per median viable roof in
District of Columbia.

Roof size 393sq. ft.
Capacity 5.5kW DC
Electricity 6.8kkWh AC per yr.

Electricity Costs in District of Columbia & What that Means for Your Solar Panel Pricing

District of Columbia energy consumers generally have a monthly electric bill of $121.34 and use 661 kWh on average. These numbers also include apartments and smaller dwellings with lower energy consumption.

The average electricity rate in District of Columbia in June 2025 is 18.35¢ per kWh.

The typical energy user in District of Columbia must have 6 kW or higher solar setup to cover their entire electricity consumption demands. Right now, 6 kW solar installation costs $15,120 after deducting the 30% federal income tax credit.

Go Solar for less than your cell phone bill.

Average solar panel costs by system size in District of Columbia

Displayed on the left and below is the cost analysis for multiple sizes of solar panel systems installed in District of Columbia. The more extensive the solar array, the greater the initial expense, but also the more substantial electricity savings and income tax credits you'll gain.

In the calculator found to the right and below, you will find a breakdown of solar panel costs and benefits, calculated with an average $121.34 electric bill for District of Columbia. Modify the $121.34 to your usual electricity bill payment for results that are personalized.

System Size 2kW
Roof Size Min. space required
143 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $532 a year
Est. Price
$5,040
Savings from a 2kWthis system
  • Est. yearly production 2,900 kWh
  • Est. monthly savings $44
  • Full payback in 3 years
Environmental Impacts
  • Reduces CO2 emissions by 1.98 tons a year
  • Equivalent to planting 91 trees a year
  • Equivalent to driving 4,889 mi less a year
System Size 3kW
Roof Size Min. space required
215 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $798 a year
Est. Price
$7,560
Savings from a 3kWthis system
  • Est. yearly production 4,350 kWh
  • Est. monthly savings $67
  • Full payback in 5 years
Environmental Impacts
  • Reduces CO2 emissions by 2.96 tons a year
  • Equivalent to planting 136 trees a year
  • Equivalent to driving 7,333 mi less a year
System Size 4kW
Roof Size Min. space required
286 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,064 a year
Est. Price
$10,080
Savings from a 4kWthis system
  • Est. yearly production 5,800 kWh
  • Est. monthly savings $89
  • Full payback in 7 years
Environmental Impacts
  • Reduces CO2 emissions by 3.95 tons a year
  • Equivalent to planting 181 trees a year
  • Equivalent to driving 9,777 mi less a year
System Size 5kW
Roof Size Min. space required
358 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,330 a year
Est. Price
$12,600
Savings from a 5kWthis system
  • Est. yearly production 7,250 kWh
  • Est. monthly savings $111
  • Full payback in 9 years
Environmental Impacts
  • Reduces CO2 emissions by 4.94 tons a year
  • Equivalent to planting 227 trees a year
  • Equivalent to driving 12,222 mi less a year
System Size 6kW
Roof Size Min. space required
429 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,596 a year
Est. Price
$15,120
Savings from a 6kWthis system
  • Est. yearly production 8,700 kWh
  • Est. monthly savings $121
  • Full payback in 10 years
Environmental Impacts
  • Reduces CO2 emissions by 5.39 tons a year
  • Equivalent to planting 248 trees a year
  • Equivalent to driving 13,342 mi less a year

District of Columbia Solar Panel Installation Incentives & Rebates | 2025

For rural farms and small businesses, the REAP Grant might currently cover between 80% and 100% of the expenses for installing solar energy or wind energy systems. Think you might be eligible? Confirm your qualification with our REAP Grant eligibility tool.

With the availability of a 30% federal income tax credit, solar energy becomes a practical solution for nearly all homeowners, notably in various parts of the country. Alongside federal incentives, there are many state and local efforts to support solar energy adoption.

District of Columbia residents have access to 6 solar rebate and incentive programs from different utilities and governmental organizations.

Renewable Portfolio Standard

Value:Varies

Beginning in 2005, the District of Columbia has been required to meet certain investment quotas under renewable portfolio standard laws. The District must derive 100% of its energy from renewable sources by 2032, with intermediate investment targets increasing annually. Sources qualifying to meet the standard were divided into two tiers based on efficiency and emissions; as of 2019, energy from the less efficient tier no longer counts toward the standard. Compliance is measured through credits pegged to a dollar value. Retail customers "generate" these components through their use of renewable energy and "sell" them to utilities through net metering arrangements. Once "in the custody" of the utilities, credits will then go to meet the standard. Additional information on the District RPS can be found on the DCPSC website.

Green Building Requirement

Value:Varies

Beginning in 2006, the District of Columbia has required certain new construction to meet green building requirements. Unique to the District, new municipal buildings amd private buildings over 50,000 square feet are subject to the requirements. Any new city building should meet at least the Silver level of the appropriate LEED standard. New public schools are subject to the LEED for Schools Gold standard, while new public housing projects must meet different Green Communities standards. Beginning in 2009, new and renovated non-residential private buildings over 50,000 square feet should meet at least the Certified level of the appropriate LEED standard. Private schools should meet the LEED for Schools Gold standard. To incentivize compliance with the green building requirements, new private projects pursuing LEED Gold certification may have permit reviews expedited. Additional information is available from the DC environment department website.

Sustainable Energy Trust Fund

Value:Varies

The Sustainable Energy Trust Fund and Energy Assistance Trust Fund provide low-income energy assistance, efficiency improvements, and renewable adoption to D.C. residents. Currently, the D.C. Sustainable Energy Utility holds custodianship. The District obtains funds for the trust via a mandatory surcharge on consumer electric and gas bills. Surcharges go toward assisting low-income families in installing energy-efficient appliances, insulation, lighting, and distributed energy devices (such as solar PV/thermal systems), as well as educational and public outreach initiatives. Currently, the Fund has invested $1.2 billion in total energy improvements and prevented 6.2 million tons of greenhouse gas emissions. Additional information is available from the DC SEU website.

Net Metering

Value:Varies

Distributed-energy customers in the District of Columbia who source power from solar, wind, fuel cells, or other sustainable means are compensated through a net metering arrangement. Upon installation of a distributed energy device, the utility will place a bidirectional meter measuring net excess energy (NEG) generated on-site that is returned to the grid. The utility will credit the customer for the cycle's NEG at a fixed kilowatt-hour rate. Should generation exceed consumption for a cycle, extra credits will carry over to the following month. "Virtual net metering" is available for customers who choose to source their energy from a community solar farm or other renewable "microgrid" within the district limits. These customers will be credited at a proportional "CREF rate" based on the overall net metering credits for the entire microgrid. Additional information is available from the DC PSC website.

Solar Renewable Energy Credits

Value:Varies

A portion of the District of Columbia's renewable portfolio standard must be invested in solar energy through carve-out provisions. By 2023, the District must derive 2.5% of retail energy from on-site solar PV and thermal systems. Compliance with the carve-out is measured through special renewable energy credits earmarked for solar investment (SRECs). Currently, one SREC is equal to one megawatt hour of generated solar energy. Utilities will acquire SRECs under net metering arrangements with their customers that may last for three years before expiration. Should a utility fall short of the yearly RPS solar goal, it will pay an additional compliance fee to the District. Additional information is available from the DC PSC website.

Property Assessed Clean Energy Financing

Value:Varies

Through the PACE program, commercial property owners in the District of Columbia may utilize an "open marketplace" to acquire offers and financing on energy efficiency improvement projects. Under the program, owners may communicate directly with the participating lenders and contractors of their choice and arrange a specialized energy efficiency loan. Effectively, PACE loans come from the District government. Payments are not collected by conventional means; rather, local property tax assessors will service the loan by placing a non-accelerated lien (senior to mortgages) on the property. This means that should the owner sell or transfer their property, payments will become the responsibility of the new owner. Certain safeguards are in place per FHFA directives, including loss reserve funds and disclosures. Residential property is ineligible in most cases due to these new directives. Additional information is available through the District of Columbia website.

Are solar panels worth it in District of Columbia?

For those expecting to remain in their homes after the solar system's payback period, adding solar panels is a obvious choice in District of Columbia. A 5 kW solar system in District of Columbia might save you an average of $16,520.95 over 20 years, with the break even point typically being 9 years.

The cost of not having solar panels in District of Columbia

The lack of solar panels or an alternative energy backup means you'll miss out on the earlier mentioned savings and be entirely reliant on your electric utility for power. The news has given several examples showing that total dependence on your utility isn't always the best idea.

Over the last several years, utilities in District of Columbia have had an average of 0.32 outages per customer annually. On average, an outage lasts 33.25 minutes. Major events such as wildfires, planned maintenance, or equipment failure can significantly extend these time frames.

View the component below to see the number of current electricity customers without power in District of Columbia.

A solar panel system, whether or not it has a backup battery, could help reduce the impact of future outages you might encounter.

Power Outages

Currently, 0 customers are being tracked in District of Columbia.

Learn more

Customers Out:

0

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What impacts the cost of solar panels in District of Columbia?

Your Energy Needs -Larger solar panel systems come with a greater upfront cost, but the price per watt is reduced. Individuals often find that installing a solar system that can replace their electric bill is very advantageous. This method leads to maximum savings.

Make & Model - Just like other industries, the solar energy sector features a wide range of solar panel and mounting equipment brands and designs. Given the particular system preferences an contractor might have, selecting a highly rated contractor is crucial. The utilization of high-quality materials is likely to result in a more favorable long-term experience for buyers.

Solar Panel Type - It's obvious why monocrystalline panels are now the preferred option in the industry. These panels are more expensive, yet they provide more energy. Many installers tend to utilize panels made from this material.

Your Property - Every property and home is distinct. Sloped land, trees, or other considerations can make the installation more difficult. Many solar installers these days are able to utilize satellite imagery to assess your home and factor in these aspects in the initial cost estimate.

Labor Rates - Companies offer different wages to their employees, and these costs are eventually borne by the consumers. Often, businesses paying more in wages also enjoy higher ratings for their services and customer service.

Permitting & Interconnection - Depending on the location, permitting and utility interconnection fees will influence your installation price. Reliable installers will factor these costs into your initial quotes to prevent unexpected expenses.

See what solar panels cost in other DC cities

See what solar panels cost in other DC counties

Go Solar for less than your cell phone bill.

Who are the best solar installers in District of Columbia?

Grid Alternatives

Washington, DC(510) 731-1310

Services

  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Monitoring of independent energy generation.
  • Solar systems for selling electricity back to the grid.
  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.

COHO

Gaithersburg, MD(240) 449-3013

Services

  • Auditing of energy requirements for independent energy generation.
  • Consulting on all things solar related.

Solar Solutions

Washington, DC(202) 249-1112

Services

  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
  • Monitoring of independent energy generation.
  • Solar systems for selling electricity back to the grid.

New Columbia Solar

Washington, DC(202) 810-1661

Services

  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.
  • Consulting on all things solar related.

District Energy

Washington, DC(202) 643-7311

Services

  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
  • Solar systems for selling electricity back to the grid.

Green Brilliance

Herndon, VA(703) 657-0090

Services

  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.
  • Consulting on all things solar related.

Poly Energy

Columbia, DC(855) 497-6527

Services

  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
  • Monitoring of independent energy generation.
  • Solar systems for selling electricity back to the grid.
  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.

Save Solar

Washington, DC

Services

  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.

Pure Solar MD

Largo CDP, MD(844) 297-6527

Services

  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
  • Solar systems for selling electricity back to the grid.
  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.

Solar Solution

Washington, DC(202) 249-1112

Services

  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
  • Monitoring of independent energy generation.
  • Solar systems for selling electricity back to the grid.
  • Consulting on all things solar related.

Solar United Neighbors

Washington, DC(202) 888-3601

Services

  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
  • Solar systems for selling electricity back to the grid.
  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.

Solar150

(443) 501-2230

Services

  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
  • Solar systems for selling electricity back to the grid.
  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.
  • Consulting on all things solar related.

Uprise Solar

Washington, DC(202) 280-2285

Services

  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.

District of Columbia Solar Panel Cost FAQs

  • As of June, 2025, the typical cost for solar panels in District of Columbia is $3.6/W. Installing a 5 kW solar panel system in District of Columbia will cost approximately $12,600 after applying the federal tax credit.

  • Residents of District of Columbia can currently take advantage of 6 rebates and incentives offered by various utilities and government bodies. Moreover, the 30% federal tax credit is accessible to nearly everyone.

  • Although cash payments offer the greatest savings, numerous financing options for solar panels now exist that are also beneficial. Many installers work with financing partners and will include this information in your initial quotes.

  • Yes, the typical payback time for 5 kW solar panel systems in District of Columbia is 9 years, and the expected electricity cost savings over 20 years is $16,520.95.

  • While District of Columbia does not currently provide payments for solar installations, all U.S. residents can utilize the 30% federal income tax credit for such projects.

  • No programs for free solar panels are currently available in District of Columbia, but the 30% federal income tax credit, available to nearly all US citizens, significantly lowers the cost burden of solar panel installation.
Matt Hope
Last Reviewed By: Matt Hope
Published: 2025-02-03