Solar panels absorb energy from the sun and convert it to electricity you can use. The electricity then flows through your home, powering electronic devices. Any electricity from your solar panels that you don’t use gets sent into the grid for other people to use. Learn more from the U.S. Department of Energy.

Installing solar panels on your home will help reduce your electricity bill. Type your street address into the DC Solar Tool to learn more about how much it might cost to switch to solar, your expected savings, and how soon your solar system could pay for itself.

Here are a few key steps to start the process to install solar panels on your home:

1. Contact installers for a free assessment to check if your roof is able to support the weight of solar panels and gets enough sunlight and to estimate the cost to install panels.

2. Decide whether you want to own or lease the solar system. Read this District guide on financing solar panels in English or Spanish.

3. Consider joining a solar co-op (like this one accepting members until August 2021) to get a better price from your installer.

4. Install and enjoy the benefits of solar!

The District offers eligible residents free solar panel installation on their home. Your household may be eligible if you live in a building with four or fewer units in DC and your income is below the program limits. Learn more on the program’s resource page.

Homeowners may be able to make money from utility companies for the energy produced by their solar panels. We—the DC Government—require utility companies to produce a percentage of their electricity from renewable sources, like solar. If they don’t meet that requirement, they can either pay a fine or buy solar renewable energy certificates (or SRECs) from solar panel owners. Talk to your solar installer about how to sell your SRECs, and they can help you connect with an SREC broker. The amount you receive depends on the market price and your negotiations with utility companies. Learn more about SRECs from the Environmental Protection Agency.

Yes, even once you have solar panels, you will still get a portion of your electricity from the city’s grid. Your monthly electricity bill will include a credit for the energy produced by your solar panels.

Solar panels do not require frequent maintenance, but it’s a good idea to check the system a few times a year to ensure it’s working properly. Your installer will help you maintain your solar system for the length of your contract.

Yes. If your roof can’t support the weight of solar panels or doesn’t get enough sun, you can still switch to solar by getting your electricity from a local solar energy provider.

• If your income is below the program limits, the District can help you save money on your electricity bill when you get your electricity from a community solar energy project.

• If your income is not below the program limits, you can still switch to a solar energy provider at market rates.

Yes! You can find information about other resources that might help on our environmental resources page. You can also learn more about resources to save money on your utilities.

Tune into our webinar series with recordings on solar financing, solar renewable energy certificates (or SRECs), solar contracting, and solar ownership options. The Department of Energy and Environment has also teamed up with EnergySage to help District residents comparison shop options for installing solar panels on their property or subscribing to a local community solar farm. Visit EnergySage's web page and check out the webinar recording to find out how EnergySage can help. DOEE is also partnering with nonprofit Solar United Neighbors (SUN) for Capital Area Solar Switch to help homeowners get quality rooftop solar installation through group buying.

You can reach out to The Department of Energy and Environment at solarforall@dc.gov with the subject line “Market Rate Solar Question.”