Is solar actually worth it
for your home?
Good question — and it depends on your roof, your Pepco bill, and which option fits your situation. Here's an honest look at what solar means for DC-area homeowners, and how to find out if the numbers make sense for you specifically.
Get Your Free Solar Savings Report Free, no obligation · Takes about 20 minutes · We run the numbers for your roofDC made solar one of the strongest financial decisions a homeowner can make
Washington DC is legally committed to 100% renewable energy by 2032. To get there, the city created incentives that make going solar more financially rewarding here than almost anywhere else in the country — including a program that pays homeowners every month just for having panels on their roof.
Maryland and Virginia have their own incentive programs too, with active SREC markets and strong net metering policies. Wherever you are in the DMV, there's likely a real financial case to explore.
Free Solar or Owned Solar — here's the difference
Both are real, both have genuine benefits, and neither involves a catch. The right choice depends on your financial situation and what you want to get out of it.
Zero cost, zero payments — ever
A solar installer puts panels on your roof at no cost to you. You get free electricity from the sun. They keep the SREC income as compensation.
- $0 upfront, $0 monthly payments
- No credit check required
- DC homeowners on the Pepco feeder line only
- 25-year agreement, transferable if you sell your home
- Installer earns the SREC credits
Best for: homeowners who want to stop paying Pepco with zero financial commitment.
You own it — and keep all the income
You purchase the system through cash, a loan, or a home equity line. You own the panels, you keep the SREC revenue, and you maximize long-term return.
- You keep ~$3,500/yr in SREC income
- 30% federal tax credit (commercial projects; residential credit ended in 2026)
- ~4-year payback period in DC
- Credit score 680+ required for loans
- Available in DC, MD, and VA
Best for: homeowners who want maximum financial return and long-term energy independence.
We look at your roof, your bill, and give you real numbers
No pressure, no sales pitch. We're here to help you understand whether solar makes sense — and if it does, what your best option looks like.
A recent Pepco bill is all we need to understand your consumption and size a system appropriately.
Shade, age, orientation, and condition — we look at everything that affects how well solar will work for your home specifically.
We walk you through exactly what you'd save, what incentives you qualify for, and which option — free solar or owned solar — fits your situation best.
If it doesn't make sense for you, we'll tell you that too. We'd rather be honest than close a deal that isn't right.
What solar does — and doesn't — do
What works well
- Reduces or eliminates your monthly electricity bill
- SREC income in DC — utilities pay you every month
- Increases home resale value (~4.2% on average)
- Free option available with no credit check for qualifying DC homeowners
- 25-year performance warranty on panels and installation
- 30% federal tax credit if you purchase
Things to know
- Permitting takes 2–4 months from signing to live system
- Roof condition matters — older roofs may need work first
- Free solar means the installer earns the SREC income, not you
- HOA approval may be required in some communities
- Results vary by roof orientation and shade
Do you qualify for Free Solar in DC?
- You own your home in Washington, DC
- You have a Pepco account
- Your roof is in reasonable condition
- No credit check required for Free Solar
In Maryland or Virginia? Talk to us to learn about solar programs available in your area.
DC utilities pay you every month for generating solar energy
It's called an SREC — a Solar Renewable Energy Credit. Every 1,000 kWh your system generates creates one credit, which is sold to utilities that are legally required to buy them. For owned systems in DC, this usually works out to around $3,500 a year in direct income.
Every 1,000 kWh produced creates one SREC — typically a few per month.
We connect you with an SREC broker who handles the sale automatically — no work required on your end.
Payments typically arrive within a week of generation. DC has the highest SREC values in the country.
As long as your panels are generating and DC's renewable mandate is in place — which it is, by law, through 2041.
From consultation to live system — here's the timeline
Solar takes a few months from start to finish. Here's what the process looks like so there are no surprises.
We assess your roof and energy usage and walk you through your options. If it makes sense, we prepare a custom proposal.
Agreements are handled digitally. We schedule a site survey where a technician visits your home to confirm roof measurements and condition.
Our installation partner designs your system and files permits with the city. This is typically the longest part of the process.
Most residential installations are completed in one day. Crews are professional and leave the site clean.
Pepco inspects the system and grants Permission to Operate (PTO). Your system is live — and your SREC income starts from this day.
Things people often wonder about
Know someone who'd benefit from solar?
If someone you refer goes solar with us, you receive $250 when their system is installed. No catches — just our way of saying thank you for spreading the mission.
Or simply call or text us their name and contact info at (771) 333-2598 and we'll take it from there.
Get your free, personalized solar savings report
It takes about 20 minutes, there's no obligation, and you'll walk away knowing exactly what solar would mean for your home and your bill — whether or not you decide to move forward.
Schedule a Free ConsultationPrefer to talk first? Call or text us at (771) 333-2598