The 5 best solar installers in Washington, D.C.
D.C. is a single jurisdiction, so the top 5 is built on operating quality and DC-permitting experience rather than geographic spread. Every installer below regularly files DC permits, Pepco DC interconnections, and DC SREC registrations.
Solar Solution LLC DMV Local
Why listed: 4.8-star Google rating from 568 reviews on an owner-verified Google business listing, with a working website (checked October 2026).
Ipsun Solar DMV
Why listed: 4.6-star Google rating from 209 reviews on an owner-verified Google business listing, with a working website (checked October 2026).
Nova Solar DMV
Why listed: 4.9-star Google rating from 145 reviews on an owner-verified Google business listing, with a working website (checked October 2026).
Solar Energy World DMV
Why listed: 4.6-star Google rating from 995 reviews on an owner-verified Google business listing, with a working website (checked October 2026).
Lumina Solar DMV
Why listed: 4.9-star Google rating from 842 reviews on an owner-verified Google business listing, with a working website (checked October 2026).
National installers National
Sunrun, Tesla Energy, and Palmetto Solar are the major national installers still actively taking new D.C. residential contracts as of 2026. Palmetto Solar currently holds EnergySage's Elite+ tier — the platform's highest installer rating. National installers typically have larger sales footprints but also higher financing markup and more variable local service quality than the state-based installers above. D.C.'s SREC stack and tight permitting often favor the DMV-rooted installers above.
Avoid — recently bankrupt or exited: Sunnova (Chapter 11 June 2025), the original SunPower (Chapter 11 August 2024 — the current "SunPower Inc." is rebranded Complete Solaria, a separate company), ADT Solar (exited residential solar January 2024 — warranty service only), and Freedom Forever (Chapter 11 April 2026, converted to Chapter 7 liquidation August 2026). If a salesperson contacts you under any of these brand names, ask which legal entity is actually signing the contract and warranty.
For the complete list of national installers with state coverage maps, financing terms, and ratings:
Honorable mentions
Additional installers worth getting a quote from — DC-suburb residential operators and a Mid-Atlantic regional with DC coverage.
Other DMV-based installers serving DC
Prospect Solar DMV
Why listed: 4.1-star Google rating from 26 reviews on an owner-verified Google business listing, with a working website (checked October 2026).
Regional installers serving DC
Solar States Regional
Why listed: 4.8-star Google rating from 140 reviews on an owner-verified Google business listing, with a working website (checked October 2026).
Washington, D.C. solar economics in 2026
| Metric | D.C. average |
|---|---|
| Average residential rate | $0.14–$0.17 / kWh |
| Typical 7–8 kW system cost (cash) | $22,000–$28,000 before incentives |
| Average $/W | $2.85–3.50 |
| Average annual production (kWh per kW) | ~1,250–1,400 kWh/kW/year |
| Net metering structure | Pepco DC: retail-rate net metering (one of the most favorable structures in the country) |
| SREC value | D.C. SRECs trade at $300–$420 per MWh — the highest in the US (verify current 2026 spot price) |
| Average cash payback | 3–6 years (SREC-driven; one of the fastest paybacks in the US) |
D.C. solar incentives (2026)
D.C. has one of the strongest residential solar incentive stacks in the country — primarily driven by the SREC market. Verify current 2026 program-year status with the DC Department of Energy & Environment (DOEE) before signing.
- D.C. SREC market — the strongest in the US. One SREC = 1 MWh of solar production. D.C. SRECs have historically traded at $300–$420/MWh, far above MD ($60–$80) and NJ ($85). For an 8 kW system producing 10,500 kWh/yr, that's 10.5 SRECs × ~$350 = ~$3,675/year in residual SREC income (verify current spot price). The installer must register your system in the DC tracking system at PTO — missing this is a 15-year revenue mistake. DOEE.
- Solar for All (income-qualified): D.C.'s flagship low-to-moderate-income program — provides solar at little or no upfront cost to qualifying households. Administered through DOEE and a network of nonprofit partners. doee.dc.gov/solarforall.
- Renewable Energy Incentive Program (REIP): Periodic D.C. rebates for solar PV and storage; current funding/availability varies. Verify with DOEE.
- Property tax exemption: D.C. exempts the added value from solar PV from property tax assessment.
- Sales tax exemption: Solar PV equipment exempt from D.C. sales tax.
- Net metering: Pepco D.C. offers retail-rate net metering with annual rollover — one of the most favorable NEM structures in the country.
- Federal commercial ITC (Section 48E): Available for lease/PPA structures (commercial owner). See federal tax credit guide.
D.C. EV charger and electrification incentives (2026)
- Federal 30C EV Charger Tax Credit: Up to 30% of eligible EV charging equipment + installation costs in qualifying low-income / non-urban census tracts. Expires for property placed in service after June 30, 2026.
- Pepco D.C. EVsmart: EV TOU rate and charger rebates. Verify current program details. pepco.com.
- D.C. Sustainable Energy Utility (DCSEU): Periodic energy-efficiency and electrification rebates. dcseu.com.
What to verify before signing in D.C.
- Contractor license: Verify with DC Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs (DCRA).
- Pepco interconnection: D.C.'s small grid means interconnection queue varies; ask about typical PTO timeline at proposal.
- Historic district considerations: Many D.C. neighborhoods (Georgetown, Capitol Hill, etc.) have historic-preservation rules that may restrict roof-mount solar visible from the street. Ask the installer about Historic Preservation Review Board (HPRB) approval if relevant.
- SREC registration: The installer files this AT PTO. Get written confirmation of the SREC tracking system registration as part of close-out documentation.
- Get at least three bids. See how to compare solar bids.
Got bids from D.C. installers? Compare them properly.
Upload up to four solar proposals from any D.C. installer. The analyzer compares $/W, production estimates, equipment, financing, and SREC math — and tells you which one to sign.
Analyze My Bids →Frequently asked questions about D.C. solar
Why are D.C. SRECs so much more valuable than other states?
D.C.'s Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) requires utilities to source a high percentage of energy from in-District solar specifically — and D.C. has very limited rooftop area available. The supply/demand mismatch keeps SREC prices high. As a homeowner, this turns into substantial recurring revenue from your solar production for ~15 years.
Does solar make sense in D.C.?
Yes — one of the strongest cash-payback markets in the US (3–6 years) thanks to the SREC stack on top of net metering and the property/sales tax exemptions.
What if I live in a historic district?
D.C. has strict HPRB rules in many neighborhoods. Some homeowners install solar on rear-facing roofs that aren't visible from the street, or use solar shingles to maintain aesthetics. Ask your installer to check HPRB requirements before pricing.
Are there other reputable D.C. solar installers besides these?
Yes — the list above is a starting point. Cross-check with the DOEE approved-installer list for the Solar for All program if you're income-qualified.