2026 · DC / MD / VA
What actually pays for solar in the DMV — with the 2026 rules, not last year's brochure.
The 30% federal credit for systems you buy outright expired at the end of 2025. But $0-down lease and PPA systems still capture it — the credit goes to the system owner, and we pass that value into a lower rate. Commercial systems still qualify through 2027. Where it counts now is state SRECs and net metering, below.
By state
Maryland's Brighter Tomorrow Act pays Certified SRECs worth 1.5× standard value for every megawatt-hour your system produces. Stack that with full-retail net metering, the state residential grant, and sales & property tax exemptions.
DC SRECs trade at some of the highest prices in the nation, and net metering credits every excess kilowatt-hour. Income-qualified households can go solar at no cost through the Solar for All program.
Virginia's full-retail net metering is under review, with a decision expected around May 2026. Systems interconnected before the ruling are grandfathered at today's rates — the strongest reason in the DMV not to wait.
Financing
Most homeowners start saving from month one. Here's how each option works.
Pay nothing upfront. Because the system is third-party owned, it still captures the 30% federal credit — and we pass that value into a lower rate than your utility.
Best for Lowest barrier to start saving on day one.
Own the system and the SRECs with little or no money down. Loan payments are typically at or below what you pay the utility today.
Best for Best long-term value if you plan to stay.
Buy outright for the fastest payback and the full lifetime of SREC income and bill elimination.
Best for Highest total return over 25+ years.
Questions
For systems you own outright, the 30% residential credit expired at the end of 2025. But $0-down lease and PPA systems still capture the 30% credit because the system is third-party owned — and we pass that value into your rate. Commercial systems still qualify through 2027.
Solar Renewable Energy Credits are payments you earn for the clean power your system produces. Maryland and DC have some of the strongest SREC markets in the country, which is often the single biggest reason solar pays off in the DMV.
Most residential installs are done in one to two days by our own crews. The full timeline from signed proposal to switch-on is typically four to eight weeks, mostly waiting on permits and utility interconnection — which we handle.
No. Design, permitting, and installation are all done by our in-house team, so one company stands behind the whole system — and one warranty covers it.
We assess your roof before designing the system. If it needs repair or replacement, we can do that as part of the same project so you never pay to remove and reinstall panels later.
No cost · no obligation
A free assessment with your address, your usage, and every incentive you qualify for — modeled honestly.