Washington D.C. is a global leader in sustainability. In fact, the District has the most aggressive goal of any city in the U.S. to convert entirely to renewable energy sources. D.C.’s goal of 100% renewable energy by 2032 and 10% of its electricity coming from solar by 2041 means huge benefits for homeowners.
D.C. solar panel installation is becoming more popular than ever for a variety of reasons, from the competitive pricing to the environmental impact, as well as the reduction in utility bills that homeowners and businesses can capitalize on.
Here are four of the biggest reasons to go solar in Washington, D.C. and what you need to know to make the most of solar panels in the area.
The Prices Have Decreased More Than Ever
Washington, D.C. has seen consistent change in the price of solar panels and related supplies over the last five years. The average cost of the panels has decreased by approximately 43% within this time, with batteries impressively at 76% lower prices than in 2012.
Many homeowners are now ready to take advantage of solar power following the cost decreases. If you are considering a D.C. solar installation, there has never been a better time.
There Are Incentives Available
For many families, one of the driving factors behind the decision to go solar is the potential savings that the panels can provide. Washington, D.C. residents can benefit from multiple types of incentives, credits, and rebates for installing and using their panels. These include:
The 30% Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit – This benefit is offered by the federal government, and it functions as an incentive to encourage participation in solar programs. Homeowners who take advantage of the tax credit can deduct 30% of the total cost of your solar project from your total tax liability.
It’s basically a dollar-for-dollar reduction in the amount of income tax you would otherwise owe. For example, claiming a $1,000 federal tax credit reduces your federal income taxes due by $1,000.
Solar Energy System Property Tax Exemption – When solar panels are installed on their property, homeowners can claim an exemption from their property taxes for the added value in order to reduce their tax liability locally.
SRECs – The term “SREC” stands for solar renewable energy credits. These credits are generated when using solar panels to create energy. For every 1000 kilowatt-hours produced by the solar array, the homeowner can receive a credit that may be sold on the SREC market by a vetted broker.
SRECs are sold at a variable rate based on market pricing, but currently, SRECs are selling in Washington DC for about $428. With an average 12kW solar energy system, a homeowner could generate about one SREC per month, making SREC sales in Washington DC extremely lucrative.
Systems Are Customized for Your Needs
Installing solar for your home is about more than simply putting a panel on your roof. Expert D.C. solar installation teams will review your property as a whole—the condition of the roof, areas of shade, the direction of the sun, the average energy consumed by your daily lifestyle, and more.
All of these combined factors will help determine the right customized solar array for your property that maximizes your home’s potential. You can also choose whether to utilize a battery, which stores energy during hours of sunlight for use at other times.
Rest assured that investing in solar panels will produce a predictable and tangible benefit, which your installers will review with you before you commit to installation.
Get Personalized DC Solar Installation
Right now, Washington, D.C. is a great place for solar panel installation. When considering a D.C. solar installation, be sure to trust a professional team. The experts at Ipsun Solar are honest and passionate installers who are proud to offer solutions tailored to the needs of each installation.
We actively participate in the Amicus Solar Cooperative, and one of our co-founders helped design MIT’s first solar car. Contact Ipsun Solar for your D.C. solar installation.
