Is it true that DMV residents can go solar while getting paid to do it? Here, we’ll get past hype and vague claims and find out if this proposition is real or too good to be true, and learn the best way to put your roof to work for you.
No-upfront-cost solar
The foremost example of a true free solar panel program is Solar For All. But before you get excited about it, note, this offering is income-qualified, and restricted to Washington, DC. There are organizations that work in Virginia that also support families in need of affordable energy solutions, like solar and efficiency and work with local installers like us to complete solar projects, alongside weatherization. Ratepayer-based utility programs fund these initiatives, for improved comfort and lower energy cost for residents.
Expanding our definition of free, there are places in our region where no money down solar is possible through a mechanism called a power purchase agreement. While not yet legal on the residential side in Virginia, Washington DC offers this arrangement where the homeowner contracts with an installer who will own all the solar equipment rather than the homeowner. The homeowner gets to buy their energy at a rate cheaper than from the utility. Over a term of usually about 20 years, the building occupant saves on energy costs without needing any loan or cash investment for constructing this system. (If you’re in the market for this financing option, make sure to choose a solar partner with a maintenance department and to read your contractor carefully to consider escalators that change the rate over time.)
Currently, Virginia, businesses, schools and churches are just some of the kinds of non-residential entities eligible for PPA’s and we look forward to seeing the small-scale residential market open in Virginia in the future to increase low-risk solar options for more customers.
Whittling down solar costs with great incentives
Current incentives won’t get the cost of solar down to zero but they’re a big help! These include the 30% federal tax credit, which means 30% of the total system cost including solar-charged home battery systems can be taken off of the customers tax liability they would otherwise owe, yielding savings.
Virginia and DC do not have any state solar rebates but Maryland does, and it is a $1000 value during times when program funds are available.
We are all wired to wait until the right moment to act to avoid missing some great discount for our project, but for solar there’s no reason to delay. All these incentives discussed here are expected to remain at the current level for the foreseeable future until the ratchet-down and eventual sunset of the federal tax credit from 2033-2035. The sooner you choose an installer and embark on a solar installation to meet your goals the sooner you can enjoy an “income” in the form of renewable energy flowing onto your electrical panel from your own affordable solar energy system.
Net metering: payback via the meter
While the guidelines vary state to state, our region features net energy metering throughout the territories that Ipsun Solar serves. Net metering is solar owners‘ way to maintain connection to the grid and only pay the utility for the energy they need beyond what their solar system provides. By consuming their own solar energy first the customer gains some independence and erases a large chunk of their energy bill. When solar produces more energy than they need, their meter tracks their credit for future use.
It’s not a check from the utility, though we sometimes hear it misconstrued in those terms. But net metering does provide a financial benefit to customers who generate solar energy and it’s visible in bill savings as soon as the solar system begins service, and it’s completely justified to help reduce grid congestion for a more secure and stable grid and cleaner air.
Aside from some small differences in net metering details, like when solar credit rolls over month to month and when it doesn’t, net metering is a universally reliable method throughout our region of giving extra value back to the solar customer and helping that solar system pay for itself sooner.
We’ll repeat that because it’s important: going solar is an investment that makes a return, delivering a greater value in energy production over its useful lifetime than what it costs to get. Put another way, it’s not as if someone is paying you, but nevertheless, it’s absolutely true that it “pays” to go solar!
Our region has more supportive clean energy policies than ever and an abundant supply of high-quality solar panels at excellent prices, employing a proven technology that harnesses everyday sunshine to make a resource to run your home’s electrical systems. With qualified installers ready to give you a great solar build experience. If you never have, get a solar proposal today and see how you can’t afford not to go solar here in the DMV.
