Go Solar For Free
Access all the benefits of solar without any of the costs. Learn more about how the free solar program works and see if you qualify.
How Does Free Solar Work in Washington DC?
You lease solar panels through Solar Solution and pay nothing to install the system or use the energy it produces. We own your solar panels and take care of maintenance for the full 20-year term, so you can enjoy clean, reliable solar power without the costs or responsibilities of ownership.
NO UPFRONT COSTS
Your system is custom designed and installed for $0. There are no upfront fees or installation costs.
NO MONTHLY FEES
There are no monthly payments. You lease the panels and use the solar energy they produce for free.
MAJOR UTILITY SAVINGS
All of the electricity your system produces is 100% free. You keep all the savings from reduced utility bills and only pay PEPCO for any remaining electricity you need.
MAINTENANCE INCLUDED
Solar Solution is responsible for monitoring and maintaining your system. We handle any necessary repairs and cover associated maintenance costs.
Pay Nothing For Solar Power
No tricks, scams, or hidden fees. Just completely free solar energy.
What Makes it Free?
Free solar is made possible because Washington DC has some of the best solar incentives in the country.
SOLAR INCENTIVES CREATE VALUE
For every unit of electricity your solar system produces, it generates Solar Renewable Energy Credits (SRECs). These credits have significant value in DC because utilities are required by law to purchase them to meet DC’s renewable energy standards.
WE GET THE INCENTIVES
As the owner of the system, Solar Solution keeps the SRECs and the solar tax credit. The value of these incentives cover the cost of installing, operating, and maintaining your solar system.
YOU RECEIVE THE POWER AND THE SAVINGS
In return, you get clean solar electricity for your home at no cost, while reducing your utility bills and helping DC achieve its renewable energy goals.
Who Qualifies?
Most homeowners in DC (or on the PEPCO feeder line in Maryland) qualify for free solar. To determine if you do, we will check that your home meets a couple basic requirements.
LIKELY A GOOD FIT
Roof faces south, east, or west (or roof is large and flat)
Home receives little to no shade mid-day
You plan to stay in your home for 3+ years
OFTEN NOT A FIT
Roof is very small or heavily shaded
Roof has slate or Spanish tiling
Your roof needs to be replaced soon
Free Solar FAQ's
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The standard term for our free solar program is 20 years. During this time, Solar Solution owns, monitors, and maintains the system, and you receive the solar electricity it produces at no cost. At the end of the term, we’ll review options with you, which may include extending the agreement, upgrading the system, or removing it—depending on what makes the most sense at that time.
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If you sell your home, the solar agreement typically transfers to the new homeowner—just like other home features. Because the solar power is free and helps reduce electricity bills, many buyers see it as a benefit. We work with you and the buyer during the sale process to make the transition smooth.
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If your roof needs to be replaced during the agreement term, the solar system can be temporarily removed and reinstalled. The current cost for removal and reinstallation is $150 per panel, plus any new materials that may be needed to re-mount the panels. The specific process and costs depend on timing and project scope. We will review all details with you in advance so there are no surprises.
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Most homes do not need an electrical panel upgrade to qualify for free solar. As part of our evaluation, we review your existing electrical system. If an upgrade is required (although rare) for safety or code compliance, we’ll explain why and discuss options before moving forward.
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Solar Solution is responsible for maintenance and repairs for the entire contract term. If the system experiences an issue we handle troubleshooting and repairs at no cost to you.
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Production can vary due to weather and seasonal factors, but we actively monitor system performance. If the system produces less than expected due to equipment problems, we are responsible for investigating the issue, handling any repairs, and covering the associated costs.
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In most cases, homeowners do not see a significant change to their insurance because the system is owned by Solar Solution. We recommend letting your insurance provider know solar was installed, and we’re happy to provide system details if needed. Insurance can vary by provider and situation, so we encourage homeowners to confirm specifics with their insurer.
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Installing solar on your home will not affect your property taxes as DC has a property tax abatement for solar PV systems.
See If You Qualify
Submit this form to see if you are eligible for the free solar program. It only takes 30 seconds and there are no obligations.