Selling Your Solar Renewable Energy Credits (SRECs)
When you install solar panels, your system generates solar electricity, and in turn Solar Renewable Energy Credits (SRECs). These credits represent the environmental value of your solar energy, and they can be sold to meet Renewable Portfolios Standards.
Important: It is the client’s responsibility to register and manage their SRECs. Solar Solution provides complimentary registration assistance with select brokers, but you must choose your broker and confirm your system is registered. Systems must be registered by the end of the calendar year to claim any SRECs generated that year.
In this article:
SREC Basics
1 SREC = 1,000 kWh (1 MWh) of solar electricity produced.
An SREC represents 1 MWh of electricity generated by a solar facility. Instead of directly generating solar power, utilities can purchase SRECs to satisfy their solar carve-out obligations outlined in Renewable Portfolio Standards.
Even if you use the electricity in your home, your system still generates SRECs based on total production.
How To Sell Your SRECs
Most clients use a broker to manage and sell their SRECs. Brokers handle the trading and take a small fee per trade (typically 5–10%).
SAMS – samsmd.com | sales@samsmd.com
This is an internal partner with Solar Solution, that adds system maintenance and SREC trading. They offer no cost brokerage as one of their options. DC SRECs only.
SRECTrade – srectrade.com | dc.renewables@srectrade.com
Sol Systems – solsystems.com | info@solsystems.com
Registration Options
Complimentary Registration: Solar Solution offers complimentary registration assistance with the brokers listed above.
Direct Registration: You can also register and sell your SRECs yourself through the DC Public Service Commission and Generation Attribute Tracking System (GATS). If you choose this route, Solar Solution cannot assist with the process.
There are more brokers that can trade your SRECs – we suggest doing your research to find the broker that fits your needs.
When Can I Register?
You can only register your system after receiving your Authorization to Operate (ATO) from Pepco (usually 2–4 weeks after installation).
Broker Options
Brokers usually offer two ways to sell SRECs:
Market Rate: Sell SRECs at the current market price.
Futures Contract: Lock in a fixed price for several years (often lower than current rates but protects against future drops).
Our Internal broker, SAMS, offers:
No-cost Brokerage: Simple SREC trading with no fees.
Comprehensive Brokerage: Includes system monitoring + trading with an 11% fee.
How SREC Prices Are Set
The value of an SREC is tied to DC or Maryland’s Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) and the Solar Alternative Compliance Penalty (SACP), which sets the maximum value utilities will pay. In practice, the actual market value of an SREC is determined by supply and demand—if fewer SRECs are available relative to the utilities’ compliance needs, prices will approach the SACP cap, while an oversupply of SRECs will drive prices lower.
DC vs. Maryland SRECs
DC and Maryland have separate markets.
If your home is in Maryland but connected to the DC grid, you may qualify for DC SRECs. Check with your broker to confirm.
In 2025, the SACP for DC is $460 per SREC, decreasing gradually to $300 by 2033.
In 2025, the SACP for Maryland is $55 per SREC, decreasing gradually to $22.50 in 2030.
Key Takeaways
You must choose a broker (or self-register).
Solar Solution offers complimentary registration with SAMS, SRECTrade, and Sol Systems.
Always confirm your system has completed registered with the broker of your choosing.
Broker fees, contract terms, and SREC values vary — work directly with brokers for the latest rates.
Systems must be registered by the end of the calendar year to claim SRECs generated in that calendar year.