Net Metering in District of Columbia (2026)
District of Columbia uses Retail net metering (1:1). Washington, D.C. provides retail-rate net metering, and its exceptionally valuable SRECs add a large separate income stream on top of bill offsets.
| Policy type | Retail net metering (1:1) |
|---|---|
| Export compensation | Full retail-rate credit for exported kWh |
| Retail electricity rate | ~25¢/kWh |
| Est. annual production per kW | ~1,300 kWh/kW/yr |
Policy status reflects the statewide standard as of 2026. Actual export rates and program caps vary by utility — confirm with your provider.
What this means for your payback
Because District of Columbia credits exports at the full retail rate (~25¢/kWh), the grid effectively acts as a free battery: every kWh you send out offsets a kWh you later pull back. That keeps payback short and makes a home battery optional rather than essential — you add storage mainly for backup power, not to rescue your economics.
2026 reality check: the 30% federal tax credit for purchased home solar ended Dec 31, 2025. With that gone, net metering — which District of Columbia still offers at retail rates — plus any state incentives are now the main levers on your solar ROI. Run the numbers on your actual utility bill before signing anything.
See full solar costs & payback for District of Columbia
Solar panel cost in District of Columbia →District of Columbia net metering FAQ
Does District of Columbia have net metering?
Yes. District of Columbia offers retail-rate net metering, so exported solar is credited at roughly the same ~25¢/kWh you pay for grid power.
What is District of Columbia's solar export rate?
At the full retail rate — about 25¢/kWh in District of Columbia — so a kWh sent to the grid offsets a kWh you buy back later.
Do I need a battery to make solar worth it in District of Columbia?
Not for economics — District of Columbia's retail net metering lets the grid store your excess for you. A battery is worth adding if you want backup power during outages.
Is solar still worth it in District of Columbia now that the federal tax credit is gone?
Often, yes. The 30% federal credit for purchased systems ended Dec 31, 2025, so District of Columbia's retail net metering (1:1) plus any state incentives are now the main drivers of payback. At ~25¢/kWh and about 1,300 kWh produced per kW each year, run the numbers on your own bill before deciding.