District of Columbia vs Virginia Solar Incentives: Which State Gets the Better Deal?
Side-by-side comparison of District of Columbia and Virginia solar incentive programs in 2026: state tax credits, net metering rules, exemptions, payback period, and projected 25-year savings.
| Metric | DC · District of Columbia | VA · Virginia |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Monthly Bill | $155 | $165 |
| Peak Sun Hours / Day | 4.5 | 4.7 ◆ |
| Avg $/Watt Installed | $3.1 | $2.9 ◆ |
| State Tax Credit | None | None |
| Net Metering | retail | retail |
| SREC Market | ~$12400 | No |
| Property Tax Exempt | Yes | Yes |
| Sales Tax Exempt | Yes | No |
| Payback, pre-credit model (yrs) | 6.6 ◆ | 7.7 |
| 25-yr savings, pre-credit model | $49,200 ◆ | $40,500 |
Payback and 25-year savings were modeled while the federal residential credit applied. They are not a 2026 quote. The calculator uses $0 federal credit and state incentives only.
State Tax Credit Comparison
District of Columbia offers no state income tax credit. Virginia offers no state income tax credit.
Net Metering Policies
District of Columbia: retail rate net metering active. Virginia: retail rate net metering active.
Net metering is often the most economically significant solar policy because it determines how excess production is valued. Retail-rate states (where you receive full retail price for exported energy) have substantially better solar economics than avoided-cost or no-net-metering states.
Average 25-Year Savings
District of Columbia: $49,200 over 25 years (avg payback 6.6 yrs). Virginia: $40,500 over 25 years (avg payback 7.7 yrs).
Verdict: Which State Wins on Solar?
District of Columbia edges out Virginia on lifetime savings primarily due to more favorable net metering rules.
Note: state averages mask significant within-state variation. Your specific utility, roof orientation, and household electricity profile drive your actual numbers — use the calculator to model your home directly.