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 |
| Avg Payback (yrs) | 6.6 ◆ | 7.7 |
| Avg 25-Year Savings | $49,200 ◆ | $40,500 |
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.