WashingtonSolar Incentives 2026: Rebates, Tax Credits & Net Metering
Washington homeowners stack the 30% federal tax credit and Pepco net metering. At 4.5 peak sun hours a day, a home with a $110/month bill (about 786 kWh) needs roughly a 7.3 kW system — 19 panels — and pays back in about 2.5 years.
Solar Incentives Available in Washington
Solar incentives in Washington come in three layers. First, every homeowner qualifies for the 30% federal Residential Clean Energy Credit on the full installed cost, claimed on IRS Form 5695. District of Columbia does not add a state income tax credit, so the federal credit is the main up-front incentive. Third, Pepco sets the local rules for crediting the solar power you export.
DC has one of the most valuable SREC markets in the country, so Washington solar can pay back in well under seven years.
How Much Solar Washington Homes Produce
Washington gets 4.5 peak sun hours a day, so each 1 kW of panels produces about 1,314 kWh per year here. A 7.3 kW system — the size that fits a typical $110/month Pepco bill — generates roughly 9,592 kWh annually, worth about $1,343 in avoided electricity in year one and more as rates rise.
Pepco Net Metering in Washington
Pepco credits excess solar generation from Washington homes under District of Columbia's full retail-rate net metering (~100% of retail). A right-sized system can bring net annual electricity costs close to zero. See full District of Columbia net metering rules →
How Much Do Solar Panels Cost in Washington?
At District of Columbia's 2026 average of $3.10/watt, the 7.3 kW system most Washington homes need runs about $22,630 before incentives. The 30% federal credit takes off $6,789, plus DC SREC income — landing the net cost near $3,441, with payback around 2.5 years.
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Frequently Asked Questions
See your exact Washington solar savings
Enter your Pepco bill and we'll apply every District of Columbia and federal incentive to your real numbers — system size, net cost, payback, and 25-year savings.