Last updated August 2026
If you purchased your solar energy system with cash or a loan and retained ownership of the SRECs, your next step is choosing a company to register, manage, and sell your credits.
There are several SREC brokers in Washington, DC, and the right choice depends on what matters most to you. Some homeowners want the lowest possible fee. Others want faster payments, local customer service, or a completely hands-off experience.
At Uprise Solar, we currently recommend that DC homeowners compare Flett Exchange and Solar Asset Management Services, commonly called SAMS. Both offer hands-off SREC management, but their fees, payment schedules, and service models work differently.
I personally use Flett’s REC Manager because it handles everything for me and deposits the proceeds directly into my checking account. However, that does not mean Flett is automatically the best choice for everyone. SAMS has made a real push over the past year or two to offer competitive pricing and better customer service, an area where some of the larger SREC brokers have struggled.
Comparing SREC Brokers in Washington, DC
Here is a quick overview of the primary options:
| SREC broker and plan | Brokerage cost | Payment timing | Homeowner involvement | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flett Exchange REC Manager | 3% or $2.50 minimum per SREC | Deposited after the SREC is sold | Almost none | Homeowners who want low fees and automated payments |
| Flett Exchange DIY | $2.50 per SREC | Paid after each homeowner-directed sale | Moderate | Homeowners who want control over when they sell |
| SAMS 0% option | 0% brokerage fee | Approximately one year in arrears | Almost none | Homeowners who want to avoid brokerage commissions |
| SAMS faster-payment option | Brokerage fee applies | Paid sooner | Almost none | Homeowners who want local service and faster payments |
| Sol Systems | Fee included in its quoted brokerage price | Monthly schedule after processing | Very little | Existing customers comfortable with the service |
| SRECTrade | Percentage-based fee | Payment after credits are sold | Very little | Homeowners who prefer a large national platform |
Fees, market prices, and contract terms can change. Always review the broker’s current agreement before enrolling.
What Does an SREC Broker Do?
A Solar Renewable Energy Credit, commonly called an SREC, is created every time an eligible solar energy system generates 1,000 kilowatt-hours, or one megawatt-hour, of electricity.
Before you can sell that credit, your solar energy system must be registered with the appropriate DC program and the PJM Generation Attribute Tracking System, commonly called GATS.
Your solar production then needs to be reported, the SREC must be created, and the credit must be sold to a buyer.
A full-service SREC broker can handle:
- Registering your solar energy system
- Connecting to your solar monitoring platform
- Reporting your solar production
- Creating and tracking your SRECs
- Selling the credits
- Depositing the proceeds into your bank account
Once you choose a broker, Uprise Solar will provide the system information and installation documents needed to begin registration.
What Should You Compare Before Choosing a Broker?
The highest advertised SREC price does not always produce the highest final payment. There are several factors to consider.
Brokerage fees
Some companies charge a percentage of each sale. Others charge a flat amount per SREC. SAMS also offers a 0% brokerage option if you are willing to wait longer for payment.
Payment timing
One broker may pay shortly after selling your SREC, while another may pay annually. A delayed payment can reduce your fees, but receiving the money sooner may be more important if you are using it to pay down a solar loan.
Customer service
A broker may be managing thousands of accounts. That can become a problem when a system stops reporting or a registration gets delayed.
One of the most common frustrations we hear about larger SREC brokers is that it can be difficult to reach someone when there is a problem. Homeowners should consider response times and access to real support, not just the advertised SREC price.
Level of involvement
Full-service brokers manage registration, reporting, sales, and payments. DIY platforms may cost slightly less, but you will need to monitor the account and initiate transactions yourself.
Contract terms
Some brokers allow you to leave at any time. Others may have fixed terms or automatic renewal provisions. Review the contract before enrolling or switching brokers.
Flett Exchange
Flett Exchange is an independent renewable energy certificate exchange and brokerage based in New Jersey. The company has operated in SREC and REC markets since 2007.
Flett offers two practical choices for DC homeowners: its hands-off REC Manager service and a DIY trading option.
My Experience With Flett REC Manager
I happen to use Flett’s REC Manager for my own solar system.
I chose the manager because it is completely hands-off. Flett handles the production reporting, creates and sells each SREC, and deposits the proceeds directly into my checking account after the credit is sold.
I do not have to monitor the SREC market, submit meter readings, initiate individual sales, or remember to transfer money out of another account. It is simply one less thing for me to worry about day to day.
There can be a delay between generating the electricity and receiving the deposit. The production must first be reported, the SREC must be created in GATS, and the credit must then be sold. The important part for me is that Flett manages those steps.
For residential DC solar systems, Flett currently lists its REC Manager fee as 3% of the sale price or a $2.50 minimum per SREC. You can confirm the latest terms on the Flett Exchange fee schedule.
Advantages of Flett REC Manager
- Hands-off after the account is established
- Registration and production reporting handled for you
- SRECs sold automatically
- Proceeds deposited directly into your checking account
- Low and clearly published brokerage fee
- No long-term contract
- Transparent market pricing
- Access to a human support team
Things to Consider About Flett
- Flett is based in New Jersey, not Washington, DC
- The managed service charges 3% or a $2.50 minimum per SREC
- Your payment depends on the market price when the credit is sold
- Payments are not immediate because each credit must be created and sold
My experience with Flett has been simple, but it is not the only strong option for DC homeowners.
Flett’s DIY Option
Flett also allows homeowners to manage their own GATS account and decide when to sell their SRECs.
The current DIY fee for a DC SREC is $2.50 per credit.
The DIY option may be useful if you actively follow the market and want to control when each credit is sold. However, you will be responsible for managing the account and initiating transactions.
Personally, I prefer the manager because the small fee is worth having one less responsibility. Other homeowners may prefer the additional control offered by DIY trading.
Solar Asset Management Services, or SAMS
Solar Asset Management Services, commonly called SAMS, is a Washington, DC-based SREC brokerage and solar asset management company.
SAMS has made a noticeable push over the past year or two to become more competitive in the DC SREC market. The company has expanded its brokerage options and put more emphasis on customer service.
That matters because customer service has often been a weak point for some of the larger SREC brokers. Most homeowners rarely need to contact their broker, but when a registration stalls or a system stops reporting, it helps to have someone who will respond and explain what is happening.
SAMS offers hands-off production tracking, SREC sales, and direct-deposit payments. Its most distinctive offering is a 0% brokerage option.
How the SAMS 0% Brokerage Option Works
With the 0% option, homeowners keep the full proceeds from their SREC sales. The tradeoff is that payments are made approximately one year in arrears.
You still receive the proceeds from your credits. You simply wait longer to receive them in exchange for avoiding the brokerage commission.
This may be a good option if you:
- Want to avoid brokerage fees
- Prefer working with a Washington, DC-based company
- Do not need the SREC income immediately
- Want registration, reporting, and sales handled for you
- Value access to a smaller customer service team
SAMS Faster-Payment Option
SAMS also offers a fee-based brokerage option for homeowners who want their money sooner. The fee is comparable to other full-service SREC brokers.
One SAMS customer told us they selected the fee-based option because they wanted to use the SREC income to pay down their solar loan. They described the service as completely hands-off and reported receiving approximately $350 per SREC over the previous six months.
That is one customer’s experience, not a guaranteed price. DC SREC prices change based on market conditions, the energy year, and when the credit is sold.
Advantages of SAMS
- Based in Washington, DC
- 0% brokerage option available
- Registration, reporting, and sales handled for you
- Direct-deposit payments
- Faster-payment option available
- Increased focus on customer service
- Very little ongoing work for the homeowner
Things to Consider About SAMS
- The 0% option requires waiting approximately one year for payment
- A brokerage fee applies if you want the money sooner
- Performance monitoring may cost extra
- SAMS has a shorter public track record than some larger brokers
- You should request a written breakdown of all fees and payment terms
Does SAMS Monitor Your Solar System?
SAMS offers solar performance monitoring, but homeowners should not assume monitoring is included with every brokerage option.
According to a current customer, monitoring was offered as an additional service costing a few hundred dollars per year. The exact price and included services may depend on the selected plan.
Before enrolling, ask SAMS to provide a written breakdown showing:
- Your brokerage fee
- When you will be paid
- Whether system monitoring is included
- The annual monitoring cost
- How production problems will be handled
- Whether maintenance coordination is included
- Any contract or cancellation requirements
Uprise Solar also provides residential solar monitoring for systems we install. Depending on your existing coverage, you may not need to purchase another monitoring service.
Flett Exchange or SAMS: How Should You Decide?
Flett and SAMS are both good options. The better fit depends on your priorities.
Flett REC Manager may fit you if you want:
- A broker with a long track record
- Low and clearly published fees
- Automated payments after your SRECs are sold
- No long-term contract
- A service that requires almost no attention
SAMS may fit you if you want:
- A Washington, DC-based company
- A 0% brokerage option
- More flexibility around payment timing
- A company making a deliberate investment in customer service
- A hands-off local alternative to the larger national brokers
I happen to use Flett because the manager makes the process easy for me. At the same time, we have been impressed by the push SAMS has made to become more competitive and improve its customer experience.
We are comfortable recommending that homeowners speak with both companies and choose the fee and payment structure that works best for them.
What About Sol Systems and SRECTrade?
Sol Systems and SRECTrade are established brokers, and many DC homeowners already use them.
Sol Systems is based in Washington, DC and has participated in the local SREC market for many years. SRECTrade operates a large national platform and publishes helpful information about SREC markets.
These companies manage a large number of accounts, which can provide experience and stability. The tradeoff is that it may sometimes be more difficult to receive quick, personalized help.
If you already use Sol Systems or SRECTrade and your production is being reported correctly, your payments are arriving, and you are satisfied with the service, there may not be a reason to switch.
Before changing brokers, review:
- Your current brokerage fee
- Your recent net payment per SREC
- Whether all eligible production has been reported
- Your contract length
- Renewal terms
- Transfer or cancellation restrictions
Frequently Asked Questions About DC SREC Brokers
Which SREC broker should I use in Washington, DC?
Flett Exchange and SAMS are both strong options. Flett offers a long track record, transparent fees, and automated payments. SAMS offers local service, multiple payment options, and a 0% brokerage plan for homeowners willing to wait approximately one year.
Why do you use Flett Exchange?
I use Flett REC Manager because it is hands-off. Flett manages my production reporting, sells the SRECs, and deposits the proceeds directly into my checking account. It is one less account for me to manage.
Is SAMS a good SREC broker?
SAMS has made a significant effort over the past year or two to improve its pricing, service options, and customer support. Its 0% brokerage plan and local DC presence make it worth considering alongside Flett.
How much is a DC SREC worth?
DC SREC prices change based on supply, demand, the credit’s energy year, and when it is sold. Check current prices directly with each broker rather than relying on an older price quoted in an article.
How often will my system generate an SREC?
One SREC is created for every 1,000 kilowatt-hours of eligible solar electricity.
A system producing 10,000 kilowatt-hours per year would generate approximately 10 SRECs. Actual production depends on system size, shading, weather, orientation, and equipment performance.
How long does the first SREC payment take?
The first payment can take several months because your system must complete registration before the credits can be sold. Eligible production generated during the registration process can generally still be reported after approval.
Do I own the SRECs if I have a solar PPA?
Usually, the owner of the solar energy system owns the SRECs. With many PPAs and leases, the solar company or financing provider owns the system and retains the credits.
If you purchased your system with cash or a loan, you will generally retain the SRECs unless your agreement states otherwise.
Final Thoughts on SREC Brokers in Washington, DC
Flett Exchange and SAMS both offer strong, hands-off options for DC homeowners.
I personally use Flett REC Manager because it handles my production reporting, sells each SREC, and deposits the proceeds directly into my checking account. I do not have to think about it day to day.
SAMS has also made a real push to become more competitive while improving customer service. Its local presence, 0% brokerage option, and flexible payment choices make it a credible alternative to Flett and the larger brokers.
The right choice depends on whether you prioritize lower fees, faster payments, local service, or a longer track record. Speak with both companies, compare the written terms, and select the option that works best for you.
If you have questions about SRECs or are considering solar installation in Washington, DC, call Uprise Solar at (202) 750-5718 or schedule a free solar consultation.