If you’ve been thinking about solar in Washington, DC, this is your sign to act now. 2026 will be the last year homeowners can qualify for the city’s no-cost solar option—a $0.00 Power Purchase Agreement (PPA).
The program exists because of two key incentives working together:
- The federal solar tax credit (which covers 30% of system costs)
- DC’s Solar Renewable Energy Certificates (SRECs)—a local incentive that pays system owners for the clean power they produce
Here’s where things get tricky. The residential federal tax credit is set to expire at the end of 2025. That means starting in 2026, homeowners won’t be eligible for the 30% federal credit that helps make no-cost solar possible.
The only reason the program will still exist next year is because the commercial solar tax credit stays in place through 2026. It was extended specifically for large commercial and multi-year projects that were already in progress when federal law changed under the Trump administration. In other words, this one-year window for residential no-cost solar is a lucky overlap—but it won’t last.
What Happens After 2026
Starting in 2027, solar will still be available in DC, but it won’t be no-cost. The Power Purchase Agreements that replace today’s program are expected to cost around 5 to 9 cents per kilowatt-hour. That’s still much lower than Pepco’s retail rates, but it means homeowners will start paying something for solar power instead of $0.00.
That shift is because investors will no longer be able to use the federal tax credit for residential systems to offset costs. The SREC market will continue to help, but without that extra federal support, the economics change. So while solar will remain a smart move, the 2026 no-cost opportunity really is the last of its kind.
Pepco Rates Are Skyrocketing
If you’ve noticed your Pepco bill jumping lately, you’re not alone. Pepco’s power rates have increased nearly 40% in the past year alone. And since January 2020, the cost of electricity has climbed almost 85%.
That means a household paying $150 per month for electricity five years ago is now paying close to $275—with no increase in usage.
Families with solar don’t feel those hikes nearly as much, if at all. Their rates are locked in, and many are generating enough power to offset their full bill.
Why This Matters
2026 is the last year of the $0.00 PPA is a rare chance for DC families to protect themselves from these rising costs without paying anything out of pocket. If you already have solar, you made a smart move. For everyone else, this next year is the time to act.
You’ll likely see more door knockers and flyers about solar in your neighborhood over the next 12 months—and while it might be easy to tune them out, they’re actually offering something real and time-sensitive.
If you want to take advantage of the no-cost program while it’s still available, talk to a trusted local installer like Uprise Solar, based right here in DC. We handle everything in-house, from roofing to permitting, and we were vetted by the DC Department of Energy and Environment.
The short version: 2026 is the last call for no-cost solar in DC. After that, the opportunity closes for good.
Introduce Us to Someone Who Could Benefit
If you already went solar with Uprise, you know the difference it makes. Now’s the time to help your friends, neighbors, and family take advantage of the same program before it’s gone. Our referral program is simple: introduce us to someone who could benefit from solar, and we’ll take it from there.
When your referral signs up, we’ll send you $300 as a thank-you—but more importantly, you’ll have helped someone you care about lower their bills and lock in long-term energy savings. You’ll both feel good knowing you made a smart, local, and sustainable choice.
