Author: Lacy Cook — Uprise is one ladder rung closer to achieving our mission of bringing solar to all rooftops across Washington, DC. We’ve been accepted as a contractor for the DC government’s Solar for All program in 2024. Through the initiative, we’ll install solar for families who may not be able to afford solar’s typical price tag, helping them save around $500 a year on electric bills.
Solar for All, a Department of Energy & Environment program implemented in partnership with the DC Sustainable Energy Utility (DCSEU), aims to install solar for 100,000 low- to moderate-income households in DC by 2032. Each year, the DCSEU puts out a Request for Proposals to choose approved contractors to install solar for families through the program. For the third year in a row, the DCSEU has chosen Uprise as an approved contractor. 2024 also marks managing director and founder Chris Sewell’s fifth year participating in the program. Uprise is honored to be part of Solar for All. We will begin installing for the FY24 Solar for All Single Family program in spring 2024.
Why should I go solar with Solar for All?
If you’re looking for ways to save money, solar is going to help you out. The DCSEU estimates solar will lower your power bills by 50%. But depending on your electricity usage and how many panels we can put on your roof, you may be able to save even more. (Plus, through net metering, you’ll get credit for any excess power you send back to the grid.)
Besides the monetary benefits, there are environmental benefits as well. Since you’ll be running your home on clean energy, you’ll be able to lower your carbon footprint. Solar on your roof will enable you to be a better steward of our planet’s limited resources, and help contribute to a more sustainable community.
How do I qualify?
Homeowners must either income qualify based on the household size and maximum income per year, or receive assistance from a government program such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, Supplemental Security Income, or the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program.
Here are the maximum income levels:
- 1 person: $85,200
- 2 people: $97,350
- 3 people: $109,500
- 4 people: $121,700
- 5 people: $133,850
- 6 people: $146,000
- 7 people: $158,200
- 8 people: $170,350
Solar for All works on a first come, first served basis. You can apply on the DCSEU website.
What does the installation process look like?
Uprise handles every step of the process: from design to permitting to installation to interconnection and beyond. We’ll assess your home to see if your roof receives enough sunlight to benefit from solar panels, and if your roof is in good shape. If we determine your roof is a good fit, and you wish to proceed, we’ll submit all the necessary paperwork to DC’s Department of Buildings (DOB). Once they approve the project, we’ll procure the equipment, and then install your panels over one to two days. We’ll get the system inspected, and submit interconnection paperwork to Pepco. Once they approve, we’ll be able to turn your system on.
This process will take roughly 12 weeks from start to finish. We’ll spend much of our time waiting for DOB and Pepco to approve paperwork — luckily, the installation itself is fast. And your panels will start generating clean power right away. Once they’re operating, you should see a difference in your next electric bill.
Do solar panels require maintenance?
Solar panels are very low maintenance! However, if an unexpected issue arises, just reach out to Uprise. Through Solar for All, we’ll maintain your panels for 20 years. We also monitor all of our projects. If there’s an issue with one of your panels, chances are we’ll catch it before you do. However, if you ever notice that your panels aren’t performing as you expected, we’d be more than happy to take a look. In many cases, we’ll be able to troubleshoot remotely.
After we install your panels, you’ll receive access to the Enphase App. The app will show you how much power your panels are generating, as well as how much electricity you’re using in your home.
Who pays for Solar for All?
DC’s Renewable Energy Development Fund, which receives money from utility companies paying the government compliance fees required by the District’s clean energy targets, funds Solar for All. The program was launched after the Renewable Portfolio Standard Expansion Amendment Act of 2016.
What if I don’t qualify? Do I still have options to go solar?
Yes! Uprise offers our own no-cost solar program to make clean energy possible for everyone. Through our program, you agree to host the panels on your roof and we pay for the installation and upkeep for 20 years. We’re able to make this happen because we are considered the system owner and receive financial incentives such as the federal tax credit. You’ll be able to power your home with the clean energy from the rooftop panels, resulting in a significant break on your power bills.
Other questions?
Get in touch with us by calling (202) 750-5718 or by filling out our website form here. We’d be happy to answer any questions you may have that we didn’t address here, about Solar for All or Uprise’s no-cost solar program, or which option might work best for you.
Hear from one of our customers who went green with Solar for All in this blog post!