Federal solar credit ended Dec 31, 2025
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Net metering · District of Columbia

District of Columbia Net Metering and Solar Export Credits

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Updated Data verified Nov 5, 2026

Net metering. Pepco must offer net metering in DC: each month's excess generation is credited in kWh on the next bill (full retail offset), and only year-end excess beyond 100% of your annual use is paid out, at the generation rate only. Credits over $25 at year-end are refunded; smaller balances carry over.

On this page [ 5 ]

What Pepco pays for exported solar

For a new rooftop system, Pepco credits exported energy at about 14.80¢ per kWh[1], against an average District of Columbia residential price of 24.86¢[2]. Exports first offset what you use over each year at the retail rate; this rate applies only to the surplus left over.

Other District of Columbia utilities, co-ops and municipal utilities set their own rates; check your utility's current tariff.

State rules that apply

  • What the rule says: “the customer-generator’s next monthly bill will be credited in kWh for the excess generation. At the end of the calendar year (December), excess generation that exceeds 100%”[3]

What it means for sizing and batteries

When exports earn close to the retail price, sizing the system to cover your yearly use is usually the best value, and a battery is mainly for backup rather than savings.

The calculator uses the statewide rule until we add utility rates. See what solar costs in District of Columbia.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Does District of Columbia have net metering?

Pepco must offer net metering in DC: each month's excess generation is credited in kWh on the next bill (full retail offset), and only year-end excess beyond 100% of your annual use is paid out, at the generation rate only. Credits over $25 at year-end are refunded; smaller balances carry over.

sources

[ 3 ]

Every number on this page links to one of these sources. Dates show when we last checked each one.

  1. Pepco compliance filing for Standard Offer Service retail rates, Formal Case No. 1017 (May 27, 2026), Rider SOS - Schedule Redocket.dcpsc.org · checked Nov 5, 2026
  2. EIA Electric Power Monthly, Table 5.6.B: Average price of electricity by state, year-to-date (August 2026, preliminary)eia.gov · checked Nov 5, 2026
  3. 15 DCMR Chapter 9: Net Energy Metering, Section 903.3 (DC PSC compiled, updated 4-7-25)dcpsc.org · checked Nov 5, 2026

Tariffs last re-checked November 5, 2026.

Change log

  1. Monthly output per kW in Washington updated to [90.8, 102.8, 126.3, 130.8, 133.3, 140.4, 147.4, 131.0, 119.8, 108.8, 84.6, 75.4] kWh/kW/month (NREL/NLR PVWatts v8 (1 kW-DC, fixed roof mount, 20° tilt, south-facing, 14% losses, TMY weather)).
  2. Average solar radiation on the panels in Washington updated to 4.9 kWh/m2/day (NREL/NLR PVWatts v8 (1 kW-DC, fixed roof mount, 20° tilt, south-facing, 14% losses, TMY weather)).
  3. Solar output per kW in District of Columbia (PVWatts, Washington) updated to 1391.5 kWh/kW/yr (NREL/NLR PVWatts v8 (1 kW-DC, fixed roof mount, 20° tilt, south-facing, 14% losses, TMY weather)).
  4. What the rule says updated to “the customer-generator’s next monthly bill will be credited in kWh for the excess generation. At the end of the calendar year (December), excess generation that exceeds 100%” (15 DCMR Chapter 9: Net Energy Metering, Section 903.3 (DC PSC compiled, updated 4-7-25)).