Everything DC homeowners ask about free solar, PPAs, and solar loans.
Is free solar in DC real?+
Yes — free solar in Washington DC is real. A solar Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) allows you to have solar panels installed on your home at zero upfront cost with no monthly payment. The solar company owns the system, you use the electricity for free, and they earn income from DC's SREC program. It is a legitimate and increasingly popular option for DC homeowners.
What is the catch with a free solar PPA in DC?+
With a free PPA, you don't own the solar system — the company does. This means you don't receive SREC income directly. However, you also have zero financial risk, no loan, no debt, and no maintenance responsibility. For most DC homeowners who simply want lower energy costs without complexity, a free PPA is the smarter choice.
How does a solar loan compare to a free PPA in DC?+
A solar loan lets you own the system and collect SREC income — which sounds attractive. But DC SREC prices are declining from ~$370 today to a projected ~$200 by 2035. Meanwhile your loan payment stays fixed for 20–25 years. In year 1 the math can look good, but by year 8–10 the shrinking SREC income leaves you paying significantly more out of pocket. A free PPA costs $0 every year, with no SREC risk.
What are DC SREC prices and will they go down?+
A Solar Renewable Energy Certificate (SREC) is earned for every megawatt-hour your solar system generates. DC currently has one of the strongest SREC markets in the country at around $370 per SREC. However, prices are projected to decline gradually as more solar comes online and the Solar Alternative Compliance Payment cap decreases each year — dropping to an estimated $200–$225 by the mid-2030s. Solar loan companies rarely disclose this when showing you projected income.
How much can I save with free solar vs staying on Pepco?+
Pepco currently charges 23.9¢/kWh for DC residential customers — 42% above the national average — and has raised rates three consecutive years. A typical 10kW DC solar system producing 11,000 kWh/year saves a homeowner roughly $2,600/year in Pepco bills. Over 20 years, with Pepco's average 3% annual rate increase, that adds up to over $70,000 in savings — all for $0/month with a free PPA.
How do I know if my solar quote is fair?+
Use our full comparison calculator. Enter your system size, annual production estimate, and the loan terms you were quoted. It will show you what your real net cost is after SREC income declines over 20 years — and compare it directly to a free PPA and staying on Pepco.
See the calculator → If the numbers don't add up, request a free consultation and we'll review your quote at no cost.
