Skip to content
Plugshine

Plug-in solar in District of Columbia

Not yet — a bill is moving in District of Columbia

  • B26-0602 before the DC Council
  • Rates above 25¢/kWh would make DC a strong market

Last verified

Status
Bill advancing
Bill
B26-0602
Signed
—
Effective
—
Size cap
—
Avg. electricity rate
25.21¢/kWh (+38% vs US)

800 W kit · typical year

$213saved

Payback ≈ 4.2 yrs · ranks #9 of 51 for savings

The DC Council is considering B26-0602, which would legalize plug-in solar in the District. At last report it was in committee.

With a renter-majority population and residential rates above 25¢/kWh, DC would be one of the best plug-in solar markets on the East Coast.

What plug-in solar is worth in District of Columbia

District of Columbia households pay an average of 25.21¢ per kWh, 38% above the US average of 18.31¢. With roughly 4.2 peak sun hours a day, here is what a well-placed system produces and saves. We assume panels facing south at about 30°, 86% system efficiency and 80% of output used on-site.

800 W kit (2 panels)

Saved per year
$213
Payback ($900 kit)
4.2 yr
Energy used
844 kWh/yr
25-year net
$4,418

1,200 W kit (max)

Saved per year
$319
Payback ($1,300 kit)
4.1 yr
Energy used
1,266 kWh/yr
25-year net
$6,677

Run your own numbers

Change the orientation, mounting and size to match your balcony.

800 W
80%

Plug-in systems aren't net-metered: surplus sent to the grid earns nothing. ~80% is typical without a battery; 95%+ with one.

Estimated savings · District of Columbia

$213/ year

≈ $17.73 per month

Payback
4.2 yrs
Energy used
844 kWh/yr
25-year net
$4,418
CO₂ avoided
683 lb/yr

Monthly savings profile

Estimates only. Rate: EIA July 2026 state average; sun hours: long-term averages. See our methodology.

What to do now

  1. 1Don't connect a grid-tied plug-in system yet — without a law, it may breach your utility agreement.
  2. 2Consider an off-grid setup in the meantime: a panel charging a portable power station is legal everywhere.
  3. 3Cut your bill today with no-cost measures — see our guide to lowering your electric bill.
  4. 4Contact your District of Columbia state legislators: constituent support is what moved the 2026 bills.

District of Columbia plug-in solar FAQ

Is plug-in solar legal in District of Columbia?

Not yet. A plug-in solar bill is moving through the legislature. Without a law, connecting a grid-tied plug-in system may violate your utility's interconnection rules. Off-grid setups (a panel charging a portable power station) are allowed everywhere.

How much can balcony solar save in District of Columbia?

At District of Columbia's average residential rate of 25.21¢/kWh (EIA, July 2026) and about 4.2 peak sun hours a day, a south-facing, tilted 800 W kit saves roughly $213 a year, paying back a $900 kit in about 4.2 years. Vertical railing mounts produce about 30% less.

What is the maximum plug-in solar size in District of Columbia?

There is no District of Columbia-specific cap yet. Most state laws settle on 1,200 W, the practical limit for a standard 15-amp, 120 V circuit.

Sources

Not legal advice. Laws and effective dates can change; confirm with official District of Columbia sources and your utility.