Solar for All

Qualifying for DCSEU Solar for All

Homeowners must contract with a solar installer that is authorized by the DCSEU (PLEASE NOTE: the DCSEU is currently soliciting solar installers for this year). The local installer can assess whether the shading and orientation of your home and the condition of your roof makes your home a good candidate for solar. Homeowners and tenants can qualify by meeting the requirements below:

Receive assistance from one of the following programs:

• Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
• Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
• Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
• Other Government assistance program

or

Income qualify (see chart below);

"When you first hear of solar programs you think, ‘It’s out of my financial reach.’ So the fact that it isn’t and it's available to me now is great. I feel like by having solar I’m really doing something that helps the environment."

-Barbara, 2019 DCSEU Solar for All recipient

Community Solar Opportunities Through Solar for All

Live in a condo or apartment? You can still access savings through Solar for All Community Solar. In addition to installing solar directly on income-qualified single-family homes, the DCSEU is also working with solar developers to install large community renewable energy facilities (CREFs), or community solar, on structures around the District as part of the Solar for All program. Once installed and operational, these systems can provide electricity bill credits to save income-qualified District residents up to 50% off their electricity bill each year. This allows residents who live in multifamily buildings or whose roofs are not suitable for solar to access savings from Solar for All.

From 2019-2021, the DCSEU has worked with developers to install enough CREF projects to provide bill credits to 6,000 income-qualified families, and that work will continue in 2022. Find out more about the DCSEU's work on Solar for All Community Solar.

Interested in subscribing for Solar for All Community Solar?

Apply on the DOEE Website

Frequently Asked Questions

WHAT IS SOLAR FOR ALL?

Solar for All, a program of the District of Columbia’s Department of Energy and Environment, seeks to provide the benefits of solar electricity to 100,000 low-income households and reduce their energy bills by 50% by 2032. The program, which was established by the Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) Expansion Amendment Act of 2016, is funded by the Renewable Energy Development Fund (REDF). For more information about Solar for All visit DOEE's Solar for All web page.

HOW DOES SOLAR WORK?

Solar panels absorb the sun’s energy and convert it to electricity you can use. Electricity flows through your home, powering electronic devices. Any extra electricity solar panels make that you don’t use is fed into the electric grid.

WILL I STILL GET AN ELECTRICITY BILL?

Yes. While the system will offset your electricity costs by about $500 per year or more, you will still be getting a portion of your electricity from the grid.

IS THE SYSTEM REALLY NO COST IF I MEET THE INCOME QUALIFICATIONS?

Yes. The cost of installing solar is fully covered by the DCSEU through the Solar for All Program. *Please note: Applying for this program does not guarantee your eligibility to receive a solar system. The Solar For All program operates on a first-come, first-served basis and fulfillment is dependent on funding availability.

DO I NEED TO OWN MY HOME TO GO SOLAR?

No. Renters who meet the income requirements are eligible for the program as long as the homeowner agrees to the terms and conditions of the program.

WHAT KIND OF MAINTENANCE IS NEEDED FOR MY SYSTEM?

Although there is not every day maintenance required for a solar PV system, it is recommended that the customer monitor the display on the system's inverter at least quarterly to ensure the system is functioning properly.

WHO MAINTAINS THE SYSTEM?

The contractor who installs the system will also maintain the system over a 20-year period.

Get brand-new, efficient electric HVAC equipment and an induction stove free of charge. It’s the perfect complement to Solar for All, helping you keep electricity bills in check.

If you’re an income-qualified homeowner or renter living in a single-family District home, the DCSEU would like to help you replace your natural gas heating and cooling with modern, energy-efficient electric systems. Best of all, we’ll do it at no cost to you. Indicate your interest in the form below or visit the program page for more details.

Learn More

Get Started

Think you may qualify? Interested in finding out more information? Fill out the form below and a representative from the DCSEU will get back to you.

Please note that as of April 8, 2024, the Solar for All Single-Family Solar Program will not start any additional projects in Fiscal Year 2024 due to District-wide budget reductions. New participants will not be able participate until Fiscal Year 2025 at the earliest. This may change in the future and priority for participation will be provided to residents that have previously completed an inquiry form or been income qualified by the DCSEU. If you are interested in participating in the program in the future, please complete the interest form and our staff will provide next steps to get you in the waitlist. While you wait, we recommend applying through DOEE for Solar for All Community Solar Credits.