Solar Cost Per Watt in District of Columbia
Average $$3.50/W • Rank #$43 of 51 • 16.2-year payback • Updated 2026
Urgent tax credit deadlines
- Section 30D EV credit (up to $7,500) — expires June 30, 2026 (12 days left).
- Section 48E solar ITC safe harbor — construction must start by July 4, 2026 (16 days left).
Cost Per Watt
$3.50
avg in District of Columbia
vs National
+$0.43
(+14.0%)
Payback (8kW)
16.2 yrs
avg
Sun Hours/Day
4.6
peak
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Cost Per Watt by System Size in District of Columbia
Cost per watt typically decreases for larger systems (economies of scale).
Bars show District of Columbia's $/W for each system size. Lower = better value.
| System Size | Cost Per Watt | Total Cost | vs National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 kW | $3.85/W | $14,000 | +$0.78 |
| 5 kW | $3.68/W | $17,500 | +$0.61 |
| 6 kW | $3.57/W | $21,000 | +$0.50 |
| 7 kW | $3.50/W | $24,500 | +$0.43 |
| 8 kW | $3.43/W | $28,000 | +$0.36 |
| 10 kW | $3.32/W | $35,000 | +$0.25 |
| 15 kW | $3.22/W | $52,500 | +$0.15 |
Solar Cost Overview for District of Columbia
In District of Columbia, the average installed cost for residential solar is $3.50 per watt, with typical systems ranging from $3.50/W to $3.50/W depending on the installer, equipment quality, and roof complexity. District of Columbia ranks #43 out of 51 states (1 = cheapest) for solar affordability — 42 states have cheaper solar.
District of Columbia is near the national average — solid value with good installers.
What's Driving District of Columbia's Solar Costs?
District of Columbia's $$3.50/W average reflects a combination of above average equipment costs, above-average local utility rates ($0.150/kWh vs national avg $0.1490/kWh), and below-average solar resource (4.6 sun hours/day vs national avg 4.7).
Note on panel pricing: Prices shown reflect AVL/DomCon-compliant panels that qualify for IRA bonus credits. Non-compliant panels (Mission, JA, Canadian) are available from $0.37/W panel-only but do NOT qualify for the 30% federal tax credit or IRA bonus credits. Learn about panel compliance costs →
District of Columbia Solar Incentives & Policies
Net Metering
Full retail net metering
State Tax Credit
Available
Property Tax Exemption
Yes
Sales Tax Exemption
Yes
⚠ 2026 Federal ITC Update
The Section 25D residential solar tax credit (30%) expired December 31, 2025. Owned residential systems installed in 2026 no longer qualify. The 48E ITC (30%) remains available for lease/PPA, commercial, and rental properties that begin construction before July 4, 2026.
States With Similar Solar Costs
| State | Avg $/W | vs District of Columbia | Payback | Sun Hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| District of Columbia (you) | $3.50 | — | 16.2 yrs | 4.6 |
| New Jersey | $3.50 | +$0.00 | 16.7 yrs | 4.4 |
| Rhode Island | $3.50 | +$0.00 | 16.2 yrs | 4.3 |
| New Hampshire | $3.40 | $-0.10 | 14.3 yrs | 4.2 |
| Connecticut | $3.60 | +$0.10 | 16.7 yrs | 4.4 |
| New York | $3.60 | +$0.10 | 17.4 yrs | 4.4 |
District of Columbia Solar Cost FAQs
How much do solar panels cost in District of Columbia?
Is District of Columbia a cheap or expensive state for solar?
What is the payback period for solar in District of Columbia?
Does District of Columbia have net metering?
What solar incentives are available in District of Columbia?
How many peak sun hours does District of Columbia get?
Related Tools
District of Columbia cost-per-watt data based on 3 ZIP code samples. Production estimates use NREL PVWatts V8 (azimuth 180°, tilt 30°, array_type 1, module_type 1, losses 14%). Utility rate averages from NREL Utility Rate API V3. The federal Section 25D residential solar tax credit expired December 31, 2025.