Community solar, or sometimes know as community renewable energy facilities (CREFs), provide the benefits of solar to residents who may not be able to install solar photovoltaic (PV) systems on their home. This includes District residents who are renters or homeowners whose rooftops are shared or need repairs.
Community solar projects are located offsite and the benefiting households receive credits on their electricity bills each month. Here’s how it works:
Solar is installed.
Through Solar for All, the Department of Energy & Environment (DOEE) partners with local contractors to install community solar. The solar is built offsite and the output will go directly to the DOEE.
Residents subscribe.
In partnership with Pepco, qualifying residents interested in participating apply through the DOEE directly to benefit from those community solar projects.
Subscribers receive credits.
Through “virtual net-metering” subscribers receive credits on their monthly electric bills based on their share of the overall electricity the solar system generates.
Through the Solar for All program, customers in the District have the potential to save up to $500 per year on their electricity bills.