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Is plug-in solar legal in District of Columbia?
- Introduced
- Passed one chamber
- Passed both chambers
- Signed
- In effect
What this means for you
✓ What you can do
- Apply for interconnection like any small generator (Level 1 certified inverter-based <=10 kW), typical fee $0.
- Use portable panels with a power station, never connected to house wiring, with no permission at all.
- Install conventional rooftop or ground-mount solar through the standard interconnection process.
✕ Not yet / not allowed
- Plug a grid-tied kit into an outlet without an interconnection agreement; it can breach your service terms.
- Expect a permit or wiring exemption; none exists without a law.
- Count on B26-0602 this year: Introduced 2/24/2026; hearing 3/26/2026 in Transportation & Environment; no markup as of Oct 2026.
What the rules say
DC's GRID Act is in committee; Pepco interconnection rules still apply.
Before you plug in: District of Columbia checklist
- The rule that applies is Public Service Commission of the District of Columbia's interconnection process: 15 DCMR Chapter 40 DC Small Generator Interconnection Rules (amended RM40-2024-01, eff. 10/24/2025).
- A plug-in kit falls in the smallest tier (Level 1 certified inverter-based <=10 kW). $0 Level 1 application fee (upgrade quotes $2,000-$104,000 per OPC).
- Permits: DOB electrical permit; DC on 2014 NEC.
- Only consider kits with a UL 1741-listed inverter (UL 3700 preferred); a non-listed inverter will not be approved anywhere.
- What exports are worth: Full retail net metering <=1 MW after Level 1 approval.
- If approval is slow or costly, a portable panel and power station (never connected to house wiring) needs no permission.
- Watch B26-0602: Introduced 2/24/2026; hearing 3/26/2026 in Transportation & Environment; no markup as of Oct 2026.
The rules in detail
District of Columbia has no statute specific to plug-in solar (the only bill so far is B26-0602). Average residential electricity price: 25.21¢ per kWh (EIA, July 2026).
- Bill status: in committee.
- Utilities: Committee on Transportation and the Environment.
Your utility's rules in District of Columbia
No utility in District of Columbia publishes a rule that specifically allows or bans outlet-connected generation, so the general interconnection agreement is what applies. Here is what the largest residential utilities say and require.
| Utility | Residential customers | Published position on plug-in kits |
|---|---|---|
| Pepco | 318,780 | No specific statement; 15 DCMR 4001: 'there shall be no application fee for submitting a Level 1 Interconnection Request'. source |
Interconnection terms for a sub-1.2 kW system
| Regulator | Public Service Commission of the District of Columbia. |
|---|---|
| Governing rule | 15 DCMR Chapter 40 DC Small Generator Interconnection Rules (amended RM40-2024-01, eff. 10/24/2025). |
| Smallest tier | Level 1 certified inverter-based <=10 kW. |
| Application fee | $0 Level 1 application fee (upgrade quotes $2,000-$104,000 per OPC). |
| Electrician / permit | DOB electrical permit; DC on 2014 NEC. |
| Export compensation | Full retail net metering <=1 MW after Level 1 approval. |
| Electrical code | 2014 NEC (DC Construction Codes, eff. 5/29/2020). |
- Bill bundles plug-in exemption with Pepco interconnection-cost reform.
- SRECs valuable but require certified metered system.
Plug-in solar bills in District of Columbia, 2025–2026
| Bill | Sponsor | Status | What it would do |
|---|---|---|---|
| B26-0602 | Councilmember Charles Allen (Ward 6) | Introduced 2/24/2026; hearing 3/26/2026 in Transportation & Environment; no markup as of Oct 2026. | GRID Amendment Act: exempts portable systems up to 1,200 W; PSC cost-sharing for Pepco upgrades; solar ombuds. |
State incentives
- Solar for All (income-qualified, no-cost rooftop/community solar).
- DC SRECs (certified systems only).
Who is pushing for a law
- Solar United Neighbors DC
- Sierra Club DC
- CCAN Action Fund
- Greater Greater Washington
Savings preview: 800 W kit in District of Columbia
Adjust for your setup →≈ $218/year
Frequently asked questions
Is plug-in solar legal in District of Columbia?
Not yet. A plug-in solar bill (B26-0602) has been introduced in District of Columbia but has not become law.
Do I need a permit or electrician for plug-in solar in District of Columbia?
Default. Check with your local building department before you plug in.
Do I have to tell my utility in District of Columbia?
Default: Pepco interconnection rules apply. Plugging in a grid-tied kit without following this can breach your service agreement.
What can an 800 W plug-in kit save in District of Columbia?
Roughly 864 kWh and about $218 per year at District of Columbia's average residential rate of 25.21¢/kWh, assuming a typical balcony or patio mount. See the calculator for your exact setup.