Cost of Going Solar in DC 4 Ways to Save! 1.DC Rebate $3/watt up to 3KW…. 2.Federal Tax Credit 30% of Total 3.Savings on your energy Bill (Net Metering 4.Selling your Solar Energy Credits (SRECs)

DC Rebate Program

Federal Tax Credit

Net Metering/ Energy Savings

What is a REC?

Example of Costs for Residential Solar Cost to install 3.0 kW system $27,000 LESS DC incentive grant ($3,000/kW) -$9,000 Total to be financed or paid in cash at installation$18,000 Savings and Credits Federal tax credit (30% of system cost)-$8,100 Annual Energy savings – increases as energy costs increase$400-$1,000+ / year Sale of Renewable Energy Credit $1,000 / year Lifetime 30-year energy savings, assuming ~7% annual increase$30,000+ Actual cost will depend on specific system; some homes require roof work prior to installation. DC Incentive plan provides cash to homeowner prior to payment to installer. Tax savings/credits estimates should be discussed with your individual tax advisor. Federal Tax credit would be sought when filing tax returns for the year of the installation: for installation in 2009, tax credit would not be received until 2009 return is filed in Energy savings are based on current Pepco rates, and 7.17% annual increases. The previous 17-year average annual increase has been 3%, while over the previous 5-years the average annual increase has been 13%. If the Pepco rate increases are less than 7% estimate, then energy cost savings will be less; if rates rise more than 7%, then energy cost savings will be greater. SREC Rate for first 5 years locked; additional years to be negotiated.

The Process! Apply to DC Rebate Program Choose and Installer Fix your roof? Sign a contract Stay on top of the forms and permits Go Solar!

The DC Rebate Program

How to Chose an Installer? Experience and training: houses like your house? DC Permit process, Historic preservation, DDOE, insurance, master electrician, structural engineer? Price What type of technology? Method of installation on roof Other benefits such as financing

Fix your Roof? For many homeowners the roof issue is a deal breaker in terms of cost and complexity. It doesn’t make sense to put solar panels on a roof that will need to be fixed in the next few years. Roofers are getting into the solar business, new models are emerging Issues to consider: If you get a new roof consider having solar brackets installed by roofer; or having a roofer do the whole job. Make sure the solar install does not void your roof warrenty.

Sign a Contract Warranties Make sure the installer is responsible for all rebate applications and permits Find out how long you will have to wait for installation How much money up front

Stay on Top of the Forms and Process DDOE Pre –Application ( Home owner ) Pepco Pre-Application DDOE Full Application (Installer) DCRA Electric, Building and if applicable Historic permits. Some have required zoning and planning docs Pepco install application Installation (Roof repair) Electric Inspection Pepco installation of new two way meter SREC contracts and paper work

Go Solar!

Why Form a Solar Coop? Share information Political Support for Solar Programs Ensure new rules are solar friendly Buying power with installers and other service providers Stay on top of requirements in the process.

Share Information Meeting Deadlines! Changing DDOE requirements, lost documents, DCRA costs and paperwork Pepco net metering rules Experience with Pepco meters and billing Experience with installers and equipment New incentives, opportunities Ensure no one in group is “dropped” from system or treated unfairly

Political Support for New Programs

Ensure New Rules are Solar Friendly

Buying power with installers and other service providers Group Discounts Savings for Installers by only presenting serious customers Possible bulk purchase, development of approaches specific to your neighborhood Drop research costs

Stay on top of requirements in the process.