Did you know that Washington, DC ranks among the top cities in the U.S. for solar energy adoption? DC is the 10th city for per capita solar capacity in the U.S. and #1 in the South Atlantic region. That’s because a solar investment in DC is a smart choice with a significant positive impact.
From decreased bills to energy resilience, your investment in solar energy benefits you and contributes significantly to the community and the environment. Solar companies in Washington, DC can show you how.
Economic Benefits of a Solar Investment
For many people, the main reason to go solar is the financial impact.
Personal Financial Savings
- Reduced Electricity Bills: When solar panels produce energy, homes use that power rather than electricity from the grid. As a result, home and business owners pay less for electricity. As an added benefit, when electric rates go up, solar users are insulated from these price hikes.
- Incentives and Rebates: Both federal and state incentives are available to make solar panels more accessible. In DC, the Solar Renewable Energy Credit (SREC) market provides a potent financial incentive by allowing homeowners to exchange solar credits for cash. Plus, those producing more energy than they use can sell it back to their utility company through net metering. At the federal level, the Federal Solar Tax Credit applies to solar systems installed within the last year. The current tax credit is 30% and will be until 2033.
- Increase in Property Value: Home buyers are always looking for particular elements that matter to them, and in general, a home with solar panels will be more appealing to buyers. Home value increases an average of 4% after a solar installation.
Boosting the Local Economy
Solar isn’t just good for you — it’s great for the economy as a whole. As the solar industry grows, job opportunities increase. The National Solar Jobs Census 2022 reported that more than 260,000 people were employed in solar, a 3.5% growth from 2021. Since the industry continues to develop, local solar companies have the chance to flourish with promising potential for the future.
Environmental Impact of a Solar Investment
When people think of solar, one of the first things they understand is that solar is a green power source.
Reducing Your Carbon Footprint
Transitioning to renewable energy has many benefits, not the least of which is lowering humanity’s output of greenhouse gases. One of the main greenhouse gases impacting our planet is carbon dioxide (CO2). Where coal produces 820 grams of CO2 (or CO2 equivalents) per kilowatt hour of energy, and gas creates 490 grams, solar panels produce only 41 grams of CO2.
CO2 traps heat against the earth, contributing to the warming associated with climate change. By reducing CO2 produced (such as with clean energy!), we can help regulate the environment and combat the worst effects of climate change.
Promoting Sustainability
As a renewable energy source, solar has no limit — we won’t run out of sunlight as we will other limited natural resources such as coal and fossil fuels. Once we run out of those, we can’t get more. So it makes sense to dedicate efforts toward unlimited energy solutions.
Community and Social Benefits of a Solar Investment
Solar energy saves money on utility bills and is better for the environment, but there’s more! Community and social advantages include:
Energy Independence and Security
Solar is great for the electric grid, helping lower demand and reduce stress on infrastructure. And energy resilience, or the ability to maintain power despite energy supply challenges, is an important aspect of solar generation. Many homeowners can still utilize electricity even when the rest of the block is dark. Solar panels will continue to generate power during a power outage (as long as it’s not nighttime). However, most utility companies don’t allow homes to draw on that power to protect line workers repairing the grid. However, homeowners who store energy in batteries can draw on that stored electricity during outages.
Social Responsibility and Community Engagement
DC takes solar seriously. The Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments endorsed the goal of 250,000 solar installations by 2030 in late 2023. Programs such as DC’s Solar for All make incentives available especially for low-income households.
Now more than ever, communities are engaging with solar to great benefit. HD Woodson High School, for instance, installed a solar on their roof and over their parking lot to power their buildings. When constructed in 2018, it was one of the largest municipal solar projects in the United States.
Get on the Solar Train With the Help of Uprise!
Solar plays an essential part in the future of DC families and businesses. Want to participate? You can support policies promoting solar energy, or volunteer your time with community organizations such as Solar United Neighbors. If you want to take direct action in the movement toward a sustainable future, consider investing in solar energy for your property.
Together, we can turn the tide toward renewable energy for the entire nation. But it starts with individuals making that commitment for themselves. Contact Uprise Solar today at (202) 280-2285 or online to learn more about the solar opportunities available for you.