If you are currently enrolled in one of the following programs, simply follow the sign up process to automatically qualify for 50% savings on your electricity bill for 15 years through Solar for All!
Solar for All celebrates the successes and documents the challenges of the first two years of implementing Solar For All, Mayor Muriel Bowser’s initiative to provide 100,000 low-to-moderate income families with the benefits of locally generated clean energy. One of the most progressive solar mandates in the U.S., #DCSolarStories exhibits how the District is using innovation and the concept of equity or “equal access” to local, clean energy to slash resident’s utility burdens and protect underserved communities in the face of the changing climate.
Read more about the Solar for All program and SaveSolar here: https://doee.dc.gov/solarforall
SaveSolar has partnered with DOEE and a number of other organizations to develop community solar systems across Washington, D.C. Community solar makes it possible for you to receive solar benefits even if you don’t own your own roof. The electricity generated from community solar systems is allocated to “subscribers” in the form of monthly electricity bill credits.
As a qualified low-income subscriber, you have the opportunity to enroll in the Solar for All program and receive the benefits of these community solar systems.
Qualified applicants will receive solar energy credits that will offset approximately 50% of their electricity bill for a period of 15 years.
If your household income is less than 80% of the average median income (AMI), or you are qualified as part of an existing Energy Assistance Program – contact SaveSolar to subscribe now!
Solar for All, a program of the District of Columbia’s Department of Energy and Environment, seeks to provide the benefits of solar electricity to 100,000 low-income households and reduce their energy bills by 50% by 2032. The program, which was established by the Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) Expansion Amendment Act of 2016, is funded by the Renewable Energy Development Fund (REDF). For more information about Solar for All visit: http://doee.dc.gov/solarforall
Community Solar occurs through the development of a Community Renewable Energy Facility (CREF) – where solar is generated at various locations within the District, and delivered to residents at their property via engagement with PEPCO, your Utility provider.
The Solar for All program ensures that this electricity is provided at no cost to eligible residents who enroll with the District of Columbia’s Department of Energy and Environment.
Washington DC residents can participate in Solar for All single family solar or community solar options if the household income is below 80% of the area median income (AMI) threshold, as listed below
| Persons in household | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Income threshold | $70,600 | $80,650 | $90,750 | $100,800 | $108,900 | $116,950 | $125,000 | $133,100 |
If you are eligible to enroll in the program, the DOEE will credit your existing electricity account with Community Net Metering (CNM) credits, reducing your electricity usage charges by approximately 50% – for the next 15 years or until you are no longer eligible for the program.
Residents who qualify as above, and already participate in one of the following energy assistance programs will automatically be approved by providing a copy of one of the following documents:
• Personal and Address Information
Residents will be asked to provide their full name, contact number, email address, date of birth and proof of income (if not part of an existing energy assistance program)
• Automatic Approval
Residents who qualify as above, and already participate in one of the following energy assistance programs will automatically be approved by providing a copy of one of the following documents:
• Temporary Assistance for Needy Families
• Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
• Housing Choice Voucher Program
• Proof Of Income
If a Resident does not already participate in an existing energy assistance program they will be directed to complete the LIHEAP application form located at https://doee.dc.gov/liheap
• Proof of Identification
The following types of identification are acceptable if they were valid within the past year from the date of application:
(a) Driver’s license
(b) Identification issued by the District of Columbia Department of Motor Vehicles;
(c) Employment identification card with a photo;
(d) U.S. Passport;
(e) Out-of-country passport with visa and valid I-94/audit stamp evidencing lawful Admission;
(f) U.S. military identification card;
(g) Certificate of U.S. citizenship (INS Form N-560 or N-561);
(h) Alien registration card (I-551);
(i) Employment authorization card (I-688 or I-688-B);
(j) Employment authorization document (I-766);
(k) Temporary resident card (I-688);
(l) Certificate of Naturalization (INS Form N-550 or N-570);
(m) I-94 arrival and departure record (for refugees);
(n) For age 65 and over, or disabled or homebound, a birth certificate; or
(o) Valid school photo identification card for persons 25 or younger.
• PEPCO Usage Authorization
Residents will be directed to complete a ‘Usage Authorization’ document which authorizes SaveSolar to release the previous 12 months electricity usage information from your PEPCO Account for the purposes of calculating a 50% reduction in your bill.
You should notify SaveSolar or DOEE within 90 days of any loss in eligibility of Solar For All participation, which may result from moving out of the property of in the event that your annual household income exceeds the eligibility limit of 80% Area Median Income, determined by the periodic calculation provided by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and available at: https://doee.dc.gov/solarforall
Nothing changes – your Utility provider will still be PEPCO, and your statements will still be delivered by PEPCO.
You will receive Community New Metering (CNM) credits on your bill, at a specific ‘CREF Credit Rate’ which will reduce your electricity usage charges by approximately 50%.
In this sample bill, a ‘CNM Credit’ will be applied to your bill at the ‘CREF Credit Rate’ (see https://www.pepco.com/MyAccount/MyBillUsage/Documents/Pepco%20DC%20CREF%20-%2006012019.pdf) for the legislated ‘CREF Credit Rate’) which will reduce the total amount that is charged for the month.
The name of the CREF(s) that you are receiving credits from will be listed next to the credit amount.
Provided that you move within the District, and remain eligible for the program, SaveSolar will provide assistance in transferring your subscription to your new property.
