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Washington, DC SRECs 101

Washington, DC has one of the strongest Solar Renewable Energy Certificate (SREC) markets in the country, supported by robust local solar legislation and strict eligibility rules that limit market oversupply. Sol Systems has been active in the DC SREC market since its inception, and the company was founded and is based in Washington, DC.

Why is the DC SREC market unique?

Several policy decisions have helped strengthen the DC SREC market:

  • In 2011, Washington, DC closed its SREC market to out-of-state solar systems, preventing oversupply

  • In 2018, the DC City Council increased the District’s Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) to 100% by 2032

  • The Local Solar Expansion Act (2022) increased the Solar Alternative Compliance Payment (SACP), strengthening demand for DC SRECs

What is Washington, DC’s Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS)?

Washington, DC’s RPS requires:

  • 100% of the District’s electricity to come from renewable energy by 2032

  • At least 15% of electricity to come from solar energy by 2041

What is the Solar Alternative Compliance Payment (SACP)?

The Solar Alternative Compliance Payment (SACP) is a penalty paid by compliance buyers that fail to meet DC’s solar requirements.

According to the Local Solar Expansion Act (2022):

  • The SACP is $460 per MWh (1,000 kWh) through 2025

  • After 2025, the SACP will decrease by $20 per MWh per year, reaching $400 per MWh in 2028

How long can SRECs be sold in Washington, DC?

  • SRECs up to five years old may be sold in the Washington, DC market

What is required to register a DC solar system?

Before Sol Systems can register your system, customers must provide:

  • A signed interconnection agreement

  • A system design plan

  • A signed contract

How does registration work in Washington, DC?

Once all required documentation is received:

  • Sol Systems registers the system with:

    • The DC Public Service Commission (PSC), and

    • PJM’s Generation Attribute Tracking System (GATS), which mints SRECs

In Washington, DC, SREC eligibility dates back to the system’s interconnection date, as long as registration is submitted within the same calendar year.

What metering is required?

  • All DC systems must have a revenue-grade solar meter to participate in the DC SREC program

Does Sol Systems charge a registration fee?

No. Sol Systems does not charge a registration fee.

When are DC SREC payments made?

Sol Systems issues payments to Sol Annuity and Sol Brokerage customers on a monthly basis, according to the applicable payment schedule.

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