District of Columbia Solar Energy: Panel Permits Rules (2026)

DC permits solar PV installations through the Department of Buildings (DOB) under the 2017 DC Construction Codes. Residential rooftop systems use a combined building and electrical permit; the DOB SolarPlus program provides plan review within 10 business days for code-compliant standard systems. Required submittals include structural analysis of the roof, panel layout with 3-foot fire setbacks from ridges and edges per IFC 605.11, and interconnection documentation. Electrical work must be performed by a DC-licensed master electrician and passes a DOB inspection. Historic district installations require Historic Preservation Review Board (HPRB) approval, with panels typically required to be non-visible from primary public views or to use color-matched, low-profile equipment. Pepco handles the utility interconnection with a separate application after permit issuance. DC's Solar for All program (DOEE) provides income-qualified households with no-cost solar, and the DC Solar Renewable Energy Credit (SREC) market is among the most valuable in the nation under the Renewable Portfolio Standard Act (DC Code 34-1432). Net metering is available for systems up to 1 MW.