Rooftop solar in DC requires a Department of Buildings permit for structural and electrical work under DC Construction Codes (DCMR 12-A et seq., based on 2017 IRC/IBC). DC offers expedited SolarPlus residential review, typically 10 business days. The Solar for All program and the Renewable Portfolio Standard Act incentivize installation, and net metering is available through Pepco.
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.
Unpermitted installation: stop-work order and $2,000 fine plus retroactive permit fees. Electrical work without licensed electrician: $500 per incident and DOB referral to OTR. HPRB violation in historic district: up to $10,000 and removal order. Unsafe installation: disconnection and mandatory correction.
See how District of Columbia's panel permits rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.