Solar Energy in District of Columbia (2026)
4 rules on the books across District of Columbia, 1 city or county. Select a rule to read the full details.
Severity: Few Restrictions · Light Restrictions · Some Restrictions · Significant Restrictions · Heavy Restrictions
Panel Permits
Permits required for installing rooftop or ground-mounted solar panels, including electrical inspections and interconnection approvals.
District of Columbia: statewide
StatewideSome RestrictionsRooftop solar in Washington, DC requires both a construction permit and a separate electrical permit from the…
Read full rule →Washington
Some RestrictionsDC's zoning code exempts rooftop solar panels from the standard penthouse setback rule, but only within strict height…
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State and local laws that limit what HOAs can restrict when it comes to solar panel installation, placement, and appearance.
District of Columbia: statewide
StatewideLight RestrictionsUnder DC Official Code section 8-1774.51, a homeowners, condominium, or cooperative housing association cannot prohibit…
Read full rule →Washington
Light RestrictionsD.C. law bars homeowners, condo and co-op associations from banning solar panels on an owner's own unit or on a roof…
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