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New to plug-in solar?

Plug-in solar lets anyone generate free electricity — no roof, no permit, no contractor. A single panel on your balcony can meaningfully cut your bill, especially as rates keep rising.

What is plug-in solar? →How it saves you money →
Pending legislationUpdated August 27, 2026

Coming Soon — District of Columbia is considering plug-in solar legislation

The GRID Act (Guiding Renewable Interconnection and Distribution Act) would streamline Pepco's solar interconnection approvals and let residents install plug-in balcony solar systems, in most cases up to 1,200W, without the full rooftop-solar approval process. After a March 2026 public hearing, the Council did not take a committee vote before recess; the bill has been deferred to the 2027 legislative session.

Get notified when District of Columbia goes legal

We track every vote. One email when this bill passes — no spam.

🔋

Solar you can use in District of Columbia today, while you wait

Plug-in solar that ties into your home's wiring isn't legal here yet — but a portable solar generator (a panel charging a battery you plug devices into directly) never touches your home's wiring, so it's legal everywhere, including District of Columbia, right now.

See solar backup options →

What You Can Use in District of Columbia While You Wait

Plug-in solar that ties into your home's wiring isn't legal here yet — but a portable solar generator (a panel charging a battery you plug devices into directly) never touches your home's wiring, so it's legal in District of Columbia right now, no law required.

Budget start

Jackery Explorer 300 Plus (288Wh Battery)

0.288 kWh battery · Jackery 100W panel · recharges in ~4.4h

Powers: Phone, router, and lights through the outage, plus ~6 hours of CPAP a night

$299 + $199 panel
Check price ↗View panel ↗
Most popular

Jackery Explorer 1000 v2 (1kWh Battery)

1.07 kWh battery · Jackery 100W panel · recharges in ~16h

Powers: A fridge, router, and lights running through a full day outage

$449 + $199 panel
Check price ↗View panel ↗
Whole-apartment backup

Jackery Explorer 2000 v2 (2.04kWh Battery)

2.042 kWh battery · Jackery 100W panel · recharges in ~31h

Powers: A full-size fridge and CPAP for days, or a window AC unit for a few hours

$749 + $199 panel
Check price ↗View panel ↗

See the full solar backup guide

Runtime charts for real devices, more kit options, and setup steps.

→

Bill Status

Bill number
B26-0602 (GRID Act)
Sponsored by
Councilmember Charles Allen (Ward 6)
Expected vote
Deferred to the 2027 session — still in the Committee on Transportation and the Environment, no committee vote taken in 2026
Proposed watt cap
1200W AC
As written in current bill text — subject to amendment
Primary utility
Pepco

Pending bill information may change as legislation advances. Bill text, watt caps, and effective dates are subject to amendment or failure. This is not legal advice.

What to Expect If This Passes

🔌

Up to 1200W, no permit

The bill as drafted would allow systems up to 1200W AC connected to a standard household outlet — no permit, no utility approval required.

⚡

No net metering

The bill does not include net metering for plug-in systems. Excess generation would not be credited. Self-consumption maximization is key.

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Renters included

The bill does not restrict installation to homeowners. Renters would still need landlord consent, but no permanent installation is required.

Electricity Cost Trend

↑ 5.0%/yr avg — Moderate
Rates up 28% over the past 5 years
From $0.121/kWh in 2021 → $0.155/kWh today. Every year you delay solar, your bills compound.
5.0%
avg. annual increase
Historical avg. residential rate ($/kWh)
$0.121
2021
$0.128
2022
$0.134
2023
$0.141
2024
$0.148
2025
$0.155
2026
20-year projected rate
$0.411/kWh
at 5.0%/yr escalation
Extra you'll pay over 20 yrs*
$2,025
vs. today's rates (1,000 kWh/mo household)
Best time to go solar
Now
Each year of delay = a year of higher grid bills

Estimated Savings Preview

Based on District of Columbia's $0.155/kWh avg. rate and 4.6 sun hours/day. Use this to plan — not to make a purchase yet.

Default: 4.6h/day (District of Columbia avg)
$1,200
$900$2,200
800W
400W1200W
60%
30%100%
$0.155/kWh
$0.080/kWh$0.400/kWh
Rate Escalation Scenario
Year 1 Generation
685 kWh
57 kWh/mo
Year 1 Savings
$106
$9/mo
Payback Period
10 yrs
by year 10
25-Year Savings
$4,716
net $3,516
ℹPanels typically last 25–30 years with a 25-year output warranty. Microinverters carry a 10–25 year warranty depending on brand. Battery modules degrade faster — expect 10–15 years before capacity drops below 80%. The 25-year savings figure above assumes the panel and inverter run for the full window; budget ~$200–$400 for an inverter swap around year 15 if needed.
Cumulative Savings vs. Break-even ($)
Selected scenario2% escalation8% escalationBreak-even
Calculator AssumptionsSavings estimates are projections based on average sun hours, self-consumption assumptions, and rate escalation scenarios. Actual results vary by roof orientation, shading, usage patterns, and local rate schedules. The federal ITC for residential solar expired December 31, 2025.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a DC condo or homeowners association ban solar panels?
No, not outright. D.C. Code § 8-1774.51 limits the authority of HOAs, condo associations, and housing cooperatives to prohibit solar energy devices, though owners must still go through the association's approval process and may face reasonable placement requirements.
Does DC's solar access law cover plug-in or balcony solar devices?
Not yet in force, but a bill would change that. Councilmember Charles Allen's GRID Act (B26-0602) would let residents install plug-in balcony solar systems, in most cases up to 1,200W, without the full rooftop-solar approval process. It had a public hearing in March 2026 and is awaiting a Council committee vote.
Do I need Pepco's approval to connect a small solar device to my home's wiring?
Yes, under current DC rules (Title 15 DCMR Chapter 40), any grid-tied generating device, regardless of size, is generally subject to Pepco's Small Generator Interconnection Rules and requires an application and approval.
Is plug-in solar legislation pending in DC?
Yes. The GRID Act (B26-0602), introduced by Councilmember Charles Allen and co-sponsored by six other councilmembers, would streamline Pepco's solar interconnection process and specifically allow plug-in balcony solar. It had a public hearing in March 2026 and remains in committee awaiting a vote.

Stay in the Loop

We monitor the District of Columbia legislature and will email you the moment B26-0602 (GRID Act) is signed into law or fails. No spam — one email per bill outcome.

Legal DisclaimerLaws change. Information on this site reflects our best understanding of current statutes as of the date shown. It is not legal advice. Verify requirements with your state utility commission, local building department, and a qualified attorney before installation.