Apply for Renewable Energy Incentive

Steps to Apply for REIP

1. Download the DC Guide to Solar Photovoltaic Incentives [PDF] (TBA) or Guide to Solar Thermal Incentives [PDF] (TBA).
2. Contact a local vendor to assess your site and determine your system needs.
3. Complete the online prequalification application using the information from your assessment.
4. Once you are prequalified, you will be issued a reservation number.
5. If funds are still available for the program year, a licensed installer can assist in submitting the full program application [PDF] to receive a rebate.
6. If funds are no longer available for the program year, your reservation number is held for 12 months.

Source of Rebate Funding

The source of these incentives is the Sustainable Energy Trust Fund (SETF), as established under the Clean and Affordable Energy Act of 2008. This program is administered through the District Department of Environment-Energy Administration.

Eligible Organizations/Entities

Individual residents, non-governmental organizations, businesses and private schools may apply.

Eligible projects include photovoltaic systems that will be located within the District of Columbia.

Rebate Period

Rebates will remain active for a period of six months (6 months) from the date of the award. The incentive contract requires installations to be completed in 6 months. If the system is not completed within 6 months, the system owner may request in writing for a six-month extension. If an extension is not requested and/or the project timeline exceeds 12 months from the award date, the applicant is required to return the rebate to DDOE. Failure to return the rebate will result in the placement of a lien on the owner's real and personal property to secure repayment.

Application Materials

• Prequalification Application Form
• DC Guide to Solar Photovoltaic Incentives
• DC Guide to Solar Thermal Incentives
• Renewable Energy Incentive Program – Application Packet [PDF]
  • Rebate Application  
  • DC Master Supplier Form and Sample
  • W9 Tax ID Form
  • Project Completion Form  
• District-Area Renewable Energy Contractors and Installers [PDF]

Additional Information

• Federal Tax Credits Available for Solar and Energy Efficiency Projects  (The District of Columbia does not offer tax incentives at this time.)

• Solar Photovoltaic Consumer Guide [PDF] 
• How Solar Electric Systems Work (US Department of Energy)
• Estimate Your PV System's Output with PV WATTS (National Renewable Energy Laboratory, NREL)
• A Homebuilder’s Guide to Going Solar  [PDF]  (U.S. Department of Energy)
• DC Solar United Neighborhoods [Google MAP] (Energy Cooperatives in the District)  
• How Solar Water Heating Systems Work (U.S. Department of Energy)

District of Columbia Energy Cooperatives

• Solar Power in DC
• Capitol Hill Energy Coop
• Mount Pleasant Solar Cooperative
• Georgetown Energy

Submission of an application to the program does not guarantee receipt of a rebate or the amount of a rebate.
The program operates on a first-come, first-served basis and incentive rebates are dependent upon funding availability.  Pursuant to Section 209(l) of the Clean and Affordable Energy Act of 2008 [D.C. Official Code § 8-1774.09(l)], at any time and without notice DDOE may adjust the rebate amounts of the incentive program to reflect market conditions and the prevailing prices of renewable energy systems.