Renewable Energy Incentive Program (REIP) for Residents

The District Department of the Environment's Renewable Energy Incentive Program (REIP) supports the adoption of solar technology on properties throughout the District of Columbia.

On February 23, 2009, the program began providing rebates to eligible applicants to assist in the installation of a solar (or photovoltaic) renewable energy system. Projects may include, but are not limited to, the installation of systems on single and multi-family dwellings, as well as commercial and institutional buildings.

Incentive Structure 

Solar Thermal incentives are based on a flat rate percentage of installed system cost:

• 20% of total system cost up to $2,000 for residential thermal

Rebates for solar thermal systems are capped at a maximum of $2,000 for residential and $6,000 for nonresidential. Only one REIP rebate per system type may be requested per unique installation address, per program year.

Photovoltaic incentives are based on the combined system rating in kilowatts of Direct Current (DC) output:

• $0.50/watt for photovoltaic systems, with a cap of  $10,000 (equivalent to a 20kW)

Rebates for photovotaic systems are capped at a maximum of $10,000 (at 20 kilowatts capacity or greater) for each unique installation address, per program year.

- Applicants who seek to qualify under the low-income guidelines, should read the Renewable Energy Incentive Program (REIP) for Residents – Low-Income Option.

The program operates on a first-come, first-served basis and incentive requests are dependent upon funding availability.

• REIP Tier Structure FAQs [PDF]
• Waiting List for Projects Not Yet Funded [PDF]
• Waiting List for Projects Not Yet Funded - Thermal [PDF]

- Apply for Renewable Energy Incentives

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.