Solar, Storage, and Electric Vehicle Charging Real Property Tax Exemption

This incentive is for nonprofit organizations rather than individual homeowners, so it likely won't apply to a private residence. If you serve on a nonprofit board, installing solar, battery storage, or EV charging on exempt property won't cause that property to lose its tax exemption. Contact the D.C. Office of Tax and Revenue to confirm how it applies to your property.

Nonprofit customers in D.C. can add solar PV, lithium-ion storage, Level 2 EV chargers, or DC fast chargers without triggering property tax on the exempt real property, even if the system generates rent or income. Energy management activities must comply with Energy Star guidelines to qualify. Customers should confirm documentation and eligibility with the D.C. Office of Tax and Revenue before installation.

This is a real property tax exemption established by D.C. Act 26-145 that carves out an exception to the rule taxing nonprofit-owned property used to secure rent or income for activities other than the exempted purpose. It covers buildings or grounds used for solar generation, energy storage, Energy Star-compliant solar energy management, or EV charging, and targets nonprofit property owners. There is no direct funding or application process described, since it works by preserving existing exemption status.