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District Energy

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7.0

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LAST UPDATED: April 18th, 2023

District Energy is bringing tier-1 solar technology to the Metro D.C. area servicing both residential, commercial, and government related clients. The goal of District Energy is to transition clients away from harmful fossil fuels to a more reliable and clean source of energy. Each project is assessed to determine energy needs and equipment requirements. District Energy will offer a customized plan to tailor the perfect green energy solution. 

With District Energy, clients can expect some of the best solar equipment and monitoring technology as part of the installation package. As a SunPower dealer, District Energy is able to provide some of the latest advancement in solar technology that come with features that maximize energy production and usage. SunPower equipment is also backed by the Complete Confidence Warranty, protecting equipment, repairs, and replacements for 25 years. 

From start to finish, District Energy will manage every aspect of the solar process. The trained professionals will provide clients with a data-driven complimentary report and full mock-up of the design, pull necessary permits, provide complete installation, and ensure that all components are up to speed for operation. 

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The Good

  • Variety of Energy Solutions
  • Professional Installation
  • Battery/Storage System Options
  • Solar Green Roofs

Variety of Energy Solutions

District Energy is more than just a traditional Solar PV installation company. Instead, District Energy is committed to helping clients maximize energy savings in multiple facets of life. These energy solutions include:

  • Residential solar
  • Commercial solar
  • EV charging
  • Re-roofing
  • Battery storage

While many of these energy solutions are offered by other solar installation providers, one unique offering of District Energy is its re-roofing service. Often roofing repairs or replacements are needed prior to a solar installation project taking place. If this is the case, solar clients have to find an experienced roofing company to provide these services. With District Energy, clients can utilize the company for all their roof preparation needs. 

Professional Installation

The makeup of buildings and homes in the Metro D.C. area pose unique challenges to solar installation technicians. The architecture and age of buildings and homes can make it difficult to effectively install a solar system. District Energy understands these challenges and has experience dealing with them. Each solar installation professional is trained in how to deal with these potential challenges. Ultimately, designs reflect the individual needs of each property. Not all solar installation companies would be able to effectively take on these types of projects. 

Battery/Storage System Options

As a SunPower dealer, it is expected that District Energy would install and have access to the SunPower technology. Most dealers are restricted to offering equipment solely produced by their partnered manufacturer, but District Energy offers the following battery solutions:

  • SunPower SunVault
  • Tesla Powerwall
  • Enphase

These options provide clients with more choices when it comes to customizing and tailoring the system to the property’s specific needs. 

Solar Green Roofs

One unique design and installation solution offered through District Energy is its ability to put in solar green roofs. These systems combine solar panels with plants and foliage that ultimately use stored water to benefit plants. This system must be securely installed in a ballasted monolithic platform. Roof penetrations and potential for leaks pose challenges, but this will eliminate the storm water runoff and produce clean energy. Finding a solar company that provides this service is rare, so clients interested in a solar green roof should consider District Energy. 

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The Bad

  • Limited Service Area
  • Limited Financing Options

Limited Service Area

Most solar dealers only function in a restricted geographic service area. That is the case for District Energy as well. The company solely services the Metro Washington, D.C. area. Outside of this area, District Energy will not be able to take on the project.

Other solar installation companies that do not operate as a dealer for a particular manufacturer are not as geographically limited. By restricting the service area, District Energy vastly reduces the number of property owners that can be serviced. 

Limited Financing Options

Solar systems are a financial investment, one that typically does not pay off for several years. To maximize this investment, clients are encouraged to purchase the system upfront and outright. This does allow for the greatest return on investment.

That being said, it is not a doable solution for all clients looking to utilize renewable energy sources. That is where alternative financing solutions come into play. Most solar installation companies will offer multiple financing options, but with District Energy the only financing option outside of paying in cash is a solar loan. 

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The Bottom Line

District Energy provides comprehensive solar and energy solutions to clients in the District of Columbia. The company offers a number of energy solutions including traditional solar and battery storage installation, as well as re-roofing and EV charging options. The team at District Energy is trained to handle the unique architectural challenges posed by historical and urban buildings found in the city.

In addition to providing SunPower battery and storage systems, District Energy is also qualified to install the Tesla Powerwall and the Enphase battery solution. District Energy also installs solar green roofs, a unique offering from a residential and commercial solar provider. 

There are limitations to the District Energy platform prospective clients should be aware of. For example, the service area is strictly limited to the Metro D.C. area. Outside of this service area, District Energy will not be able to take on the project. Also, the only financing option outside of purchasing the system outright is a solar loan.

Clients in need of qualified solar installation professionals to manage the entirety of the solar project will likely benefit from what District Energy offers. The professionals are trained to navigate the architecture while maximizing solar production and efficiencies. 

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5.0

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22 Reviews

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Featured Review

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Kim D

District Energy and team were amazing from begin to end. The presentation was clear and concise. The installation process was seamless. Crew was prompt and curtious. Solid company, solid Product and warranty, and great customer support and comunications throughout the Process. System production exceeding expectations! Couldn't be happier:) Kim D

1 year ago Edited December 14, 2022

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Featured Review

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Alex Khachaturian Washington, DC

Tarek and the District Energy Crew exceeded my expectations — and they’d come highly recommended, so my expectations were pretty great. Most impressive was perhaps how thorough they were and how quickly they got everything done, from permitting, to install, to resolving a potentially tricky situation on our roof. I’d recommendDistrict Energy to anybody looking to install solar panels

1 year ago

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James

They were not the cheapest option but you get what you pay for. The equipment has been good and the experience was good and they did a good job. They arrived early at the time that we talked about and it really only took one day and the guys seemed to move quickly with the team of people and it was pretty tidy overall. They were extremely responsive. We had one issue after the install and they came back right away the next day. The team responds immediately.

1 year ago

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Tamara

They were very responsive, had quick turn arounds, answered all of our questions, and were always prepared. Overall, very good experience. Install took less than a day. A few people came by and sold everything, connected everything in the same day. No issues.

1 year ago

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Gregory

The company was extremely responsive to my initial inquiry. They set up a time to work with us very quickly. On the scheduled time they showed up and did great, quick, quality work up on our roof. They did great work, they were highly professional. It's high quality equipment.

1 year ago

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Jena C

Before contracting with District Energy, I spoke with four companies, sat through their intro sessions, and compared quotes. DE wasn't the cheapest quote, but offered a better product and provided excellent customer service with clear communication throughout the entire process, from the initial quote to post-installation. We were kept informed through the lead up and past installation, to make sure we were not only operational but satisfied with our solar panels, in a way that felt supportive. I highly recommend working with District Energy.

11 months ago

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T. S. Vaughn

We did extensive research before we short-listed District Energy as our top three and then selected them based on numerous recommendations by neighbors about Tarek A's outstanding service and professionalism. Right from the very get go, Tarek was extremely punctual to all our meetings, highly responsive to all my questions over email, and very clear in his presentation of costs, output, financing etc. He also took care of all the requisite paperwork and documentation etc. We also chose District Energy because it was one of just two installers that install Sunpower panels, which we wanted, and their price was the most competitive, all factors considered. To be honest, I was dreading the day of the installation but it was a quick and smooth process from start to finish. The noise was minimal and the installation was seamless and quite beautiful to see. We had also installed a new roof a few months prior and DE's parapet system also ensured that the installation didn't negate out roof warranty. Additionally, when we had issues with our original roofing contractor and a skylight installation that was not completed as planned, Tarek came to the rescue and found a skylight contractor, pulled the requisite permits, and his sub-contractors did stellar work from start to finish including installing the skylight and performing all the interior work including drywall repair and painting. I consider myself a highly organized person and I am generally frustrated by most contractors' lack of dependability, punctuality, professionalism, and work ethic. In contrast, Tarek and his team were such an absolute joy to work with and he checked in on the progress every step of the way. I cannot recommend District Energy highly enough (and given that I am quite an OCD person, this should be taken as high praise indeed!) and Tarek is definitely the best of the best in this space. So much gratitude and appreciation to District Energy's team, sub-contractors, and to the terrific Tarek! We are thrilled with our solar panels and skylight and cannot recommend DE strongly enough for your next solar/roofing project. Tarek and DE are rock stars in my book!

1 year ago Edited January 10, 2024

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J Washington, DC

District Energy was my personally-selected solar installers after getting approximately 10 solar proposals from across the DC Metro area. They are knowledgeable, flexible, and patient. Tarek and his team customized our project to my specifications for an energy-dense system on a DC rowhouse with premium components warrantied for 25-years. Highly recommended.

1 year ago

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Tarek Ambares-et-Lagrave, 33

We hired District Energy to replace our (flat) roof and install SunPower panels. We liked that they coordinated all of the work with the roofing subcontractor, who installed a new TPO roof as well as a sun roof hatch on Petworth home . The process was painless and the work, once started was completed in less than 3 days. We're extremely happy with the solar component; we haven't had a bill in almost two years now and even have capacity to get an EV.

1 year ago

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Yizreel Urquijo Torres

District Energy did a great job installing my residential solar system. Tarek is very knowledgeable about the solar market in Washington, DC and provided me with all the information I needed to make the most out of my system. They took care of all the permits with Pepco and did an outstanding work. The entire process was done in just a few weeks. I'd definitely recommend them to anyone who's looking for a solar system in the DMV area.

1 year ago

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Erin Blake Dundalk, MD

We had a great experience with District Energy. They were responsive and professional through the project. We looked at a number of companies before making a decision and couldn’t be happier with District Energy. They also came highly recommended by a number of families in our neighborhood who used them for their solar panel install. The drop in our electric bill has been drastic and we are happy to be feeding the grid instead of pulling from it.

1 year ago

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Ian Washington, DC

What distinguished District Energy from other solar companies: -better solar panels while offering competitive pricing -Tarek was responsive before and after installation -flexible installation process. our neighboring wall needed work prior to solar install. -handled the permit approval process without issues -offered subsidy if Pepco tried charge infrastructure upgrade fees. no other solar companies offered subsidy.

1 year ago

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Adrian Rivera

My experience with District Energy was very positive from day one, and I’m very grateful to Tarek for the wonderful customer service I received during the solar panel installation in my new home. Tarek was always very professional and helpful in guiding me throughout the whole process. I highly recommend his business.

1 year ago

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Leila Washington, DC

Tarek was so incredible to work with. He was skillful in answering our many questions, talked us through the process, followed up regularly, came out to see the installation, and was so easy to work with. We had a great experience and are so happy we moved forward with District Energy.

1 year ago

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Randy Martin Staten Island, NY

We got bids from four other companies. District Energy was not the lowest bid - but selected them because we felt they were most responsive and realistic in addressing our questions.

1 year ago

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Harry Conaway Washington, DC

Easy to work with. Very responsive and willing to answer questions. Great installation work - on time and high quality.

1 year ago

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Josh Samuel Washington, DC

Gave me several options, showed off how they were different and then during installation were true professionals.

1 year ago

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Scott Welker Washington, DC

Everyone involved was professional and courteous. The project (and options) were fully explained and completed on time.

1 year ago

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Natasha Washington, DC

Great customer service, they explained how it all works so patiently and did a fantastic job installing!

1 year ago

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Michael Lavallette, NJ

Excellent personal service and follow up. Still available for questions 2 years later.

1 year ago

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Eric Plunkett Washington, DC

Great service, most efficient panels, no complaints

1 year ago

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Jeri Somers

Great service - friendly owner and excellent service.

1 year ago