Energy Upgrades That Pass Review in Georgetown

Thinking about adding solar, a heat pump, or an EV charger to your Georgetown home but worried about historic review? You are not alone. You want lower bills and a smaller carbon footprint without risking a permit setback. In this guide, you will learn which upgrades routinely pass review, how to design them to succeed, the permits you will need, and the incentives that can help pay for it. Let’s dive in.

What reviewers look for in Georgetown

Georgetown’s exteriors are reviewed by the Old Georgetown Board and the Commission of Fine Arts. The boards focus on what is visible from public space, including streets, alleys, and the riverfront. Interior work that does not change the exterior usually does not need OGB review. You submit through the Historic Preservation Office as outlined in the CFA guidance on how to submit. See the Old Georgetown submission steps.

A common theme in recent approvals is simple. Keep new equipment out of public view, mount it low and parallel to surfaces, and paint or conceal conduit. Boards often ask for on-site mock-ups or photo simulations to prove equipment is not visible. Case records repeatedly note approvals conditioned on “not visible from public space.” Review recent OGB/CFA case notes.

HPO staff handle many projects through expedited review when work is in-kind or not visible, which can speed things up. Learn how HPO and permits work.

Energy upgrades that pass in Georgetown

Rooftop solar panels

Solar is approved often when you position panels so they cannot be seen from public space. That usually means flush mounting on rear roof slopes, setting arrays behind a parapet, or placing them on lower rear additions. Keep conduit and disconnects on rear elevations and paint them to match. Boards often request a mock-up or photomontage to confirm visibility. See examples in OGB Appendices.

Tip: Use black-framed, black-backsheet modules where edges might be visible and show the exact conduit route in your drawings. For DOB’s solar permit, plan to submit site plans, electrical diagrams, and mounting details. Check DOB’s solar permitting overview.

Heat pumps and outdoor condensers

Heat pumps are welcome when the outdoor unit is out of public view. Place condensers at the rear, on ground level behind compatible screening, or on flat roofs where they cannot be seen from the street or alley. Provide a siting plan, manufacturer cut sheets, and noise ratings. OGB records show many approvals with the condition that equipment is not visible from public ways. See CFA action records for mechanical equipment.

Insulation and air sealing

Insulation, air sealing, attic work, and duct sealing usually do not trigger OGB/CFA review because they are interior. These are high-impact upgrades with minimal preservation conflicts. If you need a new exterior vent or roof penetration, coordinate with HPO on visibility and placement. Read HPO’s permits and design review basics.

Windows and storm solutions

Windows facing public streets are character defining. OGB favors repair of historic wood windows and in-kind replacement only when needed. Interior storm panels can significantly improve performance without changing the exterior. If you must replace on a public elevation, match historic profiles and muntin patterns. Review OGB window guidelines.

Electrical panels, inverters, and batteries

Upgrading your interior electrical panel is a DOB code matter. Exterior inverters, disconnects, or battery boxes that are visible may require OGB review. Place equipment inside basements or garages when possible. If exterior mounting is necessary, use rear elevations and paint enclosures to match. Provide electrical diagrams and cut sheets in your filing. See DOB guidance for documentation.

EV chargers and wiring

Level 2 chargers in a private garage or driveway are usually handled through DOB and utility coordination. Keep conduit inside walls or under paving so it is not visible on a public facade. Coordinate early with Pepco for interconnection and any make-ready incentives. Start with Pepco’s EV resources.

Permits and the path to approval

Who reviews what

• OGB/CFA review exterior changes in the Old Georgetown historic district.
• HPO staff determine review level and handle many cases via expedited review.
• DOB issues building and solar permits and reviews plans.
• Utility coordination is separate and runs in parallel for interconnection and incentives. See the Old Georgetown submission steps and HPO permit guidance.

Timeline to expect

• OGB meetings are monthly. You must file by published deadlines. CFA posts appendices in advance.
• DOB targets solar plan review within about 10 business days, but overall timing depends on review cycles and revisions.
• Plan for several weeks to a few months from first submission to permit issuance, depending on complexity. View DOB’s solar permit overview.

Documentation that helps you pass

• Photos from public streets and alleys showing existing conditions and rooflines.
• Dimensioned site plan and elevations with setbacks and screening.
• Product cut sheets and equipment noise ratings.
• A visibility study, such as a photo montage or on-site mock-up.
• Conduit and disconnect routing plan with a note to paint exposed conduit to match.
• Utility coordination details when relevant. See examples in OGB Appendices.

Incentives you can use

• DCSEU residential rebates. Heat pumps and heat pump water heaters may qualify. Check current amounts and product requirements and note program dates. Explore DCSEU rebates.
• DOEE and IRA programs. DOEE provides resources for federal Home Energy Rebates and free home energy coaching through Electrify DC for income-eligible residents. See DOEE’s IRA page.
• Federal tax credits. The Residential Clean Energy Credit has historically covered a portion of solar, batteries, and other clean-energy property, subject to IRS rules by tax year. Read IRS guidance on clean energy credits.
• Pepco incentives. Pepco publishes EV charger rebates and make-ready information. Always confirm current terms and eligibility. Check Pepco’s EV program page.

Quick homeowner checklist

• Gather site photos from public ways that show rooflines and elevations.
• Prepare a dimensioned site plan and elevations with exact equipment locations and setbacks.
• Include product cut sheets, electrical diagrams, and noise ratings.
• Create a visibility study with photo simulations or set an on-site mock-up.
• Detail conduit and disconnect routing and note paint colors for exposed parts.
• Add proof of Pepco interconnection steps or rebate pre-approval if applicable.

Ready to plan your upgrade or sale?

Smart energy upgrades can boost comfort, reduce bills, and support resale value in Georgetown when you design them to clear review. If you are weighing improvements before a sale or planning an energy-focused search, we can help you align the project with your timing and budget and connect you with seasoned local pros. Reach out to Jennifer Fang Homes to talk strategy for your Georgetown home.

FAQs

Do I need OGB/CFA review for Georgetown solar or heat pumps?

• Not always. Interior work and non-visible exterior changes may go through HPO’s expedited process, but anything visible from streets or alleys likely needs OGB/CFA review. Learn how HPO and permits work.

How long do Georgetown permits take for energy upgrades?

• Expect several weeks to a few months. OGB meetings are monthly, DOB targets about 10 business days for solar plan review, and timelines depend on revisions and inter-agency coordination. See DOB’s solar permitting overview.

Are solar panels usually approved in Georgetown?

• Yes, when you locate arrays to avoid public views, mount them flush, and provide mock-ups. Many approvals are conditioned on “not visible from public space.” Review recent OGB Appendices.

Who can help me navigate reviews and incentives?

• Consult architects or contractors experienced with OGB/HPO. Contact HPO and CFA staff early, and coordinate with Pepco for interconnection and rebates. See the Old Georgetown submission steps.