Washington, D.C. – October 19, 2026 -- ConnectDER's full line of meter socket adapters is now approved for installation across Pepco's service territory in Washington, D.C., a market where 100-amp panels can force main service upgrades costing $1,800 to $5,800 before solar, storage or EV charging equipment can be connected. D.C. becomes the 54th utility in ConnectDER's network, which reaches nearly 40 million households.
The approval covers three products: the Solar MSA, the EV MSA and the IslandDER MSA. Each adapter plugs into the existing meter socket on the outside of the home. According to the company, this avoids main panel upgrades, service upsizing, circuit relocations, backup load panels and system controllers.
Old row homes and 100-amp panels drive up D.C. interconnection costs
The District's building stock is dominated by historic row homes and aging electrical infrastructure. Tight interior footprints also make mounting extra subpanels or wiring Current Transformers (CTs) labor-intensive, according to the company.
Demand is supported by Clean Energy DC mandates, including a Renewable Portfolio Standard with a 15% local solar carve-out. Solar Renewable Energy Credit yields and Pepco's full-retail net energy metering policy add to the incentives.
IslandDER MSA installs in 15 to 30 minutes and works with five battery brands
The IslandDER MSA is built for whole-home backup and battery storage. It integrates a Microgrid Interconnect Device, CTs, voltage sensing and real-time grid disconnect in one device mounted at the meter. Installation takes 15 to 30 minutes without reconfiguring panels or re-routing household circuits.
The device is compatible with residential batteries from SolarEdge, FranklinWH, Lunar Energy, EcoFlow and Fox ESS. D.C. is evaluating proposals for Virtual Power Plant pilot programs, which would let battery-equipped homes support grid stability and earn compensation for stored power.
For solar-only roof mounts, the newest Solar MSA Data Out model has built-in CTs and native integration with SolarEdge inverters.
EV adapter targets homes where 100-amp panels overload with a charger
Residents can claim a $500 Pepco rebate on Level 2 EV chargers and a 50% D.C. tax credit on residential charger installation. Adding a high-draw charger to an older home often overloads an existing 100-amp panel. ConnectDER's EV MSA provides a power take-off point at the meter socket, which the company says eliminates the need for a panel upgrade in most homes.
Installers and trade group cite faster jobs and fewer truck rolls
ConnectDER President and CEO Ivo Steklac said the approval lets installers avoid re-engineering panels and home wiring, saving customers thousands of dollars and days of labor.
Matt Macfadden, owner and CEO of installer SunnyMac, said integrated CTs speed installs and eliminating panel work helps avoid additional truck rolls. Joseph Sigwarth of DC-based Solar Solution said the adapters let his team avoid time, labor and complexity from panel reconfigurations and service upgrades.
Robin Dutta, Executive Director of the Chesapeake Solar and Storage Association, credited several member companies with work to pass the enabling regulations.
ConnectDER's adapters are available through distributors nationwide.