Pepco Approves ConnectDER's Meter Socket Adapters For D.C. Solar, Storage, & EV Charging Installations

WASHINGTON, Oct. 19, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- ConnectDER, the leading manufacturer of meter socket adapters (MSAs)—or meter collars—for solar, battery storage, and EV charging installations, today announced that its full line of products is formally approved for installation across Pepco's service territory in Washington, D.C. 

The company's Solar MSA, EV MSA, and IslandDER™ MSA will help streamline the installation process of distributed energy resources (DERs) for millions of residents throughout the District, enabling installers to cut costs and timelines. D.C. joins ConnectDER's growing national footprint of 54 utilities reaching nearly 40 million households, with further utility expansion in progress.

ConnectDER's adapters plug directly into the existing meter socket on the outside of the home. By establishing a safe connection point at the meter, this innovation bypasses the need for complex main panel upgrades (MPUs), service upsizing, circuit relocations, or adding backup loads panels and system controllers—all of which drive up labor costs and delay project timelines. Eliminating these internal bottlenecks allows installers to complete jobs faster, clear project backlogs, and shield homeowners from unexpected electrical expenses.

"Demand for residential solar, battery backup, and electric vehicles across Washington, D.C. continues to surge, but the physical challenge of older electrical infrastructure slows down installations," said Ivo Steklac, ConnectDER President & CEO. "With Pepco approving our adapters for installation outside the home at the meter socket, installers don't need to re-engineer the entire panel and home wiring to get these systems up and running. They can deliver clean energy resilience to District residents more efficiently, saving them thousands of dollars off total costs and days of labor. That directly translates to increased installation capacity and fewer barriers—keys for achieving D.C.'s ambitious electrification goals."

"ConnectDER's meter socket adapters have helped us make solar and EV charging accessible to more DC residents without requiring expensive electrical upgrades," said Joseph Sigwarth, Executive Director of Operations for DC-based Solar Solution. "Our customers get a less disruptive, more cost-effective installation, and our team avoids a lot of the added time, labor, and complexity that comes with panel reconfigurations and service upgrades. ConnectDER's devices make projects simpler for everyone involved."

Washington, D.C. is one of the nation's most progressive clean energy markets, propelled by aggressive Clean Energy DC mandates—including an ambitious Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) featuring a dedicated 15% local solar carve-out—plus high-value Solar Renewable Energy Credit (SREC) yields and Pepco's favorable full-retail net energy metering (NEM) policy. As rising electricity costs and more frequent power outages drive demand for energy independence, District homeowners are increasingly pairing rooftop solar with battery storage to enable whole-home backup power and optimize their daily energy usage.

However, installers in D.C. routinely face structural and electrical hurdles. The District's unique urban building stock—dominated by historic row homes and aging electrical infrastructure—frequently features 100-amp electrical panels that require main service upgrades costing between $1,800 and $5,800 before solar, battery storage, or EV charging equipment can be interconnected. Tight interior footprints also make mounting extra subpanels or wiring Current Transformers (CTs) labor-intensive.

"ConnectDER's approval by Pepco DC is a big win for District residents and installation companies, following dedicated work from several CHESSA members to pass enabling regulations," said Robin Dutta, Executive Director of the Chesapeake Solar and Storage Association (CHESSA). "This makes solar and battery storage more accessible for everyday homeowners, which is exactly the type of change we want to see more of."

ConnectDER's IslandDER™ MSA—engineered specifically for whole-home backup and battery storage—solves this by integrating a Microgrid Interconnect Device (MID), CTs, voltage sensing, and real-time grid disconnect capability into a single compact device mounted outside at the meter. IslandDER™ installs in 15 to 30 minutes without reconfiguring panels or re-routing household circuits. It's compatible with leading residential battery systems from SolarEdge, FranklinWH, Lunar Energy, EcoFlow, and Fox ESS. Removing installation barriers is increasingly vital as D.C. evaluates proposals for Virtual Power Plant (VPP) pilot programs, which will allow battery-equipped homes to support grid stability and earn compensation for their stored power.

Additionally, ConnectDER's newest Solar MSA Data Out (D.O.) model features built-in CTs and native integration with SolarEdge inverters, giving D.C. installers a streamlined solution for solar-only roof mounts.

"With ConnectDER and its integrated CTs, we're able to complete installs faster and more cleanly," said Matt Macfadden, Owner & CEO of SunnyMac. "Eliminating panel work reduces install time and helps avoid additional truck rolls."

These operational time and cost savings extend directly to D.C.'s accelerating electric vehicle sector. District residents are rapidly adopting EVs, taking advantage of Pepco's $500 Level 2 EV charger rebate and D.C.'s 50% residential charger installation tax credit. However, adding a high-draw EV charger to an older home often overloads an existing 100-amp panel. ConnectDER's EV Meter Socket Adapter provides a direct, safe power take-off point at the meter socket, eliminating the need for a panel upgrade in most homes and making fast at-home charging far more accessible and affordable. 

ConnectDER's MSAs are available for purchase through distribution nationwide.

About ConnectDER

ConnectDER has been a pioneer in designing and developing meter socket adapters (MSAs) since 2011, simplifying the connection of distributed energy resources (DERs) such as solar, battery storage, and electric vehicle charging equipment. ConnectDER's products help accelerate installations, avoid complex electrical work, and reduce costs for both installers and homeowners—making renewable energy solutions more accessible and affordable for all. The company's devices are UL-listed and NEC-compliant, approved by utilities across the U.S., and used by solar installers nationwide. Installers can purchase ConnectDER's meter socket adapters through their preferred distributor. Email [email protected] to talk to a ConnectDER sales representative. For more information, visit connectder.com.

Dave Armenti
Sr. Marketing Director, ConnectDER
[email protected]

SOURCE ConnectDER, Inc.