[wyum]

I think you are right, and what's happening with rooftop solar in urban environments like DC (as in OP) is a case in point. By and large, the rooftop solar here is directly integrated with the grid and net metered. It is not off grid whatsoever like a diesel generator would be. It's possible to install a backup battery and inverter, but if the power goes out, you don't get to use your solar directly.

Energy companies in DC, are incentivized by the govt to produce energy from renewable sources. They have to pay a penalty for SRECs they fail to produce, so they have good reason to convince consumers to put solar panels on their roofs and then buy SRECs from them at a rate lower than the value of the penalty.