Home solar in Washington

Net metering Net metering changing

Each kWh you export offsets a kWh you buy, and extra credits roll over month to month until they expire each spring (March bill at Pacific Power). Utilities must offer this until June 30, 2029, or until net metered systems reach 4% of the utility's 1996 peak demand, whichever comes first; after that they may switch new customers to a successor rate. Pacific Power has proposed net billing (exports paid at avoided cost) for applications after 2-1-2027, with current customers and earlier applicants kept on net metering for about 25 years. Source

• 2026-10-01: Washington State Academy of Sciences final report on the value of rooftop solar due
• 2027-02-01: Pacific Power's proposed net billing start for new applications (regulators may delay)
• 2029-06-30: statewide duty to offer net metering ends

Solar credits (SRECs) No market

Washington has no SREC market. The old state production incentive (cents per kWh) is closed to new systems. Source

Taxes

Property tax: None found: no state property tax exemption for home solar.
Sales tax: Exempt: no state or local sales tax on systems up to 100 kW AC completed by 12-31-2029 (RCW 82.08.962); the law expires 1-1-2030. Source

Solar laws

• Net metering, RCW 80.60.020 (2019). Sets the June 30, 2029 date and the 4%-of-1996-peak threshold, after which utilities may offer a successor tariff to new customers. Source
• HOA solar, RCW 64.38.055 (2009). HOAs may not ban solar panels on an owner's property. They may require panels to stay below the roofline, follow the roof slope on street-facing roofs, and be painted to match, and may require shielding of ground panels if it does not cut output more than 10%. Does not cover common areas. Source

Community solar

Limited: no statewide community solar program law; some utilities run their own subscriber projects, and 2025-2026 bills to create a state program did not pass as of this update.

Timeline

1. 2009-07-26 HOA solar law takes effect
2. 2019 Law extends net metering to 2029 or the 4% threshold
3. 2019-07-01 Full sales tax exemption for systems up to 100 kW restarts
4. 2023-12-21 State-funded E3 report finds net metering shifts costs
5. 2025-12-31 Federal 30% homeowner tax credit (25D) ends
6. 2026-10-01 WSAS final report on the value of rooftop solar due
7. 2027-02-01 Pacific Power's proposed net billing start (applications on/before this date keep net metering)
8. 2029-06-30 Statewide net metering requirement ends
9. 2029-12-31 Last day to finish a system for the sales tax exemption

Federal tax credits

The 30% federal tax credit for homeowners who buy solar (Section 25D) ended for systems placed in service after December 31, 2025, so buying no longer earns a federal credit. If you lease or sign a power purchase agreement (PPA), the panels belong to a company that may still claim a business credit under federal deadlines that tighten through 2027. Ask your installer whether that savings is in your price.

Sources

• RCW 80.60.020 net metering
• WA Commerce: net energy metering
• Pacific Power WA net metering successor FAQ
• RCW 82.08.962 sales tax exemption
• RCW 64.38.055 HOA solar
• WSU Energy Program net metering statistics, January 2026
• EIA Electric Power Monthly Table 5.6.A

Last checked 2026-11-01. Incentives are not guaranteed and can change or run out. Confirm every figure with your utility, installer and a tax professional before you sign. This page is general information, not tax, legal or financial advice.

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