Solar Panel Laws in Washington

If you own a home in Washington and do not yet have solar power connected to your residence, there has never been a better time to consider installing panels on your property.

As the seat of Government, the state has always been keen on setting the pace on climate protection through renewable energy sources, as demonstrated by setting a statewide RPS (Renewable Portfolio Standard) of 15% in 2006. An RPS law sets a target for using clean energy in a State.

As of early 2006, Washington had already laid down the law that envisioned that 15% of residents should be using renewable energy sources like solar power by 2020.

So, how does the state propose to entice homeowners to rely more on solar energy? Since enacting the RPS in 2006, the state has put forth enviable incentives for homeowners and solar product manufacturers.

Below, we will discuss some of the incentives put in place by the authorities for solar energy users.

Key Takeaways

• Washington encourages homeowners to install solar panels with various incentives, including solar easement laws that ensure access to sunlight, the right to install panels regardless of residential location, and protection from homeowners’ associations.
• Net metering allows homeowners to stay connected to the grid, receive credits for the excess electricity their panels produce, and use these credits to offset their utility bills.
• The state offers the Renewable Energy System Incentive Program, providing incentives for both property sellers and buyers, and the Federal Solar Tax Credit Program, which can lower the cost of acquiring solar systems by up to 30% for eligible residents.

Solar Rights for Homeowners

Solar panels need access to sunlight to produce electricity. As a homeowner committed to using renewable energy sources like solar power, Washington has excellent solar easement laws.

These laws allow you to talk with your immediate neighbors and develop a way to ensure that your panels are never shaded when there is sunlight.

Additionally, under the Washington Solar Rights Law, you have a right to put solar panels on your property, no matter your borough of residence in the state. Under this law, it is illegal for even homeowners’ associations to prohibit a homeowner from installing solar panels.

Net Metering in Washington

Given that the weather can be dull sometimes, you may be afraid of installing solar panels in Washington for fear of what will happen when it is persistently cloudy for days.

It is, however, important to remember that you do not have to disconnect from the grid just because you have panels on your property. Unless you have backup batteries in your property, it is best to remain connected to the grid even with access to solar energy.

If the solar panels you installed in your Washington home produce more electricity than you can consume, then the net metering system was made for someone like you.

Under this system, you can send back any extra electricity produced by your panels to the Washington grid and, in turn, receive credits.

If your panels do not produce enough electricity and you are forced to rely on grid power, you can use the credits you earned to pay for the electricity you consume instead of paying your utility bill in cash.

The Renewable Energy System Incentive Program

To encourage more homeowners to use solar energy as of February 2020, the state enacted an incentive program that targets both property sellers and buyers. Under this program, you can receive an incentive payment for the electricity produced by solar panels in your home.

As a property seller, the payment incentive offered by the state will cover the period you owned the home from the fiscal year starting 1st July. As a property owner who installs solar panels in your home, you can apply for and receive your incentive payment for eight years or until you have recovered 50% of the amount you spent installing panels in your home (whichever comes first).

It is also worth noting that this program targets Washington residents who have installed residential and commercial solar panels.

Under this program, solar panels producing 1 kW to 12 kW are considered residential solar systems. The incentive for this type of solar system is capped at $5,000 per fiscal year.

On the other hand, solar panels that produce above 12 kW are considered commercial solar installations unless they have been installed as a community project. This incentive for commercial solar systems is capped at $25,000 per fiscal year.

Note that participation in this incentive program is voluntary. You must register your property to earn incentive payments, and your solar system must be inspected and certified.

The Federal Solar Tax Credit Program

As a Washington resident, you may also be eligible for the Federal Solar Tax Credit Program, which can lower the cost of acquiring your solar system by as much as 30%.

It is, however, worth mentioning that to be eligible for this tax credit program, you must have attained a level of income that will make the tax credit you are awarded meaningful.

Further, you must purchase a solar system for the first time, and the acquisition must either be done through a loan or in cash.

Though this program has been in place for several years and the terms have never changed, pundits in the energy sector opine that with the new administration that recently settled in the White House, the terms may be amended to become more favorable.

As you can see, Washington is keen on meeting its goals of using renewable energy like solar power through the incentives offered to homeowners.

Suppose you are keen on protecting the environment, climate, and the planet at large while at the same time saving some money. In that case, you should consider installing solar panels in your home since Washington solar panel laws encourage it.

Case Study: Residential Solar Installation in Washington

Background

Seattle, Washington, known for its rainy weather, might not seem like the ideal place for solar energy. However, thanks to Washington’s strong incentives and policies, solar power has become a viable and attractive option for residents. This case study highlights a successful residential solar installation project in Seattle.

Project Overview

We were approached by a homeowner in Seattle who wanted to reduce their carbon footprint and take advantage of the various solar incentives available. The primary goal was to install a 6 kW solar PV system that would meet the household’s energy needs and significantly reduce their electricity bills.

Implementation

Initial Assessment: Our process began with a thorough energy audit, analyzing the household’s historical data on electricity usage. This helped us determine the optimal system size and configuration to ensure maximum efficiency and savings.

Design and Planning: Using advanced tools, we designed a system tailored to the home’s unique requirements. This included selecting high-efficiency panels and positioning them to maximize sunlight capture throughout the year.

Installation: The installation phase was meticulously planned and executed. The solar panels were installed on the south-facing roof to optimize exposure to sunlight. We ensured all components, including inverters and mounting systems, were of the highest quality and installed correctly.

Connection and Testing: After installation, we connected the system to the grid, leveraging Washington’s robust net metering policy. This allowed the homeowner to earn credits for any excess energy produced, which could be used to offset future electricity bills. The system was tested thoroughly to ensure it met all performance and safety standards.

Results

The solar system began producing electricity immediately, leading to significant savings from the onset. The homeowner reported a 45% reduction in their monthly electricity bills. The combination of the federal solar investment tax credit and Washington’s Renewable Energy System Incentive Program made the financials of the project even more attractive. The payback period for the system was estimated to be around 8 years, after which the savings would significantly exceed the initial investment.

Additionally, the project contributed to Washington’s goal of increasing renewable energy usage. By adopting solar energy, the homeowner not only reduced their energy costs but also supported the state’s sustainability initiatives.

Summary

This residential solar installation in Seattle demonstrates the effectiveness of Washington’s solar policies and incentives. Despite the state’s often cloudy weather, the financial benefits provided by net metering, tax exemptions, and federal tax credits make solar energy a viable and attractive option for homeowners. At Solar Panels Network USA, we are committed to delivering customized solar solutions that help residents achieve their energy goals and support a sustainable future.

Expert Insights From Our Solar Panel Installers About Solar Panel Laws in Washington

Washington’s strong commitment to renewable energy is evident in its incentives, like the Renewable Energy System Incentive Program, which provides significant financial benefits for homeowners who install solar panels.

Lead Solar Installer

The state’s net metering policy is particularly advantageous. It allows homeowners to earn credits for excess energy produced by their solar systems, making solar power a more attractive and cost-effective option.

Senior Solar Technician

With the combination of federal tax credits and state-specific incentives, installing solar panels in Washington can result in substantial savings on both installation and long-term energy costs.

Solar Energy Consultant

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Map image by Wikimedia Commons User: TUBS / CC-BY-SA-3.0