Washington Solar Incentives & Net Metering (2026)
Washington offers powerful state-level financial protections for rooftop solar owners. Below is the authoritative breakdown of every active solar law, sales tax exemption, and utility net metering rule in Washington State.
100% Washington Sales & Use Tax Exemption (RCW 82.08.962)
Washington State waives 100% of state and local retail sales tax on machinery, equipment, and installation labor for solar energy systems generating between 1 kW and 100 kW.
How it works: You provide a Washington Department of Revenue Buyer's Retail Sales Tax Exemption Certificate to your solar installer. The sales tax is deducted upfront on your contract invoice.
Washington 1:1 Retail Net Metering (RCW 80.60)
Washington law mandates that electric utilities offer 1:1 net metering credits to customer-generators with systems up to 100 kW. Under 1:1 net metering, your meter measures net power flow: excess energy produced on sunny days spins your meter backward, crediting your account at the same full retail price you pay for grid power.
| Utility | 2026 Rate | Net Metering Policy | Annual True-Up Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seattle City Light | ~13.8¢/kWh | Full 1:1 retail credit under RCW 80.60 | March 31 |
| Puget Sound Energy (PSE) | ~15.5¢/kWh | Exceeded 4% cap; voluntarily continues 1:1 retail under Schedule 150 | March 31 |
| Snohomish County PUD | ~10.6¢/kWh | Full 1:1 retail credit under Rate Schedule 7 | March 31 |
| Tacoma Power | ~12.0¢/kWh | Full 1:1 retail credit under Schedule A-1 | March 31 |
| Avista Utilities | ~12.5¢/kWh | Full 1:1 retail credit in Eastern Washington | March 31 |
Status of the 30% Federal Clean Energy Credit (Section 25D vs 48E)
Homeowners shopping for solar in 2026 must be aware of major federal changes enacted under P.L. 119-21:
Direct Homeowner Purchases (0%)
The Section 25D residential credit expired for systems placed in service after December 31, 2025. If you pay cash or take out a solar loan in 2026, you cannot claim the 30% federal credit on your personal tax return.
Third-Party Leases & PPAs (Up to 30%)
Commercial clean energy incentives under Section 48E remain active. In a solar lease or Power Purchase Agreement (PPA), the installer owns the system, claims the 30% commercial credit, and passes the savings to you via reduced monthly rates.
Have questions about your utility's specific solar policies?
Connect with Sunbridge Solar to verify your roof's feasibility and exact interconnection paperwork.