WashingtonSolar Incentives 2026: Tax Credits, Rebates & Net Metering

Washington does not offer a state income tax credit specifically for residential solar, and the federal residential credit does not apply to a system installed in 2026. Model the install at full cost unless a utility rebate or exemption still applies.

Even without a state income credit, Washington's sales tax exemption on solar equipment significantly reduce effective lifetime cost.

Washington requires investor-owned utilities to offer net metering on residential solar systems. The credit rate is the full retail electricity rate.

In practice, this means a properly sized Washington system can drive net annual electricity costs to within tens of dollars of zero. Top utilities operating under WA net metering rules include Puget Sound Energy, Seattle City Light, Avista, Pacific Power.

Washington credits exported solar at roughly ~100% of retail of the retail rate. See full Washingtonnet metering rates & rollover rules →

Solar installs in Washington average $2.85 per watt in 2026. A typical 8 kW system runs about $22,800 before incentives. The federal residential credit is $0. Illustrated cost with no state income-tax credit is $22,800.

Your price moves with system size, roof complexity, and equipment tier. Run the Washington savings calculator for a number matched to your actual electricity bill.

No — there is no government program handing out free solar in Washington. “Free solar” and “no-cost solar program” ads are leases or power purchase agreements (PPAs): a company owns the panels and bills you for the power. There is no residential federal credit for a 2026 install for either you or the company to claim.

Buying your system — with the incentives in your name — almost always wins on lifetime savings. Read the full breakdown of “free solar” offers →

4 major utilities operate in Washington: Puget Sound Energy, Seattle City Light, Avista, Pacific Power. Specific rebate availability varies year to year and is typically distributed first-come, first-served until annual budget caps are reached.

Before scheduling any installation, verify current rebate status directly with your utility — programs open and close throughout the year. Most Washington installers will pull up-to-date rebate data during a site assessment.

Washington does not currently offer a property tax exemption for solar. The added home value from a solar installation is generally included in the next assessment cycle.

Washington also exempts solar equipment from state sales tax, removing roughly 4% to 7% from the up-front cost of panels, inverters, and racking depending on local rate.

Compare Washington's solar incentive package side-by-side with adjacent states to see whether you live in a relatively high- or low-incentive market.