WashingtonSolar Incentives 2026: Tax Credits, Rebates & Net Metering

Washington does not offer a state income tax credit specifically for residential solar. Most homeowners rely on the 30% federal Residential Clean Energy Credit as the primary up-front incentive.

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.

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.