Washington Net Metering Rates 2026
Washington solar exports are credited under full retail-rate net metering, worth roughly ~100% of retailof the retail electricity rate. Here's exactly how it works, which utilities offer it, and what it means for your payback.
How Net Metering Works in Washington
When your panels produce more electricity than your home is using, the surplus flows back onto the grid and your meter records the export. Washington utilities credit those exported kilowatt-hours at the full retail price you pay for grid electricity. You draw that credit back down at night or on cloudy days, so you only pay for your net consumption across the billing cycle.
Because Washington mandates net metering, a correctly sized system can push net annual electricity costs close to zero for many WA homeowners.
What It's Worth: ~100% of retail of Retail
The single biggest driver of solar payback is how much your utility pays for exported energy. Washington's full retail-rate crediting is the most valuable structure available — every exported kWh offsets a kWh you'd otherwise buy at full price.
The average WA homeowner reaches payback in 9.8 years and nets $26,200 over 25 years with these rules in effect.
Washington Utilities Offering Net Metering
The major utilities operating in Washington are Puget Sound Energy, Seattle City Light, Avista, Pacific Power. Net metering terms — true-up dates, monthly fees, and credit carryover — vary by provider, so confirm the current tariff with your specific utility before signing an installation contract.
Washington Net Metering FAQ
What will net metering save you in Washington?
Our calculator factors Washington's full retail-rate net metering into your payback and 25-year savings — using your actual electric bill.