Plug-In Solar in Washington — Status: deferred
Bill: HB 2296 (2026) — Expanding the Use of Distributed Energy Resources
Sponsor: Rep. Davina Duerr
Legislative Status: Deferred until 2027. HB 2296 was signed into law (Chapter 136, March 23, 2026), but the plug-in solar exemption provisions were stripped by the Senate Environment, Energy & Technology Committee before final passage. The enacted version covers other distributed energy resources only. A new dedicated plug-in solar bill is expected for the 2027 session.
Last Updated: April 2026
Key Information
| Average Electricity Rate | 11.8¢/kWh |
| Estimated Annual Savings | $125/year |
| TOU Rate Spread | 4¢/kWh |
| Peak Sun Hours/Day | 4 |
| Retail Choice | none |
Key Provisions
The original HB 2296 would have legalized plug-in solar up to 1,200W, prohibited HOAs and landlords from banning devices, and exempted them from utility pre-approval. These provisions were stripped in the Senate Environment, Energy & Technology Committee before final passage.
What You Can Do
Traditional solar is well-supported with net metering through Puget Sound Energy and other utilities. Advocate for a new dedicated plug-in solar bill in the 2027 session — the original HB 2296 language is essentially model legislation ready to be reintroduced.
What You Can't Do (Yet)
No plug-in solar exemption law exists. Utilities currently require interconnection agreements. The 2026 session ended without passing plug-in solar protections.
Available Rebates & Incentives
Washington State sales tax exemption on solar systems. Net metering available through Puget Sound Energy and PSE. Washington has no state income tax so no state solar tax credit is applicable. The federal 30% ITC (Section 25D) expired December 31, 2025.
Incentive Program Links
- DSIRE — Washington State Solar Incentives — Full list of Washington state and utility solar incentive programs.
Demographics (US Census 2023)
| Population | 7,812,880 |
| Total Households | 2,989,000 |
| Owner-Occupied | 1,840,000 |
| Renter-Occupied | 1,149,000 |
| Single-Family Homes | 1,900,000 |
| Apartment Units (5+) | 680,000 |
| Median Household Income | $91,306 |
| Median Home Value | $512,200 |
Solar Resource Data (NREL PVWatts)
| Peak Sun Hours/Day | 3.85 |
| Optimal Tilt Angle | 48° |
| Optimal Azimuth | Due South (180°) |
| Est. Annual kWh (800W system) | 1181 kWh |
| Best Solar Months | May–September |
Major Utilities
| Utility | Customers | Net Metering |
|---|---|---|
| Puget Sound Energy | ~1.24M electric customers | Yes |
| Seattle City Light | ~442K residential customers | Yes |
| Snohomish County PUD | ~350K residential customers | Yes |
| Avista Corp | ~403K electric customers | Yes |
| PacifiCorp | ~137K customers in WA | Yes |