Shaping Washington’s Clean Energy Future
The 2025 Washington State Legislative Session is witnessing significant momentum in advancing renewable energy initiatives, particularly in the realm of solar power. Key organizations, including the Washington Solar Energy Industries Association (WASEIA) and Olympia Community Solar, are championing pivotal bills to expand access to clean energy for all Washingtonians.
Incentivizing Residential Battery Energy Storage Systems (HB 1871)
Introduced by Representatives Hunt, Klicker, Doglio, Parshley, Ramel, Zahn, and Duerr, House Bill 1871 aims to promote the adoption of grid-connected residential battery energy storage systems across Washington State. The bill acknowledges the increasing challenges posed by peak electrical loads, wildfire risks, and severe weather events leading to power outages. The legislation seeks to enhance energy resilience and support the state’s clean energy objectives by incentivizing residential battery storage.
Key Provisions of HB 1871:
Battery Incentive Program:
The bill proposes the establishment of a battery incentive program, managed by qualified light and power businesses, to provide financial incentives to residential customers who install grid-connected battery energy storage systems.
Eligibility:
The program targets residential customers, including nonprofit organizations, public entities, tribal governments, and academic institutions. Special provisions are included to ensure participation from low-income and moderate-income households.
Program Goals:
The initiative aims to install 50 megawatt-hours of battery energy storage between July 1, 2026, and June 30, 2036, contributing to the state’s clean energy transformation goals.
The Case for a Residential Storage Incentive in Washington
Fair Access to Community Solar Act (SB 5515/HB 1598)
Introduced by Sen. Sharon Shewmake (D-Bellingham) and Rep. Adam Bernbaum (D-Port Townsend), the Fair Access to Community Solar Act aims to establish a comprehensive community solar program in Washington State. This legislation is designed to provide equitable access to affordable, locally generated clean energy, particularly benefiting income-qualified households, renters, and individuals unable to install solar panels on their properties.
Key Provisions:
Program Establishment:
Creates a statewide community solar program, permitting the development of projects up to 5 megawatts (MW).
Incentives:
Offers incentives for projects that incorporate energy storage or are situated on preferred sites, such as rooftops, parking structures, and landfills.
Residential Focus:
Mandates that at least 50% of a project’s capacity be allocated to residential subscribers, with 30% reserved specifically for low-income households or service providers.
Bill Crediting:
Establishes a system ensuring subscribers receive proportional credits on their monthly utility bills.
Utility Support:
Includes provisions to partially reimburse utilities for costs associated with billing system upgrades.
“This important legislation will help reduce high energy bills and ensure Washingtonians have access to affordable, clean energy. An equitable transition to clean energy must allow regular people to directly benefit – community solar does that.”
Mason Rolph
Executive Director of Olympia Community Solar
The Fair Access to Community Solar Act not only aims to meet Washington State’s clean energy goals but also seeks to create family-sustaining jobs and stimulate economic growth. By diversifying energy sources and relying more on locally sited solar power, the state can increase access to clean energy, bolster grid reliability, and save customers money.
Currently, Washington ranks 31st in community solar power generation, despite being home to the nation’s first community solar project. Allowing community solar to serve more customers will help the state achieve its clean energy goals more quickly, affordably, and equitably.
Improving Accessibility of Community Solar Projects (SB 5634/HB 1804)
Sponsored by Sen. Liz Lovelett (D-40th District) and Rep. Mike Chapman (D-24th District), this bill aims to enhance the accessibility of community solar projects across Washington State. The proposed legislation focuses on revising existing statutes to facilitate broader participation and streamline the development of community solar initiatives.
Key Objectives:
- Regulatory Revisions: Amends sections of the Revised Code of Washington to remove barriers hindering community solar project development.
- Enhanced Participation: Encourages greater involvement from diverse communities, ensuring that the benefits of solar energy are widely distributed.
Proposed Delay of Washington State's Solar Panel Recycling Mandate (SB 5175)
Unless SB 5175 is approved by the Washington State Legislature, beginning July 1, 2025, it will become illegal for any solar module manufacturer to sell panels in Washington unless they have an approved product stewardship recycling plan filed with the Department of Ecology.
While the intent of this law is to ensure responsible end-of-life management for solar panels, some manufacturers have indicated that, rather than complying, they will exit the Washington market altogether. This has raised serious concerns from WASEIA and utility-scale solar developers, who worry the mandate will disrupt the supply of solar panels available for deployment across the state.
Support from the Dept. of Commerce
The Washington State Department of Commerce has echoed these concerns, warning that a market disruption could increase costs and decrease availability of solar panels, particularly harming programs designed to expand solar access. This includes the new federally funded “Solar For All” program, which is focused on installing solar for income-qualified households across Washington.
SB 5175 proposes to:
- Delay the implementation of the recycling mandate to January 31, 2029, providing time to develop a workable PV recycling protocol.
- Establish a formal advisory committee to guide the Department of Ecology, WASEIA, and other stakeholders in creating an effective, long-term solar panel recycling strategy.
Value of Solar and Storage (VOSS) Study Proviso
Recognizing the need for a comprehensive understanding of the economic, societal, and environmental contributions of distributed solar energy, the Washington State Legislature has included a proviso in the 2025 budget to fund a Value of Solar and Storage (VOSS) study. This initiative aims to assess the full value that decentralized solar power generation, coupled with energy storage, provides to Washington’s electric grid and its ratepayers.
Objectives of the VOSS Study:
By undertaking the VOSS study, Washington State aims to ensure that the transition to clean energy is both equitable and economically beneficial, laying the groundwork for policies that encourage the integration of solar and storage solutions into the state’s energy portfolio.
Comprehensive Analysis:
The study will evaluate both the costs and benefits associated with distributed solar and storage systems, considering factors such as energy generation, grid reliability, environmental impacts, and economic development.
Informed Policy Development:
By providing a detailed assessment, the study will assist state regulators, utilities, and policymakers in crafting equitable compensation mechanisms for solar energy users participating in net metering programs.
Standardized Valuation Framework:
The findings are expected to establish a consistent approach for all utility companies within the state when determining the financial value of decentralized solar power generation.
Building a Sustainable and Equitable Solar Future for Washington
The 2025 legislative session is a pivotal moment for expanding solar access, energy storage, and grid resilience in Washington. Bills like SB 5515/HB 1598 (Fair Access to Community Solar) and HB 1871 (Residential Storage Incentive) will make clean energy more accessible, while SB 5175 aims to prevent disruptions in the solar market.
To stay informed on key solar policies, action alerts, and updates, follow WASEIA—your voice can help shape Washington’s clean energy future!
