Thank you for another amazing year!
As we close the doors on 2025, the team at Northwest Electric & Solar wants to extend a heartfelt thank you. Whether we partnered on a community project, installed your home’s energy system, or you simply followed our updates to stay informed, your support drives us. We are proud to serve a community that values our shared environment and takes proactive steps to protect both their financial investments and our communal well-being.
As we look toward 2026, here is a recap of the “solar coaster” we’ve navigated this year and what lies ahead for Washington’s energy landscape.
Navigating Federal Headwinds
2025 was a year of significant shifts. The passage of the Lower Energy Costs Act (H.R. 1 / OBBB) fundamentally altered the clean energy landscape by rolling back billions in residential and utility-scale investment. While the original Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) was a catalyst for national decarbonization, these new federal policies have created a “cliff” for residential tax credits.
Analysts project a 6.2 GW decrease in Washington’s solar capacity by 2030 compared to previous benchmarks. Nationally, small-to-mid-sized contractors are facing a “shrink” as they navigate these federal impediments.
Protecting Your Right to Go Solar
Despite federal uncertainty, Washington State remains a leader in renewable energy rights. The Washington Solar Energy Industries Association (WASEIA)—where we are proud to serve on the board—has been instrumental in defending your energy independence.
A major victory occurred this December: WASEIA successfully delayed a “net metering successor” ruling for PacifiCorp territory (Docket UE-250695). The proposed change would have implemented a 66% reduction in export compensation compared to our current 1:1 net metering, effectively destroying the ROI for new solar owners.
Because of this advocacy, the UTC ruled that utilities must wait until the Value of Solar and Storage (VOSS) study is completed in 2026. Led by the Washington State Academy of Sciences, this study will provide lawmakers with a scientific toolkit to assess the true benefits of Distributed Energy Resources (DERs).
2026: The Year of Energy Resilience
Rising Utility Rates:
Energy independence is becoming a financial necessity. Puget Sound Energy (PSE) implemented a 12% increase in 2025, with another 6.3% hike slated for 2026. Seattle City Light customers will see a 5.4% average increase starting January 1.
The Resiliency Act:
We are championing the Washington Distributed Energy Storage & Resiliency Act (SB 5727). Slated for 2026, this framework will incentivize battery storage with payments up to $450–$765 per kWh. These systems will support Virtual Power Plants (VPPs), allowing homeowners to export power during peak demand to save money and prevent grid blackouts.
Building Code Updates:
New state codes are ensuring the next generation of buildings is “Solar Ready.” This includes requirements for commercial buildings with 12/12 pitched roofs, low-income housing, and new billing methods to distribute solar benefits to multi-family tenants.
A Partnership for an Equitable Future
At Northwest Electric & Solar, our mission extends beyond the roofline. Alongside our colleagues at WASEIA, we are fighting every day in Olympia and across the state to ensure that the transition to clean energy is equitable and accessible to everyone. We believe that a clean energy future isn’t just about technology—it’s about protecting our community from exploding energy rates and building a grid that works for the people, not just the utilities.
Thank you for trusting us to be your energy partner. Here’s to a resilient, sun-powered 2026!
