Incentives for Solar

Solar Power Incentives

The following information focuses on solar incentives for Washington State residents. For incentives available in other states, please visit the Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency, DSIRE.

Federal Tax Credit of 30%

You earn 30% of the total project cost back as a Federal Tax Credit when you have for solar electric (PV) installed from 2022 through 2032. Individuals use IRS tax form F5695 to get the tax credit. This incentive requires that you owe enough in federal income tax that you can take a tax credit.

For systems installed in 2033 the Solar income tax credit is 26%. It falls to 22% in 2034 and ends after that.

Businesses can also take advantage of Accelerated Depreciation (MACRS) over 5 years and are allowed to depreciate 85% of the cost of the solar system.

No Sales Tax for Washington State Residents

All equipment, materials and labor for installation of solar energy systems from 1 kilowatts AC and no more than 100 kilowatts AC in size are exempt from Washington state and local sales and use tax for systems installed through December 31, 2029!

Doing DIY solar? Your equipment purchases qualify too. Contact FMS to find out more, and for a quote on your custom DIY solar kit.

Solar Sales Tax Exemption for Other States

There are other states, like Colorado, that also have sales tax exemptions for solar. Contact your local sales tax authority to find out if your state has this cost saving incentive for solar.

USDA Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) Grants for Businesses

If you operate a small business in a designated rural development community, you may qualify for a REAP grant or loan to go solar. If you are an agricultural producer you do not need to be in a rural development area.

Find out more by clicking here.

Net Metering

incentives for solarNet metering is a bill structure for people who produce some of their own power. Find out more on our Net Metering page.

Net Metering in Washington State

Washington’s current net metering law, which was updated in July 2019 through the Solar Fairness Act, requires both public and investor-owned utilities to offer net metering to interested customers up to 4.0% of the utilities 1996 benchmark at the full retail rate, or until June 30, 2029, whichever is sooner. Once a utility reaches either threshold they must continue to offer net metering unless they have developed an alternative rate structure through a process that allows ample time and opportunity for public comment.
The Solar Fairness Act also prohibits utilities from charging net-metered customers a different fee than others within their rate class.
Below are links to the four largest electric utilities in Washington. Click to find out more about their net metering programs. (Due to the number of Washington utilities we are unable to provide links for them all.)
PSE
Snohomish PUD
Avista
Pacific Power

Zero-Down Solar Loans / Financing

Puget Sound Co-Op Credit Union (PSCCU), you get the lowest interest for which you are eligible with their the Sustainable Solar loan because Fire Mountain Solar is an authorized installer. They are fast and efficient. The loan can be arranged via phone and internet.
Generations Credit Union offers loans for the purchase of renewable energy systems. 100% of the installation cost is typically eligible for financing.
Community First Credit Union offers a solar loan for renewable energy systems.
Alternatively, you may be able to get a home-equity line of credit on your existing home loan or talk with other Washington credit unions that offer special solar loans.

Utility Incentives for Energy Efficiency

It is always a good idea to reduce the amount of electricity you use through energy efficiency. Check out your utility’s incentives for energy efficiency. Many utilities offer a variety of rebates for energy-saving equipment from light bulbs to heat pumps to appliances to ductless heat pumps to showerheads so that you can reduce your electric bill.
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