Net Metering in Washington (2026)
Washington uses Retail net metering (1:1). Washington guarantees retail-rate net metering until a utility hits its program cap and waives sales tax on residential solar, but low hydro rates lengthen payback.
| Policy type | Retail net metering (1:1) |
|---|---|
| Export compensation | Full retail-rate credit for exported kWh |
| Retail electricity rate | ~14¢/kWh |
| Est. annual production per kW | ~1,100 kWh/kW/yr |
Policy status reflects the statewide standard as of 2026. Actual export rates and program caps vary by utility — confirm with your provider.
What this means for your payback
Because Washington credits exports at the full retail rate (~14¢/kWh), the grid effectively acts as a free battery: every kWh you send out offsets a kWh you later pull back. That keeps payback short and makes a home battery optional rather than essential — you add storage mainly for backup power, not to rescue your economics.
2026 reality check: the 30% federal tax credit for purchased home solar ended Dec 31, 2025. With that gone, net metering — which Washington still offers at retail rates — plus any state incentives are now the main levers on your solar ROI. Run the numbers on your actual utility bill before signing anything.
See full solar costs & payback for Washington
Solar panel cost in Washington →Washington net metering FAQ
Does Washington have net metering?
Yes. Washington offers retail-rate net metering, so exported solar is credited at roughly the same ~14¢/kWh you pay for grid power.
What is Washington's solar export rate?
At the full retail rate — about 14¢/kWh in Washington — so a kWh sent to the grid offsets a kWh you buy back later.
Do I need a battery to make solar worth it in Washington?
Not for economics — Washington's retail net metering lets the grid store your excess for you. A battery is worth adding if you want backup power during outages.
Is solar still worth it in Washington now that the federal tax credit is gone?
Often, yes. The 30% federal credit for purchased systems ended Dec 31, 2025, so Washington's retail net metering (1:1) plus any state incentives are now the main drivers of payback. At ~14¢/kWh and about 1,100 kWh produced per kW each year, run the numbers on your own bill before deciding.