Is plug-in solar legal in Washington?
Bill stalled until 2027 Not yet. Washington's 2026 bill (SB 6050 / HB 2296) didn't pass; supporters expect to try again in the 2027 session.
Without a dedicated law, a kit that sends power into your home wiring counts as a grid connection under your utility’s rules for rooftop solar. That usually means an interconnection application, and some utilities charge fees or require a licensed installer.
What you can do today:
- Ask your utility whether it has a simplified process for systems under 1,000 W. A few do.
- Use solar without touching the grid: a power station charged by portable panels is legal everywhere, including in a rental.
- Watch the bill. Washington’s bill is SB 6050 / HB 2296. We update this page when anything changes.
What a kit would save in Washington
| Kit size | Solar per year | Saved per year |
|---|---|---|
| 400 W | 313 kWh | $39 |
| 800 W | 627 kWh | $78 |
| 1,200 W | 940 kWh | $117 |
Panels on a south-facing balcony railing, Washington’s average sunshine (NREL PVWatts, state average), today’s price of 14.6¢/kWh, and 85% of the output used at home. Run it for your ZIP code.
See every state’s plug-in solar status, or electricity prices and other rules in Washington.