Solar Education

Solar Owners Manual

This guide serves as a support for solar homeowners whether you’ve just gone solar or you’ve had solar for years. Our goal is to provide practical information and tips to ensure you get the most out of your solar array. 

 

We’ve partnered with Solar United Neighbors (SUN) to provide this Solar Owner’s Manual to you as a complimentary resource. We hope you find it useful now and throughout the life of your array.

Solar Education and Resources

Choosing A Solar Installer

Five Steps to Solar

Solar Funding Opportunities in Washington

Olympia Community Solar partners with Tribes, public agencies, non-profit organizations, and commercial entities to support their solar energy installations with grants. We have dozens of projects in our portfolio and have secured millions of dollars for solar projects around Washington State.

Click the button to learn about our services.

Washington Applicable Solar Incentives

Solar is exempt from Washington State sales tax (6.5%)

Washington has a NET METERING law that allows you to trade your solar generation with the electric utility. Credits in most utility districts are a one-for-one kWh trade, and each month any excess credits roll forward. Watch the video for details: 

Federal Income Tax Credits

Residential customers: Your solar investment may be eligible for a Federal Income Tax Credit. Learn more about the ITC from the Department of Energy. Roofing work associated with a solar installation is not eligible for the credit. 
 
 
Nonprofits, public entities, and Tribes are eligible for the tax credits using the “Elective Pay” option. Learn more about Elective Pay from the IRS.

Solar Financing - Washington

Most customers need financing for a solar installation, tree removal, roof repair, or anything else. Here are some credit unions that offer clean energy financing.

Resource: Homeowner’s Guide to Solar Financing

 

For The KIDS

Why is Community Solar Important?

Community solar overcomes barriers to solar energy. Those who cannot put solar on their own roof or afford solar individually can participate in and benefit from community solar.  Renters, multifamily buildings, and shaded buildings are only a few of the many barriers to solar ownership.
Community solar accelerates the adoption of solar energy through collaborative investment, builds new economic opportunities and creates good paying jobs, and reduces pollution. 

Community Solar Education and Resources

Tools for Solar Advocacy

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