Skip to content
Plugshine

Plug-in solar in Washington

No — Washington's bill was defeated in 2026

  • Plug-in solar language was stripped from HB 2296 in 2026

Last verified

Status
Bill defeated
Bill
HB 2296
Signed
—
Effective
—
Size cap
—
Avg. electricity rate
14.71¢/kWh (-20% vs US)

800 W kit · typical year

$109saved

Payback ≈ 8.2 yrs · ranks #51 of 51 for savings

In Washington, plug-in solar language in HB 2296 was stripped out during the 2026 session. With low hydro-powered rates and the weakest sunshine in the lower 48, Washington is among the least compelling states for plug-in solar on pure economics.

What plug-in solar is worth in Washington

Washington households pay an average of 14.71¢ per kWh, 20% below the US average of 18.31¢. With roughly 3.7 peak sun hours a day, here is what a well-placed system produces and saves. We assume panels facing south at about 30°, 86% system efficiency and 80% of output used on-site.

800 W kit (2 panels)

Saved per year
$109
Payback ($900 kit)
8.2 yr
Energy used
743 kWh/yr
25-year net
$1,834

1,200 W kit (max)

Saved per year
$164
Payback ($1,300 kit)
7.9 yr
Energy used
1,115 kWh/yr
25-year net
$2,800

Run your own numbers

Change the orientation, mounting and size to match your balcony.

800 W
80%

Plug-in systems aren't net-metered: surplus sent to the grid earns nothing. ~80% is typical without a battery; 95%+ with one.

Estimated savings · Washington

$109/ year

≈ $9.11 per month

Payback
8.2 yrs
Energy used
743 kWh/yr
25-year net
$1,834
CO₂ avoided
602 lb/yr

Monthly savings profile

Estimates only. Rate: EIA July 2026 state average; sun hours: long-term averages. See our methodology.

What to do now

  1. 1Don't connect a grid-tied plug-in system yet — without a law, it may breach your utility agreement.
  2. 2Consider an off-grid setup in the meantime: a panel charging a portable power station is legal everywhere.
  3. 3Cut your bill today with no-cost measures — see our guide to lowering your electric bill.
  4. 4Contact your Washington state legislators: constituent support is what moved the 2026 bills.

Washington plug-in solar FAQ

Is plug-in solar legal in Washington?

Not yet. A plug-in solar bill was killed or stripped this session. Without a law, connecting a grid-tied plug-in system may violate your utility's interconnection rules. Off-grid setups (a panel charging a portable power station) are allowed everywhere.

How much can balcony solar save in Washington?

At Washington's average residential rate of 14.71¢/kWh (EIA, July 2026) and about 3.7 peak sun hours a day, a south-facing, tilted 800 W kit saves roughly $109 a year, paying back a $900 kit in about 8.2 years. Vertical railing mounts produce about 30% less.

What is the maximum plug-in solar size in Washington?

There is no Washington-specific cap yet. Most state laws settle on 1,200 W, the practical limit for a standard 15-amp, 120 V circuit.

Sources

Not legal advice. Laws and effective dates can change; confirm with official Washington sources and your utility.