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Gov. Jay Inslee signs bill to fund $100 million of community solar in Washington

By Kelsey Misbrener | April 4, 2022

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Led by Representative Sharon Shewmake, lawmakers in Olympia have approved new funding for Washington’s expired solar energy incentive program. Governor Inslee signed House Bill 1814 on March 30 with the aim of closing an equity gap in community solar.

The policy creates a new incentive program beginning in 2023 that will provide funding for low-income households and low-income service providers’ installing community solar. Washington State University Energy Extension will manage the $100 million in funding.

The program will cover up to 100% of project costs. It places a limit of $20,000 on the administrative and development costs a project manager can recoup per project.

“Everyone needs to be a part of the green energy future,” said Shewmake. “In the past, solar energy incentive programs have primarily benefited people who can dole out cash for the panels and installation. We can do more to include everyone in the transition to a green economy and together, with this bill, we will.”

The new program is in part the result of a three-year effort by nonprofit Washington State University Energy Extension will manage the $100 million in funding, providing grants to community solar projects around the state to pass policy that recognizes the growing need for equity in the energy economy.

News item from Olympia Community Solar. Edited on April 22 to clarify that the $20,000 limit is on administrative costs. 

About The Author

Kelsey Misbrener

Kelsey is managing editor of Solar Power World and host of the Contractor's Corner podcast.

Comments

  1. Mason Rolph says

    April 7, 2022 at 3:47 pm

    Kelsey – a small correction here: the grant will fund up to 100% of the project’s cost, not just $20k. The $20k is a limit on how much administrative / development costs the project manager can recouperate. Cheers, Mason Rolph (the kid that literally wrote the policy proposal).

    Reply
    • Kelsey Misbrener says

      April 22, 2022 at 12:35 pm

      Thanks, Mason. Updated!

      Reply
  2. Grant Hemmet says

    April 6, 2022 at 10:48 am

    Excelllent development for the GREEN state of Washington!
    The Government(We the People) will play a larger and leading role as we transition to a new energy pardigm.
    Keep an eye on Moses Lake and you will see what I mean.
    The state of Washington is wise not only for the environmental benefits but even for capitalizing on the opportunity that will come out of this shift.

    Win-Win-Win

    Reply
  3. Joanne Milton-Howard says

    April 5, 2022 at 11:58 pm

    I think it’s a great idea. I’m a senior living in Washington and would be interested in solar panels for my home.

    Reply
  4. Thomas Doyle says

    April 5, 2022 at 7:55 pm

    I think everybody should get free stuff it’s only free if you ask for it you don’t have to pay a dime.

    Reply
  5. John Nash says

    April 5, 2022 at 2:48 pm

    There is no information about the program in this article.

    Almost like you didn’t do any research on it and just pushed an article because Jay inslee wanted press for another of his useless programs.

    Reply
    • Kelly Pickerel says

      April 5, 2022 at 2:53 pm

      The bill was JUST passed. It says it will develop a program in 2023.

      Reply
  6. Joanna says

    April 5, 2022 at 11:29 am

    Your article created alot of questions such as…
    If you want to be Green and are a senior, Low income & are currently living off grid could you qualify for the grant?
    At what date can you submit an application for the grant,? (2023 is a big window)
    Where can you get an application?
    Where can you get a list of contractors that are accessible to the state of Washington?

    Reply
    • Kelly Pickerel says

      April 5, 2022 at 2:54 pm

      The governor signed the bill last week. Give the group time to develop the program.

      Reply
      • Brandon Green says

        April 5, 2022 at 11:43 pm

        So they are spending 100 million without a plan. Now it makes sense

        Reply
        • Ben Zientara says

          April 6, 2022 at 12:35 pm

          This is how government programs work. The legislature writes a law that earmarks funds and sets goals for a program, then a working group (in this case, the Washington State University extension energy program) gathers evidence and expert testimony on the most effective ways to use that money and reach the goals.

          In §5-18, the law specifies that “The Washington State University extension energy program may, through a public process, develop program requirements, policies, and processes necessary for the administration or implementation of this section.”

          The process is designed to be open and transparent and allow public input, so if you’d like to offer suggestions, you’re free to do so. Or call your state representatives and ask them to act differently in the future.

          One thing that won’t help anyone is complaining in the comments section of an online publication covering news of the law.

          Reply
    • Eva says

      April 5, 2022 at 3:08 pm

      There are enough barren desert regions that could EASILY accommodate a solar compound that could supply enough energy needs for ENTIRE United States of America. Follow the money please. Signed tax payers of Washington.

      Reply
    • Thomas Doyle says

      April 5, 2022 at 7:54 pm

      I would like money from a grant from the state please let me know how I can qualify.

      Reply

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