Bill > SB5634

This bill aims to improve the accessibility of community solar projects in Washington state by making several key modifications to existing laws. The bill expands the definition of a "community solar company" to include a broader range of organizations that can own or provide services for community solar projects, while explicitly excluding electric utilities, tribal governments, and sole low-income service providers. It increases the maximum project capacity from 199 to 999 kilowatts and requires at least 50 percent of available incentive payments to be reserved for smaller projects (199 kilowatts or less). For projects between 199 and 999 kilowatts, the bill introduces new requirements related to labor practices, including apprenticeship utilization, prevailing wage rates, and contractor registration. The legislation also modifies the incentive payment process, allowing for partial payments during precertification and establishing more detailed reporting and oversight mechanisms. Additionally, the bill encourages utility participation by allowing them to apply eligible costs and tax credits to their clean energy obligations, and ensures that no more than 35 percent of available funding goes to utility project administrators. The changes are designed to make community solar projects more accessible, particularly for low-income subscribers, and to provide more flexibility and support for project development across Washington state.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=5634&Year=2025&Initiative=false