Bill > HB1804

This bill aims to improve the accessibility of community solar projects in Washington state by modifying existing laws related to solar energy incentives and project administration. The bill expands the definition of "community solar company" to include a broader range of organizations that can own or provide services for community solar projects, and increases the maximum project size from 199 to 999 kilowatts. It introduces new requirements for project certification, including provisions for low-income subscribers and more detailed administrative guidelines. The bill creates a more flexible framework for community solar projects by allowing more diverse project administrators, such as tribal governments and affordable housing providers, and establishes a more comprehensive incentive payment system. Key changes include allowing partial incentive payments during the precertification process, setting aside funding for smaller projects, and requiring prevailing wage and apprenticeship standards for larger projects. The bill also mandates transparency in project administration, requires reporting on project benefits, and provides tax credits for utilities participating in the community solar program. Importantly, the bill sets an expiration date of June 30, 2038, for these provisions and includes a funding contingency that will nullify the act if specific funding is not provided by June 30, 2025.

Agriculture and Natural Resources, Budget and Finance

https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=1804&Year=2025&Initiative=false