If you’ve been thinking about going solar or expanding your current system, the clock is ticking. Washington’s net metering program—a key driver of solar affordability—is nearing its limits for Puget Sound Energy (PSE). Waiting too long could mean missing out on the full financial benefits of solar under the current rules.

Here’s what you need to know to maximize your investment in solar power.

What Is Net Metering, and Why Does It Matter?

Net metering allows solar owners to send excess electricity generated by their systems back to the grid, earning credits that offset future energy bills. This 1:1 credit system means that every kilowatt-hour (kWh) you export can reduce your electricity costs later, making solar power an even smarter financial choice.

However, net metering isn’t infinite. Washington’s net metering law (RCW 80.60) requires utilities to offer these credits only up to a certain cap: 4% of their 1996 peak demand. Once a utility reaches that cap, it can change its rate structure for new solar customers—and those changes might not be as favorable.

PSE’s Net Metering Cap: Nearing the End

Puget Sound Energy, the largest utility in Washington, has been rapidly approaching its net metering cap. As of June 2024, PSE had already exceeded 100% of its required capacity. While the utility is allowing new solar installations to participate in the current net metering program until December 31, 2025 (or until a new rate structure is implemented), the clock is ticking for those who want to lock in these benefits.

Installing solar or expanding your system after 2025 could mean missing the opportunity to secure today’s 1:1 net metering rate. Future changes to the program could include lower rates for excess energy sent back to the grid, reducing the financial return on your solar investment.

What’s Next for Solar Customers?

While utilities like PSE are required to review any proposed changes to net metering through the Utilities and Transportation Commission, the details of future rate structures remain uncertain. Some utilities that have already hit their caps, such as Orcas Island Power & Light (OPALCO), have adopted new rate systems that compensate solar customers at lower rates for excess energy while adding grid usage fees.

The takeaway? Installing solar or adding panels to your system in 2025 ensures you’re grandfathered into the current net metering program, preserving the full financial benefits for years to come.

Why install or expand in 2025?

1. Lock in current benefits: By installing or expanding your system before new rules take effect, you can ensure you’re covered under the existing 1:1 net metering program.
2. Avoid uncertainty: Future rate structures could reduce the value of your solar investment.
3. Take advantage of incentives and exclusive financing: In addition to net metering, other federal and state incentives are still available, making this a cost-effective time to go solar.
4. Calendars fill up quickly: From permitting to installation, solar projects take time, and early action helps ensure your project is included in schedules for 2025

With rebates, incentives, and exclusive financing opportunities available now, many homeowners are recognizing the value of installing solar or expanding their system this year. Because of the net metering deadlines set by the Washington Utilities and Trade Commission, starting the process in early 2025 is the best way to avoid delays.

The Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) and Wood Mackenzie released their Solar Market Insight Report for Q4 2024, revealing significant trends, steady growth, and milestones in the U.S. solar industry. Here’s a summary of the key findings:

Industry Growth

• Record Installations: The U.S. installed 8.6 gigawatts (GW) of solar capacity in Q3 2024, marking a 21% increase compared to the same quarter last year. This represents the largest third quarter for solar installations on record​
  Manufacturing Milestone: U.S. solar module manufacturing capacity reached nearly 40 GW annually, with the restart of domestic solar cell production for the first time since 2019. This growth reflects the impact of federal incentives and increased private investments​
  

Solar Market Trends

• Utility-Scale Dominance: Utility-scale projects accounted for 6.6 GW of the new capacity, showcasing the sector’s central role in meeting rising electricity demand.
• Community and Commercial Solar: These markets saw year-over-year growth of 12% and 44%, respectively, driven by businesses and community initiatives​
  

Leading States

• Texas: Continued to lead U.S. solar installations, adding 2.4 GW in Q3 2024, representing 26% of the nation’s new capacity.
• Florida: Ranked second in cumulative solar capacity, with nearly 30,000 households installing solar in 2024​
  

Future Outlook

• Steady Growth Ahead: The report predicts an average annual growth of 2% for the next five years, with total installations reaching nearly 450 GW by the end of 2029. Solar power is expected to serve over 71 million homes by then​
  Challenges: Despite robust demand, the industry faces constraints related to interconnection delays, labor shortages, and supply chain issues​
  

The report underscores the transformative impact of supportive policies and the industry’s commitment to expanding solar energy access. At Ecotech Solar, we’re proud to be part of this momentum, bringing solar to the Northwest for over 20 years and contributing to a more sustainable future. For more detailed insights into these trends and what they mean for the industry, explore the full report on SEIA’s website here.

This year, Ecotech Solar marks a major milestone—our 20th anniversary! What an incredible journey it’s been, from humble beginnings to becoming one of the leading solar energy companies in Bellingham. Our 20th Anniversary Celebration was a true reflection of our community-centered ethos, and we couldn’t have done it without the amazing local businesses and neighbors that helped make the day extra special.

A Day to Celebrate Solar and Community

Held at the picturesque Port of Bellingham’s Squalicum Boathouse in Zuanich Point Park, the event was a wonderful mix of fun, reflection, and appreciation for everyone who’s been a part of Ecotech Solar’s journey. The setting was perfect for reconnecting with old friends, meeting new faces, and celebrating the collective achievements of our community in advancing renewable energy solutions in Whatcom, Skagit, and Island County.

At Ecotech Solar, we deeply value the trust our community places in us, and we know that much of our success is due to the power of word-of-mouth. Referrals from satisfied clients are the lifeblood of our business, helping us grow and spread the benefits of solar energy to even more homes and businesses. If you know someone who’s interested in solar power, share your Ecotech experience with them, or fill out our refer-a-friend form. If your friend chooses to go solar with us before the end 2024, they will receive special anniversary pricing and you’ll receive a $250 Think Local First gift card as a thank you! It’s just our way of showing appreciation and giving some local love to our business community.

Local Businesses That Made It Happen

The success of our 20th anniversary wouldn’t have been possible without the help of several local businesses, who share our passion for sustainability and community.

• Free Range Flowers adorned the event with stunning local blooms, bringing vibrant colors and a touch of nature to the celebration.
• Calypso Kitchen delighted guests with its mouthwatering Caribbean-inspired cuisine, adding some island flavors to the Pacific Northwest.
• Stickers for Days provided fun stickers created with artwork submitted by Ecotech Solar kids.
• Liet Unlimited impressed with commemorative tote bags, showcasing the creative artwork of Ecotech Solar’s own warehouse & inventory specialist, Lauren Perler.
• Aslan Brewing, Kulshan Brewery, Wander Brewing, and Lost Giants Cider Co kept the drinks flowing, offering a variety of craft beers and cider for guests to enjoy. Cheers to supporting local brewers!
• Sustainable Connections helped make the event even more special by lending us party supplies, including the super popular prize wheel, which had attendees spinning for swag, prizes, and fun solar powered dancing animals.
• Myke’s Shave Ice kept both kids and adults cool with delicious, refreshing shaved ice.
• Fotomataio Fotografia captured all the memories from the day, ensuring that every special moment was documented.
• Fancy Face brought fun to the party with creative face painting that had both the young and young-at-heart showing off colorful designs.

Thank You, Solar Supporters!

As we celebrate this significant milestone, we are reminded of how grateful we are for the community that has supported us every step of the way. Your commitment to sustainable energy and local businesses has been the foundation of our success, and we look forward to many more years of collaboration.

Relive the Day

Couldn’t make it to the event? No worries! FotoMaraio Fotografia’s photos from the celebration can be found here, so you can still catch a glimpse of all the fun and see how our amazing vendors and partners made the day unforgettable.

Thank you again to everyone who attended and supported us. Here’s to another 20 years of powering a cleaner, brighter future for all!

Bellingham, WA – Sept 25, 2024 – Ecotech Solar, a leading provider of solar energy solutions in the Pacific Northwest, is proud to announce they will start installing a state-of-the-art solar panel system at Bellingham International Airport next week. This milestone project marks a significant step forward in the Port of Bellingham’s commitment to sustainability and energy efficiency.

The new solar installation, consisting of 250 high-efficiency solar panels manufactured locally by Silfab Solar, is expected to generate 140,000 kilowatt-hours of clean, renewable energy annually. This will significantly reduce the airport’s carbon footprint while also providing substantial savings on energy costs. By leveraging federal incentives that cover 30% or more of the system’s cost, the Port of Bellingham is ensuring sound financial stewardship while reducing long-term energy expenses.

“We are thrilled to partner with the Port of Bellingham and Whatcom County in their efforts to lead the way in environmental stewardship,” said Ty Chang, Sales Manager for Ecotech Solar. “This project not only demonstrates the Port’s commitment to sustainability, but also reflects a strategic investment in renewable energy that offers strong financial returns. Solar power is not just the right thing to do for our community and the environment; it also makes economic sense.”

The solar panel system will be designed and installed by Ecotech Solar’s team of experts, utilizing the latest technology to maximize energy output and efficiency. The installation is part of the Port of Bellingham’s Climate Action Strategy with the goal to reduce Port-controlled greenhouse gas emissions by at least 90% from 2019 levels by 2030 and 100% from 2019 levels by 2050.

“With this installation of solar panels, Bellingham International Airport is setting a precedent for airports across the nation,” said Adrienne Douglass-Scott, Sustainability Program Manager at the Port of Bellingham. “We are excited about the long-term benefits this solar installation will bring, both in terms of cost savings and environmental impact.”

The solar panels are expected to meet a significant portion of the airport’s energy needs, contributing to a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to 100 metric tons of carbon dioxide annually. This project also aligns with Whatcom County’s Climate Action plan, and demonstrates their commitment as leaders in environmental initiatives.

Ecotech Solar is committed to advancing the adoption of renewable energy solutions across Whatcom, Skagit, and Whidbey Island. With over 20 years of successful installations in residential, commercial, and public sectors, the locally-owned company continues to innovate and expand its services to meet the growing demand for sustainable energy. For more information about Ecotech Solar and its services, please visit ecotechsolar.com or contact them at 360-318-7646.

This year, Ecotech Solar marks a major milestone—our 20th anniversary! What an incredible journey it’s been, from humble beginnings to becoming one of the leading solar energy companies in Bellingham. Our 20th Anniversary Celebration was a true reflection of our community-centered ethos, and we couldn’t have done it without the amazing local businesses and neighbors that helped make the day extra special.

A Day to Celebrate Solar and Community

Held at the picturesque Port of Bellingham’s Squalicum Boathouse in Zuanich Point Park, the event was a wonderful mix of fun, reflection, and appreciation for everyone who’s been a part of Ecotech Solar’s journey. The setting was perfect for reconnecting with old friends, meeting new faces, and celebrating the collective achievements of our community in advancing renewable energy solutions in Whatcom, Skagit, and Island County .

Local Businesses That Made It Happen

The success of our 20th anniversary wouldn’t have been possible without the help of several local businesses, who share our passion for sustainability and community.

• Free Range Flowers adorned the event with stunning local blooms, bringing vibrant colors and a touch of nature to the celebration.
• Calypso Kitchen delighted guests with its mouthwatering Caribbean-inspired cuisine, adding some island flavors to the Pacific Northwest.
• Stickers for Days provided fun stickers created with artwork submitted by Ecotech Solar kids.
• Liet Unlimited impressed with commemorative tote bags, showcasing the creative artwork of Ecotech Solar’s own warehouse & inventory specialist, Lauren Perler.
• Aslan Brewing, Kulshan Brewery, Wander Brewing, and Lost Giants Cider Co kept the drinks flowing, offering a variety of craft beers and cider for guests to enjoy. Cheers to supporting local brewers!
• Sustainable Connections helped make the event even more special by lending us party supplies, including the super popular prize wheel, which had attendees spinning for swag, prizes, and fun solar powered dancing animals.
• Myke’s Shave Ice kept both kids and adults cool with delicious, refreshing shaved ice.
• Fotomataio Fotografia captured all the memories from the day, ensuring that every special moment was documented.
• Fancy Face brought fun to the party with creative face painting that had both the young and young-at-heart showing off colorful designs.

Thank You, Solar Supporters!

As we celebrate this significant milestone, we are reminded of how grateful we are for the community that has supported us every step of the way. Your commitment to sustainable energy and local businesses has been the foundation of our success, and we look forward to many more years of collaboration.

Relive the Day

Couldn’t make it to the event? No worries! FotoMaraio Fotografia’s photos from the celebration can be found here, so you can still catch a glimpse of all the fun and see how our amazing vendors and partners made the day unforgettable.

Thank you again to everyone who attended and supported us. Here’s to another 20 years of powering a cleaner, brighter future for all!