How you can use solar power, year-round
Net metering is a utility billing mechanism that credits solar energy system owners for the electricity they add to the grid.
Here’s how it works:
- Your solar panels generate electricity during the day.
- If you produce more electricity than your building uses, the excess energy goes back to the utility grid.
- Your electric meter “spins backward,” and you receive a 1-to-1 credit for each kilowatt-hour exported.
- You use those credits later—like at night or in winter—when your system isn’t producing as much.
This means you’re only billed for your “net” electricity usage over the course of the billing cycle, hence the term net metering.
Washington State Net Metering Policy Overview
Washington net metering policies are among the most solar-friendly in the country. Here’s what you need to know:
Who’s eligible?
Residential, commercial, nonprofit, and government solar system owners with systems up to 100 kW in size.
How are credits calculated?
Utilities provide 1-to-1 retail rate credit for every kilowatt-hour sent back to the grid.
What happens to unused credits?
Credits roll over month-to-month. Each April, any unused credits are reset to zero—so sizing your system properly is important.
What utilities offer net metering?
All major investor-owned and public utilities in Washington offer net metering, including:
Puget Sound Energy (PSE)
Seattle City Light
Snohomish PUD
Orcas Power & Light
Cascade Natural Gas (in limited solar-thermal applications)