Solar Power Credits for Renters in Washington: Your Rights and Savings

Are you a renter in Washington wondering if you can enjoy the savings from solar power credits, even if you don’t own your home? With a growing focus on renewable energy and rising utility prices, understanding your rights and options for utility savings through solar is more important than ever. This guide explains how solar power credits work, how tenants can benefit, and what legal protections exist for renters, all under current Washington law.

How Solar Power Credits Work for Washington Renters

Solar power credits, often called "net metering credits," allow homeowners and sometimes renters to reduce their utility bills by using electricity generated from solar panels. In Washington, most solar programs are structured through the utility company and the building owner (typically your landlord).

• When a building has solar panels, any extra power generated can be sent back to the grid.
• The utility company issues credits for that extra power, reducing energy bills.
• Tenants in multi-unit buildings may or may not see these savings directly, depending on their lease and utility arrangement.

Net metering in Washington is defined and regulated by the Revised Code of Washington (RCW) Chapter 80.60. This law governs how utility companies must provide net metering credits and bill customers. For renters, your ability to benefit depends on how your lease is structured and how utility billing is managed in your building.

Can Renters Get Solar Savings? What to Know

Whether renters see cost savings from solar depends on several factors:

• Individually Metered Units: If your apartment has its own utility meter and is directly billed by the electric utility, you may be eligible to receive net metering credits, if the building owner opts to share them.
• Utilities Included in Rent: If utilities are bundled in your rent payment, your landlord typically receives the utility bill (and any solar credits). Renters may not see savings unless negotiated into the lease.
• Community Solar: Some renters may opt-in to Washington's community solar programs, which allow participation even without panels on-site.

For information on available community solar programs and how renters can participate, visit the Washington State Department of Commerce Community Solar Expansion page.

Legal Protections and Tenant Rights

Washington's main landlord-tenant law is the Residential Landlord-Tenant Act (RCW 59.18)^[1]. It covers lease terms, utilities, and housing standards. There are no statewide laws requiring landlords to pass solar credits or utility savings directly to tenants, but local regulations or lease agreements sometimes do.

• Landlords must follow all lease terms regarding utility billing. If your contract promises utility cost reductions from solar, that must be honored.
• Any change to how you are billed for utilities (including changes related to solar credits) generally requires written notice and sometimes lease renegotiation.
• The Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission oversees electric utilities and sets related consumer standards.

Relevant Forms and How to Use Them

• Utility Complaint/Inquiry Form: No specific state form number. If you believe you are being unfairly billed for utilities or not receiving agreed solar benefits, renters can submit a Consumer Complaint Form to the Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission.
  • When to use: For reporting disputes over utility billing, including solar credits, with your utility provider.
  • How to use: Complete the online form with all relevant lease documents and billing statements. This can prompt an investigation.
• Community Solar Subscription Forms: If joining a community solar project, check the official program listings for provider-specific forms. These vary by project and outline subscription terms for renters.
  • When to use: To enroll in a community solar project and start receiving solar credits on your electric bill.
  • How to use: Contact the listed provider, complete any necessary subscription agreement, and confirm your utility eligibility.

What If There’s a Dispute? Filing a Complaint

If you have a disagreement about utility charges or promised solar credits, you can ask for help from the Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission (UTC). The UTC resolves complaints about utility billing for regulated electric utilities. You also have the right to dispute charges or lease terms directly with your landlord.

Steps for Washington Renters to Resolve Utility/Solar Credit Issues

• Review your lease agreement for any solar or utility savings provisions.
• Document all communications and keep copies of utility bills and promised credits.
• Contact your utility provider with questions about credits appearing on your bill.
• If unresolved, submit a Consumer Complaint Form to the UTC.
• Consult with tenant advocacy services or local government agencies if further help is needed.

FAQs: Solar Credits and Tenant Savings in Washington

1. Can Washington renters get solar credits if their building has solar panels? Most solar programs issue credits to the utility account holder—often the landlord. Renters only benefit directly if the landlord arranges for credits to be passed through or reflected in utility billing or reduced rent.
2. Are landlords required to share utility savings from solar with tenants? No statewide law requires landlords to share solar savings. However, lease agreements or local rules may create this obligation, so always review your specific lease.
3. How can renters participate in solar power if their landlord won’t install panels? Renters can check eligibility for Washington’s community solar programs, which provide shared solar credits directly on participating electric accounts.
4. Who handles utility and solar billing complaints in Washington? The Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission (UTC) investigates utility complaints, including issues related to solar credits and billing.
5. Where is Washington’s landlord-tenant law about utilities and lease terms? Visit RCW Chapter 59.18 to read the complete Residential Landlord-Tenant Act and protections for renters.

Key Takeaways for Renters

• Most solar credits go to landlords unless your lease provides otherwise or utilities are individually metered.
• Check your lease and utility bills for solar or utility savings details.
• Renters can explore community solar as a way to benefit directly and lower electric bills.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission (UTC) – Submit complaints or get information about energy billing and consumer rights.
• Washington State Residential Landlord-Tenant Act – View legislation regarding housing, utilities, and lease rights.
• Washington Law Help – Find free legal information and tenant advocacy support.
• Washington State Department of Commerce: Community Solar Expansion – Learn about joining local community solar projects as a renter.

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1. Tenant protections and utility billing are governed under the Washington Residential Landlord-Tenant Act (RCW 59.18).
2. RCW Chapter 80.60 covers net metering, including solar credits and billing for utility customers.
3. The Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission handles energy consumer complaints and utility regulations.

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