wa-law.org > bill > 2025-26 > SB 6050 > Original Bill
The definitions in this section apply throughout this chapter unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.
A portable solar generation device:
Is exempt from the interconnection requirements described in RCW 80.60.020;
Is not required to be the subject of an interconnection agreement under this chapter; and
Is not subject to the net metering program requirements under this chapter.
An electric utility, city, or county in which the customer is located, or landlord as defined in RCW 59.18.030:
May not require a customer using a portable solar generation device to:
Obtain the approval of the electric utility, the city or county, or the landlord before installing or using the device;
Pay any fee or charge related to the device; or
Install any additional controls or equipment beyond what is integrated into a device compliant with all provisions of RCW 80.60.010(14); and
Is not liable for any damage or injury caused by a portable solar generation device.
It is a per se violation of chapter 19.86 RCW and is considered a deceptive practice to:
Sell a portable solar generation device that is not in compliance with the provisions of RCW 80.60.010(14); or
Advertise or otherwise communicate or imply that a portable solar generation device that is not in compliance with the provisions of RCW 80.60.010(14) as being capable of integration into electrical systems without installation by a licensed electrician.
The governing documents may not prohibit the installation of a solar energy panel by an owner or resident on the owner's or resident's property as long as the solar energy panel:
Meets applicable health and safety standards and requirements imposed by state and local permitting authorities;
If used to heat water, is certified by the solar rating certification corporation or another nationally recognized certification agency. Certification must be for the solar energy panel and for installation; and
If used to produce electricity, meets all applicable safety and performance standards established by the national electric code, the institute of electrical and electronics engineers, accredited testing laboratories, such as underwriters laboratories, and, where applicable, rules of the utilities and transportation commission regarding safety and reliability.
The governing documents may:
Prohibit the visibility of any part of a roof-mounted solar energy panel above the roofline;
Permit the attachment of a solar energy panel to the slope of a roof facing a street only if:
The solar energy panel conforms to the slope of the roof; and
The top edge of the solar energy panel is parallel to the roof ridge; or
Require:
A solar energy panel frame, a support bracket, or any visible piping or wiring to be painted to coordinate with the roofing material;
An owner or resident to shield a ground-mounted solar energy panel if shielding the panel does not prohibit economic installation of the solar energy panel or degrade the operational performance quality of the solar energy panel by more than ten percent; or
Owners or residents who install solar energy panels or portable solar generation devices to indemnify or reimburse the association or its members for loss or damage caused by the installation, maintenance, or use of a solar energy panel.
The governing documents may include other reasonable rules regarding the placement and manner of a solar energy panel.
The governing documents may not prohibit the placement or use of a portable solar generation device by an owner or resident on the owner's or resident's property.
[Empty]
For purposes of this section, "solar energy panel" means a panel device or system or combination of panel devices or systems that relies on direct sunlight as an energy source, including a panel device or system or combination of panel devices or systems that collects sunlight for use in:
The heating or cooling of a structure or building;
The heating or pumping of water;
Industrial, commercial, or agricultural processes; or
The generation of electricity.
"Solar energy panel" does not include a portable solar generation device, as defined in RCW 80.60.010.
This section does not apply to common areas as defined in RCW 64.38.010.
This section applies retroactively to a governing document in effect on July 26, 2009. A provision in a governing document in effect on July 26, 2009, that is inconsistent with this section is void and unenforceable.
Each electric utility must allow the installation and operation of no more than one customer-owned meter-mounted device between a retail electric customer's meter and meter socket, provided the retail electric customer ensures the conditions outlined in subsection (2) of this section are met and the meter-mounted device meets the conditions outlined in subsection (3) of this section.
A meter-mounted device must be installed in accordance with the national electrical code by a licensed electrical contractor and the installation must be approved by the local permitting authority. After a retail electric customer has identified a licensed electrical contractor to install a meter-mounted device, the retail electric customer must work with the servicing electric utility to schedule a mutually agreeable time for an electric utility representative to remove and then reconnect the utility's meter to allow for the licensed electrical contractor to install the customer's meter-mounted device.
An installed meter-mounted device must:
Be qualified to be connected to the supply side of the service disconnect pursuant to the applicable provisions of the national electric code;
Be approved or listed by a nationally recognized testing laboratory and is suitable, according to the device's approval or listing documentation, for use in meter sockets that are rated up to 200 amperes;
Be certified to meet all applicable standards, as determined by a nationally recognized testing laboratory;
Not impede access to the sealed meter socket compartment or the pull section of the service section of the electric meter or switchboard, as applicable; and
Be approved by the electric utility in accordance with subsection (4) of this section.
An electric utility must approve or disapprove a request from a manufacturer for approval of a specific model of meter-mounted device for installation in its service area no later than 90 days after the electric utility receives a request for approval, which must include the specific model of the meter-mounted device. An electric utility must provide public notice of all decisions approving a model of meter-mounted device, including by posting the information on the utility's website.
An electric utility may recover the cost of service work on any customer-owned meter-mounted device, or maintenance or repair work on any electric utility-owned equipment necessary due to the installation of a customer-owned meter-mounted device, by charging the customer directly.
Each electric utility must implement the provisions of this section no later than six months after the effective date of this section.
An electric utility may not be held liable for damage, attributable to a customer-owned meter-mounted device installed pursuant to this section, to any person or property.
An electric utility may have a licensed electrical contractor remove any customer-owned meter-mounted device that inhibits the utility's ability to provide service or read the meter.
A city, county, or other local jurisdiction may not prohibit the installation and operation of a meter-mounted device as described in this section.
If any provision of this act or its application to any person or circumstance is held invalid, the remainder of the act or the application of the provision to other persons or circumstances is not affected.
Section 103 of this act expires January 1, 2028.