Thinking about going solar in Puget Sound Energy (PSE) territory? It’s easier than you might think. PSE supports rooftop solar and offers great incentives, like net metering, to solar customers.
At Cascadia Solar, we’re a locally owned solar company with deep roots in western Washington. As a PSE Trade Ally, we know the ropes when it comes to PSE’s interconnection process and will handle everything for you from start to finish.
In this guide, we cover everything you need to know about going solar with PSE, including how to navigate the process and access valuable incentives.
How Net Metering Works with Puget Sound Energy
All utility companies in Washington State, including Puget Sound Energy, are required to offer net metering to their solar customers. Net metering is one of the best solar incentives there is, and a key benefit of going solar in Washington.
Here’s how it works with PSE.
When you install home solar, we will swap out your electric meter for a bi-directional meter that keeps track of the energy you take from the grid and the solar electricity you send to the grid.
The solar energy you send to the grid is credited against your usage, so you only pay for the net amount of energy that PSE provides, plus your service charges.
If you send more energy to the grid than you take from it within a given billing period, PSE credits your account. Your credits roll over month to month and will offset your usage charges in future billing periods. This allows you to bank credits during the long, sunny summer days and use them in the winter when there’s less sunlight and solar production is down.
But, keep in mind that banked net metering credits expire annually on March 31.
Additional Puget Sound Energy Solar Incentives
Flex Batteries
Puget Sound Energy offers an incentive program for battery storage. If you connect an eligible battery to the PSE grid, you can earn $1,000 per battery plus an additional $500 per battery for every year you participate.
Right now, the Tesla Powerwall, SolarEdge batteries, and LG batteries paired with a SolarEdge inverter qualify.
Other Ways to Save
PSE doesn’t offer any rebates or incentives for solar panel installation. But you can still take advantage of state and federal incentives, including:
- Solar Sales Tax Exemption – You don’t have to pay sales tax on your solar installation in Washington.
Connecting Your Solar Panels to the PSE Grid
When you go solar as a PSE customer, you have to connect your solar panels to the electric grid. This process, called interconnection, allows you to use electricity generated by your solar panels and electricity generated by the electric grid.
Here’s how it works:
- During the day, your solar panels automatically provide energy for your home, helping reduce your electric bill.
- At night, when your solar panels aren’t producing power, the grid will supply energy. And if there’s ever an issue with your solar system, your grid connection will still work normally.
Interconnection also allows you to participate in net metering.
What to Expect During the Interconnection Process
We handle the entire interconnection process from beginning to end and provide regular updates so you always know where your project is in the process.
Here’s what it looks like:
- System Design – We’ll start by analyzing your electricity usage and discussing your goals. Then, we’ll design a custom solar power system that meets your needs and complies with PSE’s requirements.
- Interconnection Application – After we’ve designed your system, we’ll submit your interconnection application to PSE on your behalf.
- Installation – Once PSE gives us the green light with an “Approval to Construct,” we’ll begin installing your system, following all local codes and permitting requirements.
- Utility Inspection – PSE will come out to inspect your system to ensure it meets their standards and to install your bi-directional meter. We’ll handle all scheduling and coordination for this step.
- Activation – After the inspection, PSE will activate your system, and you can start enjoying the benefits of solar energy!
Interested in Solar? Start with a Free Consultation
If you’re interested in solar panels for your home in PSE territory, Cascadia Solar is here to help. As the solar division of Frederickson Electric, we’ve been serving homeowners on the Kitsap Peninsula and throughout the surrounding areas for over 50 years. We know the ins and outs of PSE’s solar requirements and will ensure your installation is smooth, compliant, and optimized for maximum electric bill savings.
