Solar panels

Implementation of solar panel law delayed

After its adoption in 2017, implementation of the law was delayed, most recently during the 2025 legislative session. The law amends the law to delay the date by which solar panel manufacturers must have an Ecology-approved stewardship plan to sell their panels in or into Washington - from July 1, 2025, to January 31, 2031.

Ecology requested the Washington Legislature delay the effective date of the law to enable the industry to legally continue operating in the state while fixes to the law are developed. 

Rather than complying with the law that created the takeback program, some manufacturers have chosen to not sell solar panels in Washington. If the law remains unchanged, it could impair the state’s solar industry by increasing the cost and decreasing the availability of solar panels in Washington. 

Ecology to recommend changes to the law

Chapter 70A.510.010 RCW, as amended establishes an advisory committee to engage stakeholders and develop recommendations to resolve issues with the law. Subject to appropriation, in 2027 Ecology will convene an advisory committee and hire a consultant to facilitate advisory committee activities. 

Ecology assumes the work of the advisory committee will begin November 2027 and culminate with a consultant report to Ecology by June 1, 2028. The consultant’s report will include advisory committee recommendations; and Ecology will submit a report to the legislature by December 1, 2028, with recommended changes to the law.

Washington state has been a leader in the national transition to policies that move America towards 100% clean electricity, capping carbon pollution, and electrifying transportation. Working with the solar industry to clarify the law and strengthen the program will remove barriers to achieving the clean energy goals established in the Washington Clean Energy Transformation Act (Chapter 19.405 RCW). 

Manufacturer’s work on stewardship plans may continue

Solar panel manufacturers may choose to continue developing their stewardship plans for Ecology approval, even though the effective date of the law is delayed. Ecology will continue to work with those manufacturers, providing technical support and guidance, as needed.