Federal Solar ITC + Seattle City Light Solar Incentive
IRS / Seattle City Light
About This Program
Note: Congress ended this federal tax credit for installations after December 31, 2025. Projects placed in service by that date can still be claimed on your 2025 federal return (IRS Form 5695).
Seattle homeowners can claim the 30% federal Solar ITC on solar installations. Seattle City Light offers net metering that credits excess generation at the retail rate. Washington state exempts solar installations from sales tax and has a production incentive through Washington State University's Community Solar program. Washington has no state income tax, so federal ITC provides maximum value.
30% federal ITC + WA sales tax exemption on solar equipment + SCL net metering
The cited program-specific URL responded on 2026-07-21; confirm current terms.
Record set last reviewed 2026-04-03. How we verify our data.
Other published resources for Seattle, WA, are listed below. Review each separately and ask the administrators whether they can coordinate funding for the same work:
- Seattle HomeWise Home Repair Loan Program Up to $24,000
- Seattle HomeWise Home Repair Grant Up to $10,000
- Seattle HomeWise Weatherization Program No-cost program (avg. $18,000 value)
- Seattle Side Sewer Assistance Program Up to $15,000
Key Details
- 30% federal ITC on full solar installation cost
- Washington state sales tax exemption on solar equipment
- Seattle City Light net metering at full retail rate
- No Washington state income tax, ITC saves maximum value
- Contact Seattle City Light: 206-684-3000
How to Apply
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You may need a contractor or estimate
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Your application paperwork
Form to file: IRS Form 5695
This is a federal tax credit, not a grant you apply for. You claim 30 percent of the cost of a qualifying solar or clean energy system on your federal tax return using Form 5695.
Steps to apply
- Have your solar or clean energy system installed and pay for it.
- Keep the itemized invoice and proof of payment.
- Complete IRS Form 5695 and file it with your Form 1040 for the year the system was placed in service.
- If the credit is larger than your tax bill, carry the unused amount forward to next year.
Documents you will likely need
- Itemized invoice from your installer showing the system cost.
- Proof of payment.
- Manufacturer certification statement for the equipment.
- Your federal tax return (Form 1040) for the year of installation.
Requirements vary by program and locality. Confirm the exact rules and application route with the administrator. We can help you prepare your paperwork, but you submit it yourself.
Deadline: Ended December 31, 2025 (federal law change)
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Find More Programs in Seattle, WA
This is one of several kinds of assistance that may be available. Review other programs separately and confirm whether their administrators allow coordination for the same work.
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