Within the report, the study authors analyzed the economic impact of developing 500 megawatts (MW) of community solar projects over 10 years. They found this level of development would:
- Generate $1.76 billion in contributions to Washington’s Gross State Product
- Create 16,521 job-years of employment, equivalent to 1,652 full-time jobs annually
- Produce $76.49 million in state tax revenue
- Provide $4.66 million in lease payments to participating landowners
“This research provides valuable insights into the economic potential of community solar in Washington,” said Jan Whittington, Research Lead and Director of the University of Washington’s Urban Infrastructure Lab, “While these projections are conservative and don’t account for future market changes, they clearly demonstrate the significant economic opportunities available through community solar development.”
The timing of this study is particularly relevant as Washington residents face rising electricity costs, with current residential rates projected to increase. Community solar represents an opportunity for Washington families to stabilize their energy costs while contributing to the state’s clean energy goals. Community solar projects allow multiple customers to subscribe and receive utility bill credits for power produced from shared solar installations. This enables households, businesses, schools, and other institutions to access clean energy benefits and save an average of 10%-15% on their utility bills by subscribing to local projects, without needing rooftop panels.
“This analysis demonstrates that community solar is not just about clean energy – it’s a powerful economic driver for Washington State,” said Derek Chernow, Western Regional Director for Coalition for Community Solar Access (CCSA), who commissioned the study. “With bipartisan legislation being introduced this month to establish a comprehensive community solar program, Washington has the opportunity to unlock these substantial economic benefits while expanding clean energy access to all residents, regardless of whether they own their homes or have suitable roof space for solar panels.”
“A big challenge in the clean energy transition is balancing decarbonization with affordability,” said Charlee Thompson of the NW Energy Coalition, “As we electrify buildings and transportation, this will become even more critical. Community solar and other distributed energy resources can help by expanding access to clean energy, lowering bills, and ensuring all communities benefit.”
The study examined three potential growth scenarios: a business-as-usual case projecting 60 MW of community solar growth, a moderate growth scenario with 220 MW, and an attainable scenario with 500 MW of new capacity. The research team utilized data from community solar developers, the National Renewable Energy Laboratory(NREL), the National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS), and the Input-output Economic Model (IMPLAN) to conduct their analysis.
Beyond the economic benefits, community solar projects would help Washington meet its ambitious climate goals, with the 500 MW scenario capable of powering approximately 100,000 homes with clean, renewable energy. This expansion would reduce carbon emissions by an estimated 500,000 metric tons annually, equivalent to removing 108,000 gas-powered vehicles from the road.
Industry leaders are already showing strong interest in Washington’s community solar potential. “OneEnergy is eager to invest more significant human and financial resources in our home state of Washington,” said Lindsay Gorang, Chief Financial Officer of OneEnergy, headquartered in Seattle, “We’ve developed community solar projects across the country and have witnessed firsthand how this rapidly growing market transforms and benefits local economies. With our deep expertise in this sector and strong track record of investment success nationwide and in other states, we’re ready to bring our investment to Washington State if the Legislature establishes a comprehensive community solar program.”
Currently, 19 states and the District of Columbia have policies in place that permit third-party, competitive community solar development, while multiple states are advancing legislation to enable new programs. Along with Washington State, bills enabling new community solar markets are expected to be considered in California, Georgia, Iowa, Michigan, Missouri, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin in 2025.
