Solar FAQs

• I'm considering installing a solar PV system. What should I know?

  • Do your homework, and get balanced information from several sources. Talk to others who have PV systems. Additional resources are listed at the bottom of this page.
  • Research and investigate the contractor. Get estimates and quotes from more than one reputable, licensed and insured solar installation contractor.
  • Read and understand the fine print before you sign any contract. Verify whether or not there are performance guarantees.
  • Look at the production and savings estimates over the life of the system or contract term, not just the first year payments. Verify the incentives and tax credits presented are actually offered by Washington State and the IRS.
  • Check with your homeowners association (HOA) before installing your system. While HOAs can't prohibit installations, they can implement rules about system placement and other requirements. Washington State Law RCW 64.38.055 governs resident and HOA responsibilities regarding solar energy system installations.

  
  

• What does a typical residential solar PV energy system cost?

  The installed system cost in our area is approximately $4,000 to $5,000 per kWdc (kilowatt of DC capacity) as of June 2018. For example, a 12 kW system may cost between $48,000-$60,000.

• How much energy (kilowatt-hours or kWh) will a typical 5 kWdc solar PV energy system produce during a typical weather year in Richland?

  Using the PVWatts® Calculator, a free solar tool from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), we calculate a 5 kWdc system in central Richland can produce 6,479 – 7,014 kWh annually.

  Your system's production will vary depending on the system design, panel array type, inverter efficiency, proper installation, shading, system maintenance, reduction in the efficiency of the PV panels as they age, and other loss factors.

• What federal incentives are there for solar PV energy systems?

  Review the US Department of Energy's Homeowner’s Guide to the Federal Tax Credit for Solar Photovoltaics for the latest information about tax credits. Contact your tax advisor to discuss your individual tax implications.

• Can I sell electricity my system produces to the City if I am not using it for my home? If so, what will the City utility pay me?

  Yes, this practice is called "net metering."

  City of Richland bills new net metering customers for the energy they use (delivered energy) and crediting customers for the excess energy their systems put into our system (received energy) at the same retail rate, in compliance with Washington State Law.

  Understanding your net metering bill from the City.

• How many solar PV systems have been installed in Richland?

  As of January 1, 2024 over 590+ systems have been installed. The system sizes range from 3 kWdc to 15 kWdc.

• What permits are required to install a PV system?

  All systems require a Washington State Department of Labor and Industries electrical permit and in some cases, a City building permit. The Renewable Energy Electric Generating System Application has everything you need to know about the permitting and incentive application process. A $150 application fee is due when the application is submitted.

• I know that RES promotes energy efficiency as the most cost-effective way to meet electricity needs. How do energy efficiency technology costs compare to solar PV energy systems costs?

  For electric utilities, energy efficiency is less expensive per kWh than building new central-generating resources like wind projects or natural gas combustion turbines to meet the increasing demand for electricity.

  In most cases energy efficiency is less expensive per kWh than solar. While efficiency alone can’t "produce" electricity, doing energy efficiency and solar together decreases costs by decreasing consumption. Energy efficiency enables customers to install smaller, less expensive solar energy systems so solar can meet a higher percentage of your home's electricity consumption. You can learn more about how energy efficiency and solar can work together from the American Council for and Energy-Efficient Economy (ACCEE).

• Does the City have incentives for installing efficiency measures?

  Yes. RES offers rebates and low-interest loans to qualified residential customers for efficient HVAC equipment and weatherization measures including insulation, windows, and doors. We also offer a program specifically designed for low-income customers and incentives for commercial and industrial customers doing lighting and custom projects. Learn more at our Energy Efficiency page.

• What other things should I consider about a solar PV energy system?

  Solar PV energy systems won't power your home during a power outage. RES' distribution system is designed to provide reliable service and keep our personnel safe and equipment protected. As such, your home is interconnected to our system, and this prevents your home from operating as an "island" during a power outage.