Solar and Net Metering
Looking for information about upcoming changes to solar billing? Click here!
What is Net Metering?
Net metering is a billing process that credits solar owners for the electricity they add to the Utility power grid. The Revised Code of Washington (RCW) Chapter 80.60 allows you to offset your electricity use with the electricity produced from your own solar, wind, or other renewable power sources. When you use more electricity than you produce during a given billing cycle, you pay Tacoma Power. If your solar panels produce more electricity than you use, the value of the electricity will be stored in the “Net Metering Bank” that will be used to offset your future bills. This Net Meter Bank will reset on March 31 of each year, in accordance with the RCW.
Looking for more information about adding solar panels to your home? Visit our Solar FAQs page.
Installer Information
To start net metering, complete the following:
- Permitting Information
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We are excited to announce a new streamlined process for submitting and paying for electrical permits and new service applications.
On March 18, we converted to Accela, the City of Tacoma’s enterprise permitting solution.Accela is your one-stop shop for permitting and inspection management. It is available 24/7 to apply for permits, check permit status, make secure online payments, and schedule/cancel/reschedule inspections. Registering for an account gives you access to additional features:
- Manage/view/print your permits
- Apply for permits and applications for new electrical services
- Check the status of your permits and applications
- Add your contractor license to an existing account
- Create delegates (permit other users to perform actions on your behalf)
Setting up an account is easy! Visit CityofTacoma.org/Permits.
If you have questions about a current permit or the upgrade, please contact us at 253-502-8277.
- Construction Standards
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We no longer require a solar production meter as of March 6, 2023.
Click here to view customer owned generation standards. If you have questions about permits, construction standards, or inspection requirements, please call the permitting department at 253-502-8277.