Community Solar Expansion Program
Frequently Asked Questions
What is 2SHB 1814?
What is the process for applying for precertification?
What information will be required at the time of precertification application?
When will the WSU Energy Program start accepting applications?
Is there an application fee?
What documentation will be needed to verify that the installation, or a portion of the installation, is dedicated for low-income customers?
Will the WSU Energy Program audit projects to verify that the benefits are indeed flowing to low-income recipients?
What is the estimated turn-around for approval of precertification?
For how long are we obligated to provide agreed-upon benefits to low-income beneficiaries?
How long is the precertification good for?
Can a homeowner qualify for incentive?
Who can be an administrator?
Is there a limit to the total number of sites for which an eligible applicant can request precertification at any one time?
Is this ‘virtual net metering'?
Can we have separate 199kW ‘arrays’ in one large system?
Can we add batteries as part of the system?
What is reasonable for on-going administrative and maintenance costs?
Answers
What is 2SHB 1814?
2SHB 1814 creates opportunities for broader community solar participation by low-income households and low-income service providers.
What is the process for applying for precertification?
An online application is available here.
What information will be required at the time of precertification application?
Please review application here.
When will the WSU Energy Program start accepting applications?
Beginning July 1, 2022.
Is there an application fee?
No.
What documentation will be needed to verify that the installation, or a portion of the installation, is dedicated for low-income customers?
With the precertification application you will submit a project prospectus; describe the beneficiary, any program terms, methods, and/or intent.
Will the WSU Energy Program audit projects to verify that the benefits are indeed flowing to low-income recipients?
At this point we have no plans to do so. We trust that our clean energy partners are honoring the intent of 2SHB 1814. However, project administrators are obligated to provide, on an annual basis for the length of ten years, information regarding subscriber benefits.
What is the estimated turn-around for approval of precertification?
We will respond within 30 days. You may be asked for additional information or documentation, if necessary.
For how long are we obligated to provide agreed-upon benefits to low-income beneficiaries?
A minimum of ten years, however, you may continue to do so for the lifetime of the solar array.
How long is the precertification good for?
24 months from the date you are precertified. At one-year we ask that the applicant check in with the WSU Energy Program to provide a progress report. On a case-by-case basis, and at the discretion of the WSU Energy Program, a 6-month extension may be allowed.
Can a homeowner qualify for incentive?
No. This is not an incentive for the typical, residential, roof-top solar participant.
Who can be an administrator?
Utility, non-profit, tribal housing authority or local housing authority.
Is there a limit to the total number of sites for which an eligible applicant can request precertification at any one time?
No. However, remember that the precertification lasts for only 24 months from approval.
Is this ‘virtual net metering'?
No.
Can we have separate 199kW ‘arrays’ in one large system?
Likely, yes. However, proposals will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
Can we add batteries as part of the system?
Yes, however, the addition of storage should prove to be a value-add and benefits must flow to low-income participants.
What is reasonable for on-going administrative and maintenance costs?
There is no formula used to assess these costs. As a part of your project prospectus we ask that you justify anticipated costs for our review.
Please submit any additional questions to lowincomeCSP@energy.wsu.edu