Laural Manor - a multiunit housing facility

Community Solar Expansion Program

The Community Solar Expansion Program (CSEP) promotes access to the benefits of renewable energy for low-income communities across Washington. By supporting community solar projects as well as projects with energy storage, the program helps reduce state emissions while also creating long-term energy resilience and value for low-income communities. 

Focus Areas

  • Incentive administration: Information on funding availability, incentive levels, eligible costs, and application requirements.  
  • Project review and approval: Guidance on project eligibility, application review, precertification, certification, and incentive awards.  
  • Low-income community benefits: Resources and requirements for delivering meaningful benefits to low-income households, service providers, and communities.  
  • Program accountability and reporting: Reporting requirements, program outcomes, funded projects, and measures of community impact. 

Announcement 3/13/2026

As of March 2026, CSEP has reached $25 million in obligated funding allocations for both the fiscal year (FY) 26–27 biennium and the FY28-FY29 biennium (July 1st, 2027–June 30th, 2029).

Two workers install solar panels on the roof of a building. Forests and mountains are in the background.

Program Highlights

  • $53M+ Incentives Awarded — Supporting community solar projects that provide direct benefits to low-income communities. 
  • 190 Projects Supported — 50 certified projects and 140 pre-certified projects. 
  • 523 MW DC Solar Capacity Supported — Certified and pre-certified projects advancing community solar deployment. 
  • $25M Biennium Fully Subscribed — The FY26–FY27 and FY28–FY29 funding allocations reached their statutory funding limit.

Program Resources

Projects Underway

Curious where the WSU Energy Program has been helping to reduce the energy burden across the state? Check out our statewide map to discover pre-certified and certified projects since 2022.

Case Studies

Laurel Manor

We certified a 132 kWdc (kilowatt, direct current) solar system, lowering the operating costs of the low-income senior housing to free up funding for resident health and well-being services.

Hifumi En

Our team pre-certified and supported an 88.8 kWdc rooftop solar system, allowing the Spokane Housing Authority to redirect cost savings into tenant services and free electric vehicle charging.

Community Solar East

Our team certified a 199 kWdc portion of this Clark Public Utilities’ project, enabling generated clean energy value to fund an energy assistance program for low-income utility customers.

2SHB 1814 Summary Document 

Read a summary of the legislation that established the Community Solar Expansion Program:  Final Bill Report 2SHB 1814. 

Contact Us

Energy Program CSEP Team