Codes of Record

What applies to my job?

Pick the state and the product you build, install, or inspect. The card below answers from each state’s own record.

Solar PV in Washington

Which codes apply? In Washington, solar PV systems fall under the 2023 NEC, the 2021 IRC, the 2021 IBC, and the 2021 IFC.

Rooftop and ground-mounted photovoltaic arrays and their wiring. State record read Oct 18, 2026. Data as of Oct 26, 2026.

Codes that reach solar PV systems

The edition Washington enforces for each code that governs the product, and the part of the code that does.

  1. NECNational Electrical Code
    2023 NECVerified

    in force since Apr 1, 2024

    Where it reaches the product. Article 690, solar photovoltaic systems, with 705 for the interconnection and 690.12 for rapid shutdown.

    Electrical safety standards, administration, and installation (chapter 296-46B WAC), adopting NFPA 70-2023 · WAC 296-46B-010; chapter 19.28 RCW

    The 2026 NEC is adopted, not yet in force for December 31, 2026.

    The Washington NEC record
  2. IRCInternational Residential Code
    2021 IRCVerified

    in force since Mar 15, 2024

    Where it reaches the product. Section R324, solar energy systems.

    State Building Code Adoption and Amendment of the 2021 Edition of the International Residential Code (chapter 51-51 WAC) · WAC 51-51-003; WAC 51-51-008; chapter 19.27 RCW

    The 2024 IRC is proposed for May 3, 2027.

    The Washington IRC record
  3. IBCInternational Building Code
    2021 IBCVerified

    in force since Mar 15, 2024

    Where it reaches the product. Rooftop structures and the structural load of the array.

    State Building Code Adoption and Amendment of the 2021 Edition of the International Building Code (chapter 51-50 WAC) · WAC 51-50-003; WAC 51-50-008; chapter 19.27 RCW

    The 2024 IBC is proposed for May 3, 2027.

    The Washington IBC record
  4. IFCInternational Fire Code
    2021 IFCVerified

    in force since Mar 15, 2024

    Where it reaches the product. Chapter 12, section 1205, solar photovoltaic power systems and roof access.

    State Building Code Adoption and Amendment of the 2021 Edition of the International Fire Code (chapter 51-54A WAC) · WAC 51-54A-003; chapter 19.27 RCW

    The 2024 IFC is proposed for May 3, 2027.

    The Washington IFC record

Washington laws that name solar PV systems

On the site: four laws, rules, orders, and bills, newest first.

Law or ruleKindStageDateWhat it does
E3SHB 1960E3SHB 1960 (2025-26 biennium, passed in the 2026 regular session), Chapter 260, Laws of 2026BillPartialEnacted, not yet in forceJan 1, 2028Replaces property tax on solar, wind, and battery storage facilities of 10 MW or more with state and local excise taxes from 2028. Funds local investment distributions and requires a model siting ordinance; counties seeking those funds may not adopt stricter siting standards. Source (opens in a new tab)
ESSB 5445ESSB 5445 (2025 regular session), Chapter 265, Laws of 2025BillPartialIn forceJul 27, 2025Lets small solar arrays under 1,000 square feet, parking-lot solar canopies, and landfill solar skip state environmental review. Source (opens in a new tab)
Chapter 19.95 RCWStatutePartialIn forceJun 6, 2024Requires licensed contractors and detailed written contracts for solar installations over $1,000, including costs, production estimates, and battery component details. Source (opens in a new tab)
Chapter 80.50 RCWBattery energy storage systemsStatutePartialIn force–Allows stand-alone battery storage facilities to seek state site certification, which is optional. Source (opens in a new tab)

Every Washington law on solar PV systems, with filters

For information only. Your local building or fire official decides which code applies. We check state records often but can miss a recent change, so confirm with your official before you design, permit, or install. Terms of use