Since 2015, Solar Washington's Solar Summit has been the must-attend conference for anyone engaged in solar deployment, education, and advocacy in Washington state. Each year, it brings together the full spectrum of the solar community — manufacturers, distributors, engineers, consultants, and installers; representatives from utilities, municipalities, and tribes; legislators and policymakers; nonprofits, educators, and students; advocacy organizations, financial lenders, and homeowners — for a day of candid conversation on the issues shaping solar's future in Washington.

This year's theme, Solar, Now More Than Ever, digs into the challenges and opportunities ahead as shifting state and federal budgets, evolving policy, market dynamics, and new technology reshape the landscape. Through a keynote, panel discussions, and networking, the Solar Summit brings together experts, innovators, and collaborators to talk strategy for resilience and growth — and to walk away with real insight into the trends, policy shifts, financing models, and technological breakthroughs driving solar adoption forward, uncertainty and all.

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 Agenda

Sessions

Session 1: Integrating Data Centers Into The PNW: Insights Beyond What an AI Chat Bot Can Tell You

The rapid growth of AI is bringing data centers to the Pacific Northwest, and the question is “How will Washington meet this extraordinary increase in electric demand reliably, affordably, and cleanly?” The answer involves multiple solutions, including solar. Join us and learn from the Utilities and Transportation Commission (UTC), the Bonneville Power Administration (BPA), and the new Washington Electric Transmission Authority (WETA) as they present the agencies’ relevant strategies and plans.

Session 2: Solar As a Solution for Rising Electric Bills 

As electric bills and energy burden increase across Washington, communities are looking for solutions. This panel will explore drivers behind increasing energy costs, impacts on frontline communities, and how solar, storage, and other clean energy resources can improve affordability, resilience, and energy independence.

Session 3: Washington State Academy of Sciences Value of Distributed Solar and Storage Study Report.

The WSAS concludes its comprehensive Value of Distributed Solar and Storage (VOSS) study in September 2026 to help state regulators and utilities determine the true grid, economic, and societal worth of customer-owned solar and battery systems.  WSAS will present pertinent findings followed by the Department of Commerce presenting about solar funding.

Session 4: Department of Commerce Clean Energy Assistance Program

A representative from the Department of Commerce will be presenting on their Clean Energy Technical Assistance Program, which is entering its final months. The program supports communities across Washington by funding feasibility studies and other pre-development activities for solar and/or battery storage projects. This session will provide an overview of the program, highlight key successes and challenges, and discuss the benefits and impacts of technical assistance for communities across the state.

Session 5:  Making Building Code Council Exciting and Cool

WASEIA is the policy organization representing solar and storage installers in Washington. In addition to working on policy WASEIA also focuses on Building Code. WASEIA will be covering how cool Building Codes really are and how they can help accelerate the clean energy transition.

Session 6:  How Microgrids Solve Resource Inadequacy in Washington

With the growing grid resilience issues in Washington a resource adequacy gap has developed that Microgrids can help solve without contributing to further snowpack decline.

Keynote: Washington State Senator Victoria Hunt

Sen. Hunt, Vice Chair of the Washington State Senate Environment, Energy & Technology Committee will share her thoughts on the future of all things solar related in Washington State.

Subject to change, check back often for updates.  

 
Past Solar Summits hosted by Solar Washington

Solar Washington has presented the Washington State Solar Summit to bring industry stakeholders together to address important issues relevant to the solar industry in Washington.

Click on the following links to view past Solar Summit agenda and supporters. 

2025 | 2024 | 2023  | 2022 | 2021 |  2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015