OLYMPIA…The governor signed into law a bill prime-sponsored by Sen. Bob Morton, R-Orient, that encourages the manufacture of solar energy systems in Washington state.

“This bill comes at a time when Washington must diversify its energy generation,” said Morton, ranking member of the Senate Water, Energy and Environment Committee. “As we deal with drought, Washington is still 52 percent reliant on hydropower. Incentives to diversify would help us overcome that reliance, along with keeping and creating manufacturing-wage jobs in our state.”

Morton’s proposal, Senate Bill 5111, provides a variety of tax incentives to support and boost the solar panel production industry in Washington state, which includes:

• a sales tax exemption for construction of new buildings;

• a use tax exemption on personal property used in the project;

• a business and occupation tax job credit of $3,000 per full-time manufacturing production job; and

• a property tax exemption on machinery and equipment used in manufacturing.

Washington already boasts a $150 million solar energy manufacturing industry.

“Washington’s climate is ripe for the solar industry, given the proper incentives,” Morton added.  “The business and environmental benefits associated with locating this industry here could advantage the state as a whole.”

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For more information contact Tami Davis (360) 786-7519 or davis.tami@leg.wa.gov