Solar Energy in Whatcom County, WA (2026)
2 rules for unincorporated Whatcom County, Washington.
Verified from official government sources
Note: These county rules apply to unincorporated areas of Whatcom County. If you live within an incorporated city, that city's own rules apply: see the city list below.
Panel Permits
Whatcom County requires building and electrical permits for solar installations. Rooftop systems must meet structural, fire-setback, and electrical standards, and the array interconnects with Puget Sound Energy under Washington's net-metering law, RCW 80.60.
Whatcom County Solar Panel Permits
Some RestrictionsRCW 64.04.140
The legislature declares that the potential economic and environmental benefits of solar energy use are considered to be in the public interest; therefore, local governments are authorized to encourage and protect access to direct sunlight for solar energy systems.
HOA Restrictions
Washington law voids any Whatcom County homeowners association rule that bans rooftop or ground-mounted solar panels outright. HOAs may only impose reasonable placement conditions, not a prohibition, under RCW 64.38.055.
Whatcom County HOA Solar Panel Rights
Light RestrictionsRCW 64.38.055(1)-(6)
(1) The governing documents may not prohibit the installation of a solar energy panel by an owner or resident on the owner's or resident's property as long as the solar energy panel: (a) Meets applicable health and safety standards and requirements imposed by state and local permitting authorities; (b) If used to heat water, is certified by the solar rating certification corporation or another ...
All Whatcom County ordinances
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