(1) As used in this chapter:

     (a) "Solar energy system" means any device or combination of devices or elements which rely upon direct sunlight as an energy source, including but not limited to any substance or device which collects sunlight for use in:

     (i) The heating or cooling of a structure or building;

     (ii) The heating or pumping of water;

     (iii) Industrial, commercial, or agricultural processes; or

     (iv) The generation of electricity.

     A solar energy system may be used for purposes in addition to the collection of solar energy. These uses include, but are not limited to, serving as a structural member or part of a roof of a building or structure and serving as a window or wall; and

     (b) "Solar easement" means a right, expressed as an easement, restriction, covenant, or condition contained in any deed, contract, or other written instrument executed by or on behalf of any landowner for the purpose of assuring adequate access to direct sunlight for solar energy systems.

     (2) A solar easement is an interest in real property, and shall be created in writing and shall be subject to the same conveyancing and instrument recording requirements as other easements.

     (3) A solar easement shall be appurtenant and run with the land or lands benefited and burdened, unless otherwise provided in the easement.

     (4) Any instrument creating a solar easement shall include but not be limited to:

     (a) A description of the real property subject to the solar easement and a description of the real property benefiting from the solar easement; and

     (b) A description of the extent of the solar easement which is sufficiently certain to allow the owner of the real property subject to the easement to ascertain the extent of the easement. Such description may be made by describing the vertical and horizontal angles, expressed in degrees, at which the solar easement extends over the real property subject to the easement and the points from which those angles are to be measured, or the height over the property above which the solar easement extends, or a prohibited shadow pattern, or any other reasonably certain description.

     (5) Any instrument creating a solar easement may include:

     (a) The terms or conditions or both under which the solar easement is granted or will be terminated; and

     (b) Any provisions for compensation to the owner of property benefiting from the solar easement in the event of interference with the enjoyment of the solar easement, or compensation to the owner of the property subject to the solar easement for maintaining the solar easement.

[1979 ex.s. c 170 § 12.]

NOTES:

     Severability -- 1979 ex.s. c 170: See note following RCW 64.04.140.