(1)(a) Beginning October 1, 2005, upon every person engaging within this state in the business of manufacturing solar energy systems using photovoltaic modules, or of manufacturing solar grade silicon to be used exclusively in components of such systems; as to such persons the amount of tax with respect to such business shall, in the case of manufacturers, be equal to the value of the product manufactured, or in the case of processors for hire, be equal to the gross income of the business, multiplied by the rate of 0.2904 percent.

     (b) Beginning October 1, 2009, upon every person engaging within this state in the business of manufacturing solar energy systems using photovoltaic modules, or of manufacturing solar grade silicon, silicon solar wafers, silicon solar cells, thin film solar devices, or compound semiconductor solar wafers to be used exclusively in components of such systems; as to such persons the amount of tax with respect to such business is, in the case of manufacturers, equal to the value of the product manufactured, or in the case of processors for hire, equal to the gross income of the business, multiplied by the rate of 0.275 percent.

     (2)(a) Beginning October 1, 2005, upon every person engaging within this state in the business of making sales at wholesale of solar energy systems using photovoltaic modules, or of solar grade silicon to be used exclusively in components of such systems, manufactured by that person; as to such persons the amount of tax with respect to such business shall be equal to the gross proceeds of sales of the solar energy systems using photovoltaic modules, or of the solar grade silicon to be used exclusively in components of such systems, multiplied by the rate of 0.2904 percent.

     (b) Beginning October 1, 2009, upon every person engaging within this state in the business of making sales at wholesale of solar energy systems using photovoltaic modules, or of solar grade silicon, silicon solar wafers, silicon solar cells, thin film solar devices, or compound semiconductor solar wafers to be used exclusively in components of such systems, manufactured by that person; as to such persons the amount of tax with respect to such business is equal to the gross proceeds of sales of the solar energy systems using photovoltaic modules, or of the solar grade silicon to be used exclusively in components of such systems, multiplied by the rate of 0.275 percent.

     (3) Beginning October 1, 2009, silicon solar wafers, silicon solar cells, thin film solar devices, or compound semiconductor solar wafers are "semiconductor materials" for the purposes of RCW 82.08.9651 and 82.12.9651.

     (4) The definitions in this subsection apply throughout this section.

     (a) "Compound semiconductor solar wafers" means a semiconductor solar wafer composed of elements from two or more different groups of the periodic table.

     (b) "Module" means the smallest nondivisible self-contained physical structure housing interconnected photovoltaic cells and providing a single direct current electrical output.

     (c) "Photovoltaic cell" means a device that converts light directly into electricity without moving parts.

     (d) "Silicon solar cells" means a photovoltaic cell manufactured from a silicon solar wafer.

     (e) "Silicon solar wafers" means a silicon wafer manufactured for solar conversion purposes.

     (f) "Solar energy system" means any device or combination of devices or elements that rely upon direct sunlight as an energy source for use in the generation of electricity.

     (g) "Solar grade silicon" means high-purity silicon used exclusively in components of solar energy systems using photovoltaic modules to capture direct sunlight. "Solar grade silicon" does not include silicon used in semiconductors.

     (h) "Thin film solar devices" means a nonparticipating substrate on which various semiconducting materials are deposited to produce a photovoltaic cell that is used to generate electricity.

     (5) This section expires June 30, 2014.

[2009 c 469 § 501; 2007 c 54 § 8; 2005 c 301 § 2.]

NOTES:

     Effective date -- 2009 c 469: See note following RCW 82.08.962.

     Severability -- 2007 c 54: See note following RCW 82.04.050.

     Findings -- Intent -- 2005 c 301: "The legislature finds that the welfare of the people of the state of Washington is positively impacted through the encouragement and expansion of key growth industries in the state. The legislature further finds that targeting tax incentives to focus on key growth industries is an important strategy to enhance the state's business climate.

     A recent report by the Washington State University energy program recognized the solar electric industry as one of the state's important growth industries. It is of great concern that businesses in this industry have been increasingly expanding and relocating their operations elsewhere. The report indicates that additional incentives for the solar electric industry are needed in recognition of the unique forces and issues involved in business decisions in this industry.

     Therefore, the legislature intends to enact comprehensive tax incentives for the solar electric industry that address activities of the manufacture of these products and to encourage these industries to locate in Washington. Tax incentives for the solar electric industry are important in both retention and expansion of existing business and attraction of new businesses, all of which will strengthen this growth industry within our state, will create jobs, and will bring many indirect benefits to the state." [2005 c 301 § 1.]

     Effective date -- 2005 c 301: "This act is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, or safety, or support of the state government and its existing public institutions, and takes effect July 1, 2005." [2005 c 301 § 6.]

     Report to legislature -- 2005 c 301: "(1) Using existing sources of information, the department shall report to the house appropriations committee, the house committee dealing with energy issues, the senate committee on ways and means, and the senate committee dealing with energy issues by December 1, 2013. The report shall measure the impacts of this act, including the total number of solar energy system manufacturing companies in the state, any change in the number of solar energy system manufacturing companies in the state, and, where relevant, the effect on job creation, the number of jobs created for Washington residents, and any other factors the department selects.

     (2) The department shall not conduct any new surveys to provide the report in subsection (1) of this section." [2005 c 301 § 5.]

Annual report: RCW 82.32.620.