Solar in Rhode Island
Key Solar Metrics
29.5¢/kWh
4.9 peak sun hours
882 kWh/kW
Net Metering
5 active programs
Renewable Energy Fund (REF) Solar Grant
Mixed
Major Utilities
Solar Landscape in Rhode Island
Rhode Island's electricity market includes both investor-owned utilities and cooperative/municipal providers. Utility-specific solar programs vary by provider. Residential customers should check with their specific utility provider for available solar incentive programs, interconnection requirements, and export credit rates.
Permitting
Rhode Island follows local jurisdiction permitting for residential solar installations. Permitting requirements and timelines vary by county and municipality. Homeowners should contact their local building department for specific permit requirements, fees, and inspection schedules. Some jurisdictions in Rhode Island have adopted streamlined solar permitting processes to reduce installation timelines.
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Solar Incentives & Rebates
Some incentive data is provisional and subject to verification. Programs may change — check official sources before making decisions.
State Programs
Renewable Energy Fund (REF) Solar Grant
$0.65/W solar grant, up to $5,000. Additional $2,000 credit when pairing battery with solar.
Rhode Island Renewable Energy Growth (REG) Program
Fixed-rate performance payments for 20 years for solar generation. Rate set annually by RI PUC. Approximately $0.26/kWh for small residential projects.
Rhode Island Net Metering (Full Retail)
Full retail rate net metering for residential systems up to 25 kW.
Rhode Island Property Tax Exemption for Solar
Solar energy systems are exempt from local property tax in Rhode Island.
Rhode Island Sales Tax Exemption for Solar
Solar energy equipment is exempt from Rhode Island 7% sales tax.
Rhode Island Net Metering
- Policy Type
- Net Metering
- Credit Type
- Full Retail Rate
- System Size Cap
- 25 kW
- Annual Credit Rollover
- Yes
- Effective Date
- July 1, 2011
Run the Numbers for Rhode Island
Solar in Rhode Island costs $3.00–$3.50 per watt
National average: $3.36/W
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