Solar Panels Cost $2.9k-$14k in East Providence, RI | October, 2024

Distributed generation and interconnection practices in Rhode Island have been standardized since 2011. Unlike jurisdictions that use tiers and levels to organize energy systems, Rhode Island uses permit processes themselves as benchmarks. Systems at a qualifying capacity level may be eligible for expedited permit reviews and fewer regulations. All systems must follow recognized standards such as those set by IEEE or UL. Utilities may require system owners to carry liability insurance coverage and/or install additional safety features such as outside disconnect switches.

As of 2009, new state government buildings in Rhode Island have been subject to green construction standards and requirements. New occupied public-sector construction over 5,000 feet, as well as remodeling projects over 10,00 square feet, must meet the requirements for LEED certification and pursue formal accreditation from the US Green Building Council. Different LEED standards apply to public schools, and Green Globes or IGCC standards may count as meeting the requirement. Compliance with the legislative act enabling these standards is overseen by a committee under the Department of Administration. Annual reports are available from the RI Building Code Commission website.

Commercial renewable energy projects may be eligible for grant funding from the Rhode Island Commerce Corporation. The grant program is an initiative of the state's Renewable Energy Fund, though compliance penalties from renewable portfolio standard laws also support grants. Qualifying projects include new solar arrays, wind turbines, hydroelectric systems, and some fuel cell/biomass systems. Only systems recommended by an energy auditor and which pass various engineering and financial analyses may be funded. Grants are based on project capacity and expected performance. The rate schedule differentiates between systems that are owned by the grantee and systems which the grantee leases from a third party. The maximum amount a grantee can receive is $200,000 for an owned system and $100,000 for a leased system. Additional information on how to apply is available from the Commerce RI website.

Rhode Island's Renewable Energy Fund was established in 1996 as the first in the nation. Routine fund operations are managed by a partnership of the Rhode Island Commerce Corporation and Public Utilities Commission. Funding is acquired through two mandatory usage-based surcharges on all gas and electric bills. One surcharge covers renewable energy, while the other covers demand-side management. REF initiatives include loans and grants for communities, small businesses, corporations, and nonprofits. Additional information is available from the Commerce Corporation website.

In Rhode Island, sales/use tax exemptions may apply to renewable energy devices. Currently, solar collectors, solar thermal system components, inverters, structural components for solar panels, geothermal pumps, and wind turbines qualify. Additional information is available from the Rhode Island Office of Energy Resources.

In Rhode Island, any renewable energy system rated for up to 10 MW qualifies for net metering. The only condition is that systems should produce all of the host property's electrical demand - nothing more. Under net metering, a customer's utility will install a bidirectional meter to measure a system's net excess generation (NEG) sent back to the grid. Customers will be compensated in the form of a bill credit for their monthly NEG. Utilities may, at their discretion, claim the bill credit for themselves to recover administrative costs. Virtual and aggregated net metering arrangements are available for microgrid customers and customers with more than one metered energy system. Additional information is available from participating utilities.

Cities and counties in Rhode Island may create and join property-assessed clean energy (PACE) financing districts. Any residential or commercial property may be eligible for special loans through the initiative. Effectively, PACE loans come from public funding, though they are serviced through local assessors and the Rhode Island Infrastructure Bank. Repayment takes the form of a property tax lien senior to mortgages. Should the borrower sell or transfer their property, the new owner will be responsible for continuing repayments. If the borrower defaults or forecloses on their property, the Infrastructure Bank manages a loss reserve fund that can "pay off" the lien. Interested home/business owners should consult with their local government, as not every jurisdiction offers PACE loans.

Renewable Energy Growth (REG) is a Rhode Island incentive tariff initiative promoting solar energy adoption in the state. Interconnected residential, commercial, and industrial solar system owners may earn a performance-based incentive on top of net metering for a fixed 15 - 20 year period. Energy generated by REG participants goes toward the state renewable portfolio standard, but utilities are not required to enter power purchase agreements. Customers can therefore keep the RECs they generate. Additional information is available from the program website.