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Rhode Island has the highest electricity rates in New England and an aggressive solar market to match. The federal ITC is dead. REG and net metering rules have changed. Some companies have not updated their pitch. Others are deliberately misleading homeowners. Here is how to protect yourself.
$0.29/kWh
RI Energy Rate
$0.2723/kWh
REG Fixed Rate
$5,000
REF Max Rebate
$0
ITC for Homeowners
Section 25D of the Internal Revenue Code was eliminated by the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), signed July 4, 2025. It expired December 31, 2025. Homeowners who purchase solar with cash or a loan receive zero federal tax credits. Section 48/48E remains available for third-party owners (PPA/lease companies) on projects beginning construction before July 4, 2026, but the homeowner does not claim that credit.
Rhode Island has the highest electricity rate in New England at approximately $0.29/kWh (RI Energy). Combined with strong state incentives — the REG program ($0.2723/kWh fixed for 15 years), REF rebate ($0.65/W, max $5,000), sales tax exemption (7%), 20-year property tax exemption, and ConnectedSolutions battery DR ($225/kW) — solar remains a strong investment even without the federal tax credit.
But Rhode Island’s small size and high electricity costs have attracted aggressive solar sales organizations. The state’s compact geography means door-to-door teams can cover Providence, Warwick, Cranston, and the East Bay in a single day. The elimination of Section 25D has created a dangerous information gap that dishonest companies exploit.
The REG vs. net metering distinction is Rhode Island’s most unique consumer trap. Unlike any other New England state, RI homeowners must choose between REG and net metering — they cannot have both simultaneously. Companies that present both as concurrent benefits are inflating your projected savings by roughly double.
This guide covers the 10 biggest red flags in the 2026 Rhode Island solar market, RI-specific scam patterns, how to verify any company’s credentials, and a complete contract checklist — plus an interactive Red Flag Checker tool.
The #1 red flag in 2026: any RI solar company that advertises a 30% federal tax credit for homeowners. The residential solar ITC (Section 25D) expired December 31, 2025. It is $0 for homeowners purchasing with cash or a loan. If a company includes this in your savings estimate, they are inflating your projected savings by thousands of dollars.
The #2 RI-specific red flag: companies claiming you can receive REG payments ($0.2723/kWh) and net metering credits at the same time. You cannot. REG replaces net metering during its 15-year term. If a company’s financial projection shows both in the same year, their math is wrong and their quote is unreliable.
Other RI-specific red flags include: overstating the REF rebate (max $5,000 + $2,000 battery), claiming 1:1 net metering (it’s 80% post-April 2023), inflated production estimates (>1,350 kWh/kW/yr), and fake “RI Energy approved” claims.
These are the warning signs we see most often in the 2026 Rhode Island solar market. If you encounter any of these, proceed with extreme caution.
The federal residential solar ITC (Section 25D) expired December 31, 2025. It is gone. $0 for homeowners. Any company in Rhode Island still advertising a 30% credit is either dangerously uninformed or intentionally deceiving you.
Section 25D of the Internal Revenue Code was eliminated by the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), signed July 4, 2025. For any solar system purchased by a homeowner with cash or a loan in 2026, the federal tax credit is $0.
Rhode Island's small size and tight-knit solar market mean word travels fast. Companies still using pre-2026 marketing materials with the 30% ITC are either negligent or deliberately misleading homeowners who may not follow federal tax policy changes.
The exception: PPA and lease providers can legitimately reference Section 48/48E, because the third-party system owner (not you) claims that credit. But if a company tells YOU that YOU will receive 30% off your taxes, they are wrong.
“Under which section of the tax code does the residential solar credit exist in 2026?”
Correct answer: It doesn't. Section 25D expired December 31, 2025. If they can't answer this, walk away.
The REG (Renewable Energy Growth) program pays $0.2723/kWh fixed for 15 years. It REPLACES net metering during the REG term — you do not get both. This is the most common RI-specific deception in 2026.
REG and net metering are mutually exclusive during the 15-year REG term. When you enroll in REG, your solar generation earns the fixed REG rate ($0.2723/kWh). You do NOT also receive net metering credits on top of that.
After the 15-year REG term expires, your system transitions to whatever net metering rate applies at that time. Some companies present this as "getting both" when in reality they are sequential, not simultaneous.
This misrepresentation inflates projected savings by roughly double. If a company's ROI calculation shows REG income PLUS net metering savings in the same year, their math is wrong and their quote is unreliable.
“When I'm enrolled in REG, do I also receive net metering credits for the same energy?”
Correct answer: No. REG replaces net metering during the 15-year term. After REG expires, you transition to net metering. They are sequential, not simultaneous.
The RI REF (Renewable Energy Fund) rebate is $0.65/W, capped at $5,000 for residential solar, plus a $2,000 battery adder — administered by Commerce RI. If a company quotes you $8,000-$10,000+ in REF rebates, they are inflating numbers.
For a typical 8 kW residential system: 8,000W x $0.65/W = $5,200, but the cap is $5,000. So you receive $5,000 maximum from REF. With a qualifying battery, add $2,000 for a total of $7,000.
Some companies confuse homeowners by combining REF with other savings (utility bill reduction, REG income) and presenting the total as "your rebate." The actual REF check from Commerce RI is capped at $5,000 (or $7,000 with battery).
REF funding is finite and can be exhausted. A legitimate company will confirm current REF availability before including it in your financial projections.
“What is the exact REF rebate amount in my quote, and have you confirmed current funding availability with Commerce RI?”
Correct answer: $0.65/W capped at $5,000 for solar, plus $2,000 for battery. They should confirm the fund is open. Total REF max is $7,000.
Post-April 2023, new RI net metering installations receive credits at 80% of retail rate, not the full 1:1 rate. Only pre-2023 systems are grandfathered. Companies quoting 1:1 for a new system are using outdated data.
The RI PUC changed net metering compensation in April 2023. New enrollments receive approximately 80% of the retail electricity rate as a credit. At RI Energy's $0.29/kWh, that means ~$0.232/kWh in net metering credit.
Systems installed and interconnected before April 2023 retain their 1:1 (full retail) net metering rate — they are grandfathered. A company cannot claim your new 2026 system will receive the old rate.
The annual generation cap remains at 125% of your annual consumption. If a company does not mention this cap, ask about it — oversizing a system beyond 125% means you generate excess energy with reduced compensation.
“At what rate do new RI net metering customers receive credits — 1:1 or 80% of retail?”
Correct answer: 80% of retail (~$0.232/kWh at current RI Energy rates). Only pre-April 2023 systems receive 1:1. If they say 1:1 for your new system, they are wrong.
"Get free solar panels for your home!" This usually means a lease or PPA — you pay monthly for 20-25 years and never own the system. It is not free. Legitimate companies disclose the structure upfront.
In a solar lease or PPA, the third-party company owns your panels. You pay them a monthly fee or per-kWh rate. Over 20-25 years, you will pay $18,000-$35,000+ for a system you never own.
The "free" pitch works in RI because high electricity rates ($0.29/kWh) mean even a lease can save money vs. RI Energy. But the savings are far less than owning your system outright.
If a company describes solar as "free," ask: "Is this a purchase (cash or loan), a lease, or a PPA? Who owns the system?" If they cannot clearly explain the difference, or if they call a lease "free solar," that is deceptive.
“Is this a purchase (cash or loan), a lease, or a PPA? Who owns the system?”
Correct answer: They should clearly state the ownership structure. In a lease/PPA, they own it. In a purchase, you own it. There is no "free" option.
Realistic solar production in Rhode Island is 1,250-1,350 kWh/kW/year. If a company projects 1,500+ kWh/kW/year, they are inflating your savings. RI gets less sun than the national average.
Rhode Island's average solar irradiance supports 1,250-1,350 kWh/kW/year for a well-oriented south-facing roof with minimal shading. Coastal areas (Newport, Narragansett) may be slightly higher due to ocean reflection, but rarely exceed 1,400.
Some companies use optimistic production estimates to compress payback periods on paper. A 10% production overestimate on a $25,000 system translates to roughly $725/year in phantom savings.
Ask for the PVWatts report for your specific address. PVWatts (NREL) is a free, independent tool that estimates production based on actual weather data, roof angle, and orientation. Any legitimate installer should provide this.
“What kWh/kW/year are you projecting, and can you share the PVWatts report for my address?”
Correct answer: For RI, expect 1,250-1,350 kWh/kW/year. They should provide a PVWatts or equivalent modeled estimate specific to your roof. If they cannot, the estimate is unreliable.
Some companies recommend REG enrollment without clearly explaining that it replaces net metering for 15 years. Homeowners sign up thinking they get REG as "bonus income" on top of their net metering credits.
REG enrollment is a significant financial decision. The $0.2723/kWh fixed rate is attractive, but you are locked in for 15 years. During that time, if electricity rates rise significantly above $0.2723/kWh, you cannot switch to net metering.
A legitimate company presents both options side-by-side: REG ($0.2723/kWh fixed, 15 years, guaranteed) vs. net metering (80% of retail, variable, immediate). Both have pros and cons depending on your risk tolerance and energy usage.
The red flag is not recommending REG — it is failing to disclose that REG is an either/or choice with net metering, not an addition. If their quote shows REG income AND net metering savings simultaneously, the math is fraudulent.
“In your financial projection, are REG and net metering shown as happening at the same time? Can you show me the year-by-year breakdown?”
Correct answer: REG and net metering should NEVER appear in the same year of a projection. Years 1-15: REG only. After year 15: net metering only. If both appear simultaneously, the projection is wrong.
Many solar leases include 2-3% annual escalators buried in the fine print. At RI Energy's $0.29/kWh, a PPA starting at $0.15/kWh with a 2.9% escalator reaches $0.22/kWh by year 15 and $0.30/kWh by year 24 — exceeding your current utility rate.
The math matters: $0.15/kWh x (1.029^24) = $0.30/kWh by year 25. If RI Energy rates do not rise as fast as the escalator, you end up paying MORE for your leased solar than you would to the utility.
Ask for the year-by-year payment schedule for the full lease term. A legitimate company will provide this in writing. If they only show you year-1 savings, they are concealing the long-term cost.
Alternatives exist: some RI lease/PPA providers offer flat (0% escalator) contracts. The starting rate is slightly higher, but you are protected from escalation risk. Always compare escalating vs. flat terms.
“Does this lease or PPA have an annual escalator clause? Can you provide the year-by-year payment schedule for all 20-25 years?”
Correct answer: They should immediately provide the full payment schedule including any escalator. A 0% escalator option should also be discussed. If they only show year-1 numbers, that is a red flag.
"Sign today or lose this price." "REG enrollment closes this week." "The REF rebate runs out Friday." Rhode Island's compact geography makes it a target for aggressive door-to-door solar teams.
REG enrollment opens April 1 each year. The program is ongoing. REF funding is allocated annually by Commerce RI. Neither expires on a 24-48 hour timeline. There is no legitimate reason to rush your decision.
Under RI law (General Laws 6-28), you have a 3-business-day right to cancel any contract signed during a door-to-door sale. If a salesperson asks you to waive this right or sign a waiver, that is likely illegal.
Rhode Island's dense population and small geographic footprint mean door-to-door teams can cover significant territory quickly. Providence, Warwick, Cranston, and the East Bay are heavily targeted. A legitimate company will give you a written quote and encourage you to compare.
“What specific incentive is expiring, and can you show me the Commerce RI or PUC announcement?”
Correct answer: There is no RI solar incentive with a 24-48 hour expiration. REG opens annually. REF is funded annually. If they cannot cite a specific source, the urgency is manufactured.
Door-to-door salespeople claim to be "approved by RI Energy," "sent by Commerce RI," or "working with the state." RI Energy and Commerce RI do NOT approve, endorse, or send specific solar companies to your home.
RI Energy (formerly National Grid RI) is required to interconnect your solar system and process net metering or REG applications. That is a regulatory obligation, not an endorsement of any specific installer.
Commerce RI administers the REF rebate program. Any qualifying system with a licensed installer can apply for REF. Commerce RI does not certify, endorse, or "send" specific companies to homeowners.
If a salesperson claims utility or state affiliation, call RI Energy directly (1-800-322-3223) to verify. They will confirm that no such approval program exists.
“Can you provide documentation from RI Energy or Commerce RI confirming your approval or partnership?”
Correct answer: They cannot, because no such approval exists. RI Energy processes interconnection for all qualified systems. Commerce RI processes REF applications from all licensed installers. Neither endorses specific companies.
Rhode Island is the only New England state where homeowners must choose between two fundamentally different solar compensation structures. This unique situation creates the most common and damaging scam tactic in the RI solar market.
REG (Renewable Energy Growth): Fixed $0.2723/kWh for 15 years. Your solar generation is purchased by RI Energy at this guaranteed rate. Predictable, guaranteed income. Opens for enrollment April 1 each year.
Net Metering: Credits at 80% of retail rate (~$0.232/kWh at current RI Energy rates). Your solar offsets your bill. Variable with rate changes. No enrollment window. 125% annual generation cap.
The critical fact: These are mutually exclusive during the REG term. You cannot receive REG payments and net metering credits simultaneously. After the 15-year REG term expires, your system transitions to net metering.
| Feature | REG Program | Net Metering |
|---|---|---|
| Compensation Rate | $0.2723/kWh (fixed) | ~$0.232/kWh (80% retail, variable) |
| Term | 15 years fixed | Ongoing (variable rate) |
| Rate Risk | None (locked in) | Varies with utility rates |
| Enrollment | April 1 annual open | Any time |
| Generation Cap | System capacity | 125% annual consumption |
| Can you have both? | NO — mutually exclusive during REG term | |
After the 15-year REG term expires, the system transitions to net metering at the prevailing rate. A legitimate company presents this timeline clearly.
These deceptive tactics are especially common in the Rhode Island solar market due to the state’s high electricity rates, compact geography, and unique REG/NM structure.
Companies show financial projections with REG payments AND net metering credits in the same year. This is mathematically impossible — REG replaces net metering for 15 years. This tactic inflates projected savings by roughly double, compressing the payback period to look unrealistically short.
Providence, Warwick, Cranston, Pawtucket, and the East Bay are prime targets for door-to-door teams. Rhode Island's compact geography and high electricity rates ($0.29/kWh) make it efficient to canvass. Red flag: any uninvited salesperson claiming to be "from RI Energy" or "from the state."
Salespeople claim to be "approved by Commerce RI" or "selected for the state solar program." Commerce RI administers the REF rebate but does NOT approve or endorse any specific solar company. The REF is available to all licensed installers who apply.
Some companies still use marketing materials from before April 2023 that reference 1:1 net metering. The current rate for new installations is 80% of retail. Using old rates inflates projected annual savings by approximately 20%, which extends the real payback period by 2+ years versus what they show you.
Not every company is dishonest. Here are the hallmarks of a trustworthy Rhode Island solar installer.
Shows the real cost of your system without a 30% tax credit line item. Explains clearly that the residential ITC expired in 2025.
Presents REG ($0.2723/kWh, 15 years) and net metering (80% retail) as separate options, explaining that they are mutually exclusive during the REG term.
Offers cash, solar loan (with transparent dealer fee disclosure), PPA/lease, and explains the pros and cons of each option honestly.
Provides their RI license number upfront. Licensed, insured, and bonded in Rhode Island. Verifiable through crb.ri.gov.
Offers a comprehensive 25-year warranty on panels, inverters, and workmanship. Backs it with a local RI/New England presence.
Handles all municipal permitting, RI Energy interconnection, REG or net metering enrollment, and REF application. You should not have to manage RI paperwork.
Dealer fees are one of the least understood aspects of solar financing in 2026. When a solar company partners with a lending institution, the lender offers the company a choice of loan products. Lower-APR loans come with higher dealer fees. The company selects the loan product, and the dealer fee is added to your loan principal.
For example, a company might offer you a “1.49% APR solar loan.” Sounds great. But the dealer fee might be 30%. On a $25,000 RI system, you are actually financing $32,500. Your monthly payment and total interest cost reflect that $32,500 balance, not the $25,000 value of your system.
To protect yourself, always ask for the cash price separately. Compare financing from the installer’s preferred lender against a RI credit union or local bank loan.
| Loan Type | APR | Dealer Fee | Amount Financed | Term | Total Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Installer loan (low APR) | 1.49% | 30% | $32,500 | 25 yr | $38,680 |
| Installer loan (mid APR) | 4.99% | 15% | $28,750 | 20 yr | $45,440 |
| RI credit union loan | 6.99% | 0% | $25,000 | 15 yr | $40,510 |
| Cash purchase | N/A | 0% | $25,000 | N/A | $25,000 |
Based on a $25,000 RI system. Actual rates vary by lender and credit score. Payments do not include REG/NM income or REF rebate.
Trust but verify. These free resources let you independently confirm everything a Rhode Island solar company tells you.
Verify contractor licenses and registration
Visit resource →REG program, net metering rules, and solar regulations
Visit resource →File a complaint about deceptive solar sales practices
Visit resource →Check company ratings, reviews, and complaint history
Visit resource →Before signing anything, make sure the contract covers every item on this list. Missing items are a red flag — especially REG/NM enrollment and REF application responsibility.
Solar leases and PPAs are particularly relevant in Rhode Island because of the highest-in-New-England electricity rates and the ITC situation. Here is the honest breakdown.
Bottom line: A solar PPA or lease is not inherently a red flag in RI. It is a legitimate financing structure where the third-party owner benefits from the commercial ITC and passes savings to you. The red flag is when a company confuses you about who receives the tax credit. If they say you will claim 30% on your taxes through a lease, that is false. The leasing company claims it.
Here is what honest pricing looks like in RI — with no phantom tax credits inflating the savings.
Average Cost per Watt
$2.85 - $3.30/W
Installed, before incentives
Typical 8 kW System
$22,800 - $26,400
No federal tax credit
Payback Period
7 - 9 Years
With REG + REF rebate
REG Program
$0.2723/kWh fixed, 15 years
~$2,720/yr (8 kW)
REF Rebate
$0.65/W, max $5,000 + $2K battery
One-time up to $7,000
Net Metering (if no REG)
80% retail rate credit
~$2,320/yr (8 kW)
Sales Tax Exemption
7% saved
~$1,750 one-time
Property Tax Exemption
20-year exemption
~$400-600/yr saved
ConnectedSolutions (battery)
$225/kW summer DR
~$1,125/yr (5 kW battery)
Rhode Island has strong consumer protection laws. If you encounter a dishonest solar company, these agencies can help.
Regulates solar installations, REG program, net metering, and utility interconnection in Rhode Island.
Phone: 401-941-4500
Handles consumer complaints, fraud investigations, and enforcement of the RI Deceptive Trade Practices Act.
Phone: 401-274-4400
Verifies contractor licenses and handles complaints about unlicensed or incompetent solar installers.
Web: crb.ri.gov
RI Deceptive Trade Practices Act (RI General Laws 6-13.1)
Under RI law, misrepresenting the federal tax credit, inflating REG/NM projections, or claiming false utility endorsements may constitute a deceptive trade practice. Homeowners who were deceived may be entitled to damages plus attorney fees. If a company told you that you would receive a 30% federal tax credit on a 2026 purchase, consult an attorney.
Had a consultation with a RI solar company? Answer these questions to assess their trustworthiness. Your risk score updates in real time.
Answer each question based on your experience with a solar company. Your risk assessment updates in real time.
Did the company tell you that you will receive a 30% federal tax credit on your solar purchase?
Did they claim you can receive REG payments AND net metering credits at the same time?
Did they overstate the REF rebate (e.g., claiming $10,000+ or more than $0.65/W)?
Did they promise 1:1 (full retail) net metering for a new solar installation?
Did they describe the solar system as "free" without clearly explaining it is a lease or PPA?
Did they estimate annual production above 1,350 kWh per kW for your RI location?
Did they fail to clearly disclose escalator clauses in a lease or PPA contract?
Did a door-to-door salesperson pressure you to sign today or within 24-48 hours?
Did they claim to be "approved by RI Energy" or "sent by Commerce RI"?
Were they unable to provide their RI contractor license number or proof of insurance?
Understanding the history helps you recognize when a RI company is referencing outdated information versus deliberately misleading you.
2006-2019
Section 25D at 30%
The residential ITC was established at 30% with multiple extensions. This is the era most sales materials still reference.
2020-2022
Scheduled step-down to 26%
The ITC began its original phase-out schedule before the IRA intervened.
Aug 2022
IRA restores 30% through 2032
The Inflation Reduction Act extended the 30% residential ITC through 2032. Many RI companies updated their marketing.
Jul 4, 2025
OBBBA signed into law
The One Big Beautiful Bill Act repealed the IRA's residential clean energy credits, including Section 25D.
Dec 31, 2025
Section 25D expires
The residential solar ITC officially expired. RI homeowners purchasing with cash or loan receive $0 in federal tax credits.
Jul 4, 2026
Section 48/48E construction deadline
Third-party owners (PPA/lease companies) must begin construction before this date to claim the commercial ITC. Does not affect homeowner cash/loan purchases.
Print this list or save it on your phone. Ask every company every question. Compare the answers.
Does your quote include any federal residential tax credit?
Good: No. Section 25D expired December 31, 2025.
Red flag: Yes, you'll get 30% back.
Are you recommending REG or net metering? Do I get both at the same time?
Good: We recommend [one or the other]. They are mutually exclusive during the REG term.
Red flag: You get both! / We stack them for maximum savings.
What is the cash price of my system?
Good: Clear number, matches system size at $2.85-$3.30/W.
Red flag: We only offer financed pricing.
What REF rebate amount is in my quote, and have you confirmed current funding?
Good: $0.65/W capped at $5,000 (+ $2,000 battery). We confirmed availability with Commerce RI.
Red flag: $8,000-$10,000 / We'll apply after signing.
What is your RI contractor license number?
Good: Provides number immediately. Verifiable at crb.ri.gov.
Red flag: We're licensed in [other state] / We're applying.
Can you provide five local RI references?
Good: Yes, with names, towns, and permission to contact.
Red flag: We have reviews online / We're new to RI.
Who handles REG/NM enrollment, REF application, permitting, and interconnection?
Good: We handle everything. It's included in the price.
Red flag: You'll need to handle some of that yourself.
Will your own employees install the system, or do you subcontract?
Good: Our W-2 crews install. Here is their RI license.
Red flag: We use independent contractors / Can't say.
What happens if I want to cancel after signing?
Good: You have 3 business days (RI law for door-to-door). Full refund of deposit.
Red flag: Non-refundable deposit / No cooling-off period.
What warranty coverage do you provide?
Good: 25-year panel, 25-year microinverter, 10-25 year workmanship.
Red flag: Vague answers / Only manufacturer warranty / No workmanship warranty.
Ask them: "Under which section of the Internal Revenue Code does the residential solar tax credit exist in 2026?" The correct answer is that it does not exist. Section 25D expired on December 31, 2025 under the OBBBA. Any company advertising a 30% residential tax credit in 2026 is either uninformed or deliberately misleading you. The only remaining federal solar credit is Section 48/48E for commercial and third-party system owners (PPA/lease providers), which the homeowner does not claim.
No. The REG (Renewable Energy Growth) program pays $0.2723/kWh fixed for 15 years, but it REPLACES net metering during the REG term. You receive REG payments OR net metering credits, not both simultaneously. After the 15-year REG term expires, your system transitions to net metering at whatever rate applies at that time. Companies that claim you get both at the same time are misrepresenting the program.
The RI Renewable Energy Fund (REF) rebate is $0.65 per watt, capped at $5,000 for residential systems. There is an additional $2,000 battery adder if you install energy storage. The REF is administered by Commerce RI, not by RI Energy. A typical 8 kW system receives the full $5,000 cap. Any company promising more than $5,000 (or $7,000 with battery) in REF rebates is inflating the numbers.
Yes. As of April 2023, new net metering enrollments in Rhode Island receive credits at 80% of the retail rate, not 1:1. Only systems installed and interconnected before April 2023 are grandfathered at the full 1:1 retail rate. The 125% annual generation cap still applies. At RI Energy's $0.29/kWh rate, your net metering credit is approximately $0.232/kWh.
Ask these five questions: (1) What is the cash price of my system without any federal tax credit? (2) Are you recommending REG or net metering, and why? (3) What is your RI contractor license number? (4) What REF rebate amount is included in your quote, and have you confirmed current availability? (5) What is my estimated annual production in kWh/kW? Any hesitation or evasion on these questions is a red flag.
Rhode Island requires solar installers to hold a valid contractor license from the RI Contractors' Registration and Licensing Board (CRB). You can verify licenses at crb.ri.gov or call 401-222-1268. Also check their Better Business Bureau ratings and search the RI Attorney General's consumer complaint database.
Solar panels in Rhode Island cost $2.85 to $3.30 per watt installed in 2026. A typical 8 kW system costs $22,800 to $26,400. There is no federal residential tax credit. RI incentives include: REF rebate ($0.65/W, max $5,000), REG payments ($0.2723/kWh for 15 years) OR net metering (80% retail), sales tax exemption (7%), property tax exemption (20 years), and ConnectedSolutions battery DR ($225/kW).
Yes, door-to-door solar sales are legal in RI, but companies must comply with Rhode Island's Home Solicitation Sales Act (RI General Laws 6-28). You have a 3-business-day right to cancel any contract signed during a door-to-door sale. If a salesperson pressures you to waive this right or sign immediately, that is both a red flag and likely illegal under RI law.
It depends on your situation. REG pays a fixed $0.2723/kWh for 15 years — predictable, guaranteed income. Net metering (80% retail) currently credits about $0.232/kWh but fluctuates with rates. REG is generally better for financial certainty, but you cannot switch to net metering during the 15-year term. The critical red flag is a company that claims you can have both simultaneously — you cannot.
Yes. File a complaint with the RI Attorney General's Consumer Protection Unit at 401-274-4400 or online at riag.ri.gov. You can also contact the RI Public Utilities Commission (401-941-4500) and the RI Contractors' Registration Board (crb.ri.gov). If a company misrepresents the federal tax credit, that may constitute fraud under RI's Deceptive Trade Practices Act (RI General Laws 6-13.1).
Compare REG fixed payments vs. net metering for your specific situation.
Read guide$0.2723/kWh fixed for 15 years. How it works, enrollment, and limitations.
Read guideCity-by-city pricing breakdown with accurate 2026 incentive data.
Read guide80% retail rate explained. What changed in April 2023 and what it means.
Read guideCompare all financing options with honest 2026 numbers for RI.
Read guideIs solar still worth it in RI without the federal ITC? Data says yes.
Read guideNo phantom tax credits. No inflated REG + NM double-counting. No hidden dealer fees. Just honest pricing with REG or net metering, REF rebate, and every RI incentive calculated accurately.