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The federal tax credit is dead for homeowners. Rhode Island has the best incentive stack in New England — REG program ($0.27/kWh for 15 years), REF rebate ($5,000), net metering, and full tax exemptions deliver a ~6.6-year payback without any federal credit.
Homeowners who purchase solar with cash or a loan receive $0 in federal tax credits in 2026. Section 25D expired December 31, 2025. Third-party systems (lease/PPA) can still claim 30% under Section 48/48E through July 4, 2026. Read our full analysis
Despite losing the federal ITC, Rhode Island's incentive combination is unmatched. No other NE state offers production payments + rebates + strong net metering + full tax exemptions all together.
Select your city, system size, and see your estimated cost, incentives, and payback period including REG, REF, and net metering.
Estimate your cost, incentives, and payback with REG + REF + net metering
Federal Residential Solar Tax Credit (Section 25D) — Expired
Homeowners who buy solar with cash or a loan receive $0 in federal tax credits. Section 25D expired December 31, 2025. RI's state incentives (REG + REF) make solar still highly worthwhile.
Estimates based on Providence pricing ($2.75-$3.15/W), RI Energy $0.29/kWh rate, post-April 2023 net metering (80% retail), and REG PY2026 ceiling price ($0.2723/kWh). Actual costs vary by installer, roof, and system design. REF rebate subject to available funding.
Each guide below covers one topic in depth — costs, incentives, financing, and policy.
City-by-city pricing ($2.65-$3.20/W), system size options, and what affects cost.
25D is dead — why RI is still one of the best solar states with 6.6-year payback.
$0.27/kWh guaranteed payments for 15 years. How to apply, rates, and enrollment.
$0.65/W upfront rebate (capped at $5,000) plus $2,000 battery adder.
80% retail rate (post-April 2023), 125% cap, protected through 2039.
7% sales tax exempt + 20-year property tax exemption. Combined $8,900+ savings.
Financing comparison. Who gets REG payments under each structure.
$225/kW demand response revenue for battery owners.
Community solar, commercial options, and whole-home electrification bundles.
Solar savings without rooftop panels. 275 MW program for renters and condos.
Section 48/48E ITC still active (up to 70%). C-PACE financing available.
Stack solar + heat pump incentives: $18,500+ in combined rebates.
Pricing varies across Rhode Island. Coastal areas like Newport run higher due to salt air requirements, while suburban Warwick offers the best value.
Capital city pricing, Community Electricity program, metro considerations.
Coastal premium, salt air, historic districts, high property values.
Best value in RI. Suburban pricing, good roof access, competitive market.
For a complete 8-city breakdown, see the full RI solar cost guide.
How RI compares on the key metrics that matter for solar economics.
| Metric | RI | MA | CT | NJ |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg Electric Rate | $0.29/kWh | $0.28/kWh | $0.30/kWh | $0.26/kWh |
| Production Incentive | REG $0.27/kWh (15yr) | SMART $0.03/kWh (20yr) | None | ADI $0.086/kWh (15yr) |
| Upfront Rebate | $0.65/W ($5K cap) | None | $0.25/W | None |
| Net Metering | 80% retail (new) | 1:1 retail | Transitioning | 1:1 retail |
| Payback (no ITC) | ~6.6 years | ~8 years | ~7 years | ~6 years |
| Renewable Target | 100% by 2033 | Clean by 2050 | 100% by 2040 | 100% by 2035 |
Rhode Island's Clean Heat RI program offers up to $11,500 in heat pump rebates (up to $18,000 income-eligible). Plus HEAR adds up to $8,000 more. Combined with solar, total incentives can exceed $25,000+.
With a ~6.6-year payback, $39,600+ in REG payments, and $5,000 upfront REF rebate, Rhode Island is one of the best places in America to go solar. Get a free quote today.