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RI Energy rate: $0.29/kWh — among the highest in the US. The REG program opens April 1 with 31.55¢/kWh guaranteed for 15 years. Spring is the perfect time to lock in solar in Rhode Island.
No residential tax credit. But REG or REF (pick one) + net metering + ConnectedSolutions make Rhode Island one of the best solar markets in the country.
Six forces are converging right now. The April 1 REG enrollment window makes spring timing essential.
The Renewable Energy Growth program opens for new enrollment April 1 annually. Lock in 31.55¢/kWh guaranteed for 15 years on top of net metering. First-come-first-served with a 40 MW annual cap.
Commerce RI REF grant rounds open in spring (March-April). Get $0.65/W up to $5,000 plus a $2,000 battery adder. Limited funding per round — apply early.
The commercial ITC that TPO (lease/PPA) providers use to lower your payment requires projects to begin construction before July 4, 2026. After that, third-party solar may cost significantly more.
Summer demand response events start in June. Install solar + battery now and earn $225/kW this summer through RI Energy. A 10 kW battery = $2,250/year in summer demand response revenue.
RI Energy rates are already at $0.29/kWh. Rate filings indicate further increases ahead. Every rate increase makes your solar investment more valuable — but waiting means paying higher rates in the meantime.
Section 25D expired December 31, 2025. Cash or loan solar buyers get $0 back from the IRS. But Rhode Island's state incentives (REG, REF, tax exemptions) remain — making it still one of the strongest solar markets.
The federal residential credit is dead, but Rhode Island has the best state-level solar incentive stack in New England.
Guaranteed above-market payments for every kWh your system generates — on top of net metering credits.
Enrollment opens April 1. First-come-first-served. 40 MW annual cap.
Direct grant from Commerce RI — not a tax credit, not a loan. Actual money off your system cost.
Spring grant round: March-April. Limited funding per round.
Battery demand response — get paid to discharge your battery during summer peak events.
Summer events start June. Install now to earn this summer.
Rhode Island protects your solar investment from taxes and lets you sell excess power.
The REG program is the single biggest financial benefit of RI solar. Here is exactly how enrollment works.
$0.2723
per kWh (PY2026)
15 years
guaranteed term
40 MW
annual capacity cap
Complete system design and permitting BEFORE April 1 (start in March)
Submit REG application during enrollment window (opens April 1)
RI Energy reviews and approves application (first-come-first-served)
Install system within 12 months of REG approval
REG payments begin when system is interconnected — monthly payments for 15 years
REG does not replace net metering. You receive REG payments AND net metering credits simultaneously.
| Income Stream | Years 1-15 | Years 16-25 |
|---|---|---|
| REG payments | 31.55¢/kWh | Expired (reverts to NM only) |
| Net metering credits | 80% retail (~$0.232/kWh) | 80% retail (~$0.232/kWh) |
| Self-consumed savings | $0.29/kWh avoided | $0.29/kWh+ (rising rates) |
| Total value per kWh | ~$0.50+/kWh | ~$0.25+/kWh |
Start in March, apply for REG on April 1, produce by summer.
2-3 weeks
Site survey, system design, engineering review, municipal permit. Prepare REG application for April 1.
First-come
Submit REG application on April 1 for 31.55¢/kWh guaranteed 15 years. 40 MW annual cap — early is critical.
1-2 days
Panel mounting, inverter install, electrical connections. Most systems installed in a single day.
2-4 weeks
RI Energy meter upgrade, net metering application, permission to operate. REG payments begin at interconnection.
Day 1 savings
First full production month. ConnectedSolutions summer events begin. REG + net metering income flowing.
Bottom line: Start in March so your REG application is ready to submit April 1. System installed by May, producing by June-July with REG payments, net metering credits, and ConnectedSolutions revenue all flowing.
Real pricing based on current Rhode Island market data.
$2.95-3.25
Per Watt (avg)
~$23.6K-26K
8 kW System
7-8 yr
Payback (w/ REG+REF)
$0.29
Per kWh (RI Energy)
No federal residential ITC (25D expired). This is the real cost for a cash purchase in RI in 2026. REG income ($2,639/yr for 15 yr = $39,585) more than pays for the system.
How different financing options compare for an 8 kW RI system
| Feature | Cash | Loan | TPO (Lease/PPA) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Upfront cost | ~$18,064 (after REF+tax) | $0 | $0 |
| Federal tax credit | $0 (25D dead) | $0 (25D dead) | 30% (48E, owner claims) |
| Monthly payment | $0 | ~$140-200/mo | ~$100-160/mo |
| You own panels | Day 1 | Day 1 | Year 5-7 or never |
| REG income | You keep 100% | You keep 100% | Owner may keep |
| Best for | Max long-term ROI | Ownership, no cash | Lowest payment |
Enter your monthly electric bill to see what solar with REG or REF (pick one) could save you.
Enter your monthly bill to see potential savings
7.5 kW
System Size
$4,773
Year 1 Value
3.5 yr
Payback
$103,283
Lifetime Value
Estimates based on RI Energy rate ($0.29/kWh), $3.1/W average, 1213 kWh/kW annual production. No federal residential ITC (25D expired). REG at PY2026 ceiling rate. Net metering at 80% retail (post-April 2023). Actual results vary by roof orientation, shading, and system design.
We do not manufacture urgency. These are documented, verifiable deadlines and market conditions.
First-come-first-served with a 40 MW annual cap. Late applicants risk waiting an entire year for the next enrollment window.
Source: RI Energy / Rhode Island Office of Energy Resources
Limited funding per round. Once the spring allocation is committed, you wait for summer (June-July) or fall (September-October).
Source: Rhode Island Commerce Corporation
Federal law. TPO (lease/PPA) projects must begin construction before this date. After July 4, third-party solar pricing changes.
Source: OBBBA (One Big Beautiful Bill Act), signed July 4, 2025
Battery demand response events happen June through September. Install by May to participate in your first summer season and earn $225/kW.
Source: RI Energy ConnectedSolutions program
Rates already at $0.29/kWh with further increases expected. Every month you pay utility rates instead of producing solar is money you cannot recover.
Source: RI Energy tariff filings, RI PUC
REG opens April 1 | REF grants limited | 48E deadline July 4
We will review your roof, calculate your REG income, estimate your ConnectedSolutions revenue, apply the REF grant, and show you exactly what solar costs and saves for your specific home.