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Get a Free QuoteTrack Rhode Island's Renewable Energy Growth (REG) program rates, enrollment capacity, and application status. Updated monthly.
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Rhode Island's REG (Renewable Energy Growth) program pays solar owners $0.2723/kWh guaranteed for 15-20 years. Annual enrollment opens April 1 on a first-come-first-served basis. The program caps fill quickly. An average 8 kW system earns approximately $2,642/year in REG payments. REG replaces net metering credits and stacks with the REF rebate ($0.65/W).
Upcoming
Enrollment opens April 1
$0.2723/kWh
Fixed for 15-year term
40 MW
Residential + small commercial
$220/mo
$2,642/year
REG enrollment is first-come-first-served. In recent years, the 40 MW residential/small commercial allocation has been fully subscribed within weeks of opening. To maximize your chances of securing a spot:
The PY2026 REG allocation has not yet opened. The 40 MW cap covers residential systems (≤25 kW) and small commercial projects. Larger projects (250 kW+) are allocated separately through competitive solicitation.
Capacity status will be updated once enrollment opens April 1. Check back monthly for real-time tracking.
REG ceiling prices apply to residential and small commercial systems that enroll on a first-come-first-served basis. Larger projects compete through a separate solicitation process with potentially lower rates.
| Category | Ceiling Price | Term | Enrollment | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Small Residential (≤10 kW) | $0.2723/kWh | 15 years | First-come-first-served | Typical home systems |
| Medium Residential (10-25 kW) | $0.2723/kWh | 15 years | First-come-first-served | Larger homes / higher usage |
| Small Commercial (25-250 kW) | $0.2723/kWh | 20 years | First-come-first-served | Small business rooftop |
| Medium Scale (250 kW-1 MW) | Competitive bid | 20 years | Competitive solicitation | Commercial / municipal |
| Large Scale (1-5 MW) | Competitive bid | 20 years | Competitive solicitation | Utility-scale projects |
REG ceiling prices have declined 3-5% annually since the program began. This downward trend reflects decreasing solar costs and program maturation. Once you enroll, your rate is locked for the full 15 or 20-year term regardless of future ceiling price changes.
| Program Year | Ceiling Price | YoY Change | Annual Cap | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PY2021 | $0.3425/kWh | - | 40 MW | Program expansion year |
| PY2022 | $0.3275/kWh | -4.4% | 40 MW | Incremental decrease |
| PY2023 | $0.3102/kWh | -5.3% | 40 MW | Moderate decrease |
| PY2024 | $0.2950/kWh | -4.9% | 40 MW | Standard decrease |
| PY2025 | $0.2861/kWh | -3.0% | 40 MW | Most recent completed year |
| PY2026 | $0.2723/kWh | -4.8% | 40 MW | Current year — enrollment opens April 1 |
| PY2027 (est.) | ~$0.26/kWh | ~-4.5% | 40 MW (est.) | Estimated — not yet published |
Rate trend: REG ceiling prices have dropped approximately 20% from PY2021 to PY2026. If this trend continues, PY2027 could be ~$0.26/kWh. Enrolling sooner locks in a higher rate for the full 15-year term. Each year of delay costs you approximately $0.01-$0.02/kWh on your locked rate.
REG replaces standard net metering credits. For most RI homeowners, REG is significantly more valuable because it pays for all production (not just exports) at a higher rate than post-April 2023 net metering.
| Feature | REG Program | Net Metering (Post-April 2023) |
|---|---|---|
| Payment Type | Fixed $/kWh production payment | Bill credits for exported electricity |
| Rate | $0.2723/kWh guaranteed | 80% of retail (~$0.232/kWh) for post-April 2023 systems |
| Duration | 15 years (residential) / 20 years (commercial) | Indefinite (as long as you have solar) |
| What It Pays For | All kWh generated (production-based) | Only excess kWh exported to grid |
| Rate Lock | Fixed for full term | Varies with utility rates |
| Stacking | Replaces net metering credits | Active by default |
| Application | Must apply during enrollment window | Automatic with interconnection |
| Annual Cap | 40 MW (fills quickly) | 125% of annual consumption |
REG typically delivers 40-60% more value than post-April 2023 net metering for most RI homeowners. REG pays on 100% of production at $0.2723/kWh, while net metering only credits excess exports at ~$0.232/kWh. However, REG requires applying during the enrollment window and has limited capacity.
These projections use RI average solar production of 1,213 kWh/kW/year at the PY2026 ceiling price of $0.2723/kWh with 0.5% annual degradation applied over the 15-year term.
| System Size | Annual Production | Annual REG Income | Monthly Average | 15-Year Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | 7,278 kWh | $1,982/yr | $165/mo | $28,340 |
| 8 kW (avg) | 9,704 kWh | $2,642/yr | $220/mo | $37,786 |
| 10 kW | 12,130 kWh | $3,303/yr | $275/mo | $47,233 |
| 15 kW | 18,195 kWh | $4,954/yr | $413/mo | $70,849 |
| 25 kW (max) | 30,325 kWh | $8,257/yr | $688/mo | $118,082 |
Full incentive stack: REG income shown above combines with the REF rebate ($0.65/W, up to $5,000), ConnectedSolutions battery revenue ($225/kW summer), property tax exemption (20 years), and sales tax exemption (7%). Even without the federal ITC (expired Dec 2025), RI solar economics remain strong thanks to this comprehensive state incentive stack.
The REG enrollment process is competitive. NuWatt manages the entire application on your behalf to maximize your chances of securing a spot in the annual allocation.
Complete your system design and sign your installation contract. NuWatt prepares your REG application package in advance of the enrollment window.
NuWatt submits your REG application to Rhode Island Energy as soon as the enrollment window opens. First-come-first-served — timing is critical.
Rhode Island Energy reviews your application, verifies system design, and confirms eligibility. Your ceiling price ($0.2723/kWh) is locked once approved.
NuWatt installs your solar system. You must complete installation within 12 months to maintain your REG enrollment.
Monthly REG production payments begin once your system is interconnected and generating electricity. Payments continue for the full 15-year term.
Do not wait until April to start. In recent years, REG residential capacity has been fully subscribed within weeks of the April 1 opening. If you wait until April to begin your solar process, your application may not be ready in time. Contact NuWatt by mid-March to ensure your application is prepared and ready to submit on opening day.
The Section 25D residential solar Investment Tax Credit expired December 31, 2025. Homeowners purchasing solar with cash or a loan receive $0 in federal tax credits. RI's REG program, REF rebate, and tax exemptions are now the primary financial drivers for Rhode Island solar.
Even after the federal ITC expired, the REG program makes RI one of the top solar markets in the country. A guaranteed $0.2723/kWh for 15 years, stacked with the REF rebate and tax exemptions, delivers a payback period of approximately 7-9 years for most RI homeowners.
Rhode Island has the most aggressive renewable electricity target in the country: 100% by 2033. The REG program is a cornerstone of this goal. Legislative support for the program remains strong, and annual capacity allocations are expected to continue or expand through at least 2030.
The PY2026 REG ceiling price for residential solar is $0.2723/kWh, guaranteed for 15 years. This rate is fixed at enrollment and does not change for the full term. Rates have been declining approximately 3-5% annually as the program matures, making earlier enrollment more valuable.
REG enrollment opens April 1 annually on a first-come-first-served basis. The program allocates approximately 40 MW per year for residential and small commercial systems. Capacity fills quickly — in recent years, the residential allocation has been fully subscribed within weeks. Apply early to secure your spot.
Yes. When you enroll in REG, your system receives REG production payments instead of net metering credits. REG pays on all kWh generated ($0.2723/kWh), while post-April 2023 net metering credits are worth approximately $0.232/kWh (80% of retail) and only apply to excess exported electricity. For most systems, REG is significantly more valuable than net metering because it pays for all production, not just exports.
Yes. REG production payments and the REF rebate ($0.65/W, up to $5,000) stack together. You can also add the $2,000 REF battery adder. This is one of the strongest incentive stacks available in any state. The REF rebate reduces your upfront cost while REG provides guaranteed production income for 15 years.
After your 15-year REG term expires, your system automatically transitions to standard net metering. At that point, you receive net metering bill credits for excess electricity exported to the grid. Your solar panels are still producing electricity (with some degradation) and will continue reducing your electric bill for their remaining useful life (typically 25-30+ years total).
This tracker is updated monthly. We monitor RI Office of Energy Resources announcements, Rhode Island Energy program filings, and PUC proceedings. Enrollment window dates, capacity status, and rate changes are reflected within 48 hours of official publication. Check the "Last Updated" date at the top for the most recent review.
REG ceiling prices are sourced from the Rhode Island Public Utilities Commission (PUC) annual program filings and the RI Office of Energy Resources. Prices reflect the maximum $/kWh rate available for each program year.
Program capacity data comes from Rhode Island Energy's REG program reports filed with the PUC. The 40 MW annual cap applies to the combined residential and small commercial allocation. Capacity status is updated as enrollment data becomes available after the April 1 opening.
Income projections use RI average solar production of 1,213 kWh/kW/year (based on NREL PVWatts for central Rhode Island) with 0.5% annual panel degradation. The 15-year total applies a cumulative degradation factor of approximately 14.3x annual production (vs. 15x with no degradation).
Net metering comparison uses the post-April 2023 credit rate of 80% of retail ($0.29 x 0.80 = $0.232/kWh) and assumes 60% of production is exported (industry standard for a well-sized system).
Update frequency: This tracker is reviewed and updated monthly. The data was last verified on February 15, 2026. Enrollment window dates, capacity updates, and rate changes are reflected within 48 hours of official publication by the RI PUC or Office of Energy Resources.
Current pricing by city and system size
Complete guide to going solar in Rhode Island
Detailed REG enrollment and application guide
REG enrollment opens April 1 and fills quickly. Sign with NuWatt before March 15 to ensure your application is ready on opening day. Lock in $0.2723/kWh for 15 years.