Rhode Island Solar Incentives and Programs
We may be the smallest state, but we’re big on solar.
Find out how much you can save with the solar incentives and programs in our home state, Rhode Island.
Think you missed out on solar incentives? Think again. See how much you can save →
$1,240
Average Annual Savings
See immediate savings and watch them continue to stack up year after year.
40%
Lower Monthly Payment
Trade the unpredictable RI Energy bill for a lower, price-protected solar payment.
$0
Upfront Cost of Solar
With the incentives available in Rhode Island, the switch to solar is easy.
Rhodies Save
Rhode Island is taking the lead towards a sustainable future, powered by the sun. We’ve always been ahead with our environmental programs, so it’s no surprise that RI has some of the best solar incentives and rebates available. Let’s shine a light on the biggest solar savings in the country, right here in the ocean state.
How Solar Power Compares to Rhode Island Energy Rates
Rhode Island energy rates are increasing faster than the number of Newport tourists in the summertime. We may be the smallest state, but we pay big bucks for electricity – a whopping double the national average. And just when we thought it couldn’t get any worse, electric rates jumped 50% in the last 5 years.
But don’t sweat it, Rhode Island – solar power is here to save the day and help you take control of your energy costs.
Breaking Down an RI Electric Bill
48% of your bill is hidden fees and charges!
Delivery Charges...
Random, confusing charges like the “customer charge” and “energy efficiency program” make up 48% of your bill. Here are a couple key ones explained.
Distribution
Helps to support and maintain the poles, wires, and other infrastructure that gets the power from the main line to your home—makes 21% of your bill
Transmission
What the electric company charges you for transporting power from the supply source to local towers and lines—makes 14% of your bill
Finally—Actual Supply
And at last, we have the actual energy you’re buying. After all the other charges, supply only makes up 52% of your bill.
Solar Eliminates All These Charges
When you go solar, you no longer rely on the utility company to produce electricity—and no longer have to pay their ridiculous charges. Instead, you produce your own power with a low, locked-in solar rate.
Rhode Island Solar Incentives and Rebates
The ocean state has some of the best solar incentives and state-funded programs around.
Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC)
Leased and PPA systems qualify for the 30% federal investment tax credit, and that value comes to you as a lower lease payment or power rate, often a better deal than buying. There is no tax form to file and no tax liability needed on your end. To qualify, systems that begin construction after July 4, 2026 must be up and running by December 31, 2027, so timing matters.
If you buy your system with cash or a loan, your savings come from your electric bill and the state programs below. The homeowner version of the federal credit applied to systems installed through December 31, 2025.
Evergreen Solar offers cash, loans, leases, PPAs and prepaid PPAs, and we price them side by side for your home. See how each option works in 2026.
Property Tax Exemption for Renewable Energy Systems
Rhode Island homeowners are exempt from paying any additional property taxes on the added home value from their Rhode Island solar panel system.
Renewable Energy Sales Tax Exemption
Rhode Island homeowners are exempt from paying the normal 7% state sales tax on their solar panel system.
Rhode Island Renewable Energy Fund
Rhode Island’s Renewable Energy Fund offers grants for home solar. In the 2026 grant rounds, the small-scale solar grant pays $1.65 per watt, up to $14,500, plus a flat $5,000 when you add battery storage. Funding is first come, first served in each round, so timing your application matters.
Rhode Island Net Energy Metering
Rhode Islanders earn a utility credit for any energy that they overproduce. This credit can then be used to power your home at night and on cloudy days. This allows you to power your entire home without relying on solar batteries.
We took the complicated part and made it easy.
With a lease or PPA, today’s federal solar incentives are built into your price. We handle the mechanics behind the scenes so you can focus on the savings.
Let's see if your home qualifies for Rhode Island solar incentives.
Do you own your home?
Trusted by over 3,500 Northeast homeowners
Made-In-America Bonus Credit
Solar systems built with enough American-made equipment can earn their owner an extra federal bonus. While other companies may use panels made overseas, Evergreen’s panels are made in Georgia, USA.
Can you get free solar panels in Rhode Island?
While you can’t technically get “free” solar panels anywhere, they are “free” in the sense that you can expect to pay less for solar than you already do for electricity — and it costs nothing to make the switch.
So you’re swapping out an unpredictable and constantly increasing electric bill for a price protected solar payment that is usually about 40% lower. While it isn’t exactly “free”, it’s about as close as it gets.
Bundle Roof + Solar
and Get Your Roof
“On the House”
Solar makes so much sense in Rhode Island that you can actually get a full roof replacement when you switch to solar and still pay less than traditional electricity.
With our Roof + Solar Bundle, we handle everything under your solar project, saving you time and money.
