WattBuy’s Guide to

Solar Energy in
Rhode Island

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The State of Solar in Rhode Island

Here are a few numbers showing how popular solar energy is in Rhode Island and how much solar energy potential there is on average.

371

Houses with solar panels

(circa 2019)*

798 kWh

Average monthly energy use per household

7 kW

Average system size

683 kWh

Energy generated by average sized system

How much does solar cost in Rhode Island?

Average solar panel installation

$21,968

Federal Incentives

$6,591

Total

$15,377

Average monthly bill without solar

$229

Average monthly bill with solar

$33

Solar will pay for itself in

6 years
Tax Credits Available

Free money (kind of)

The Inflation Reduction Act has made it easier and more affordable than ever to go solar, thanks to a 30% federal tax credit. This means that for every $10,000 you spend on solar panels, you can deduct $3,000 from your federal taxes.

LEARN MORE
Net Metering Available

Get paid for the extra solar you produce

Net metering policies in Rhode Island can help solar panel owners save money and reduce their carbon footprint. When your solar panels generate more electricity than you use, you can send the excess back to the grid and receive credit on your next bill. Just something to keep in mind when considering solar panels.

Solar Incentives in Rhode Island

Renewable Energy Products Sales and Use Tax ExemptionSee Details
Local Option - Property Tax Exemption for Renewable Energy Systems
Small Scale Solar Grants (Commerce RI)See Details
Rhode Island C-PACE programSee Details
Renewable Energy Growth ProgramSee Details
Property Tax Exemption for Renewable Energy EquipmentSee Details

The Solar Process

Getting solar panels may seem complicated, but it doesn’t have to be. Here’s what you can expect.

1

Understand your energy needs

Take a closer look at your energy usage to determine how much solar power you'll require.

2

Get quotes and choose an installer

Reach out to multiple solar companies to gather quotes and select the one that best fits your needs and budget.

3

Design the system

Work with your chosen installer to design a solar system customized to your specific requirements and goals.

4

Obtain the necessary permit

Take care of the paperwork and permits required by local authorities before installing your solar panels.

This takes 3 days on average.

5

Install solar panels

Let the professionals handle the installation of your solar panels and related equipment.

This takes 9 days on average.

6

Inspection time

Have your newly installed solar system inspected to ensure it meets safety and quality standards.

This takes 13 days on average.

7

Lights on!

Connect your solar system to the electrical grid and start generating clean, renewable energy for your home or business.

This takes 3 days on average.

Solar Installers in Rhode Island

Bright Planet Solar

www.brightplanetsolar.com

Coverage

CA, CT, IL, MA, NH, NJ, RI, UT

Sunrun

sunrun.com

Coverage

AZ, CA, CO, CT, FL, HI, IL, MA, MD, NH, NJ, NM, NV, NY, PA, PR, RI, SC, TX, VA, VT, WI

Freedom Forever

freedomforever.com

Coverage

AK, AZ, CA, CO, CT, DE, FL, GA, ID, IL, MA, MD, ME, NC, NH, NJ, NM, NV, NY, OH, PA, RI, SC, TX, UT, VA, VT, WI

Trinity Solar

www.trinity-solar.com/locations-licenses

Coverage

CT, MA, MD, NJ, NY, PA, RI

Palmetto Solar

palmetto.com

Coverage

AZ, CA, CO, FL, GA, IL, MA, MD, MI, MO, NC, NJ, NV, OH, PA, RI, SC, TX, UT, VA

Tesla

tesla.com

Coverage

Nationwide

Learn About Solar in These Rhode Island Cities

BarringtonBristolCentral FallsCoventryCranstonCumberlandEast GreenwichEast ProvidenceExeterGlocesterJohnstonLincolnNorth KingstownNorth ProvidenceNorth SmithfieldPawtucketPortsmouthProvidenceScituateSmithfieldTivertonWarrenWarwickWest GreenwichWest WarwickWoonsocket

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*Source: Project Sunroof