Solar in Rhode Island.
The highest solar production incentive in New England.
Your rate nearly doubled in 15 years.
Rhode Island's residential electric rate climbed from 17.5¢/kWh in 2010 to 31¢/kWh by 2025. A typical 8 kW rooftop solar system locks your rate at a fraction of today's grid price for the 30-year life of the array.
What an 8 kW REG solar install actually pays back.
An 8 kW REG-enrolled array on a Providence home produces ~9,200 kWh/yr at the locked Renewable Energy Growth ceiling rate of $0.34/kWh for 15 years. That payment, layered with the RI sales tax exemption and Section 48 ITC pass-through on lease/PPA, puts every kWh you generate to work for the next 15 years.
See the pieces of the stackRhode Island pays you per kWh produced.
REG's locked production payment puts cash in your pocket every month for 15 years. Four numbers tell the whole story.
Every rebate line, spelled out.
Current 2026 rebate amounts for Renewable Energy Growth (REG). Locked in at the time of pre-approval.
- REG ceiling rate (2026)$0.2723-0.3385/kWh
- Contract term15 or 20 years
- Typical 8 kW system lifetime payment~$45,000-60,000
- Net metering (alternative)80% of retail rate
- Renewable Energy Fund grantup to 25% of cost
- Sales tax exemption on solar equipment7% savings
From first call to permission to operate.
A typical Rhode Island residential solar install runs 10–14 weeks from site survey to grid interconnection. Permitting and inspection sit on most of that runway.
The honest FAQ.
Actual questions that come up in the first installer conversation, answered for a typical Rhode Island homeowner in 2026.
Should I pick REG or net metering?
For most RI homeowners, REG pays more over the contract life, but the decision is binding for the contract term. We model both scenarios during your design phase and show you the 20-year financial comparison before you commit.
What if RI Energy changes the REG rate later?
Your rate is locked at interconnection for the full contract term (15 or 20 years). Rate changes affect new enrollments only.
Are REG rates going up or down?
2026 rates ($0.27-0.34/kWh) are strong. Some pending legislation has proposed adjustments to REG, so apply early to lock in the current rate while it's available.
Other states and programs.
Looking for the same kind of program in another state, or a different program in yours? Tap any pill to jump.
Ready to see how Renewable Energy Growth (REG) applies to your home?
Your Home Efficiency Score shows your exact rebate stack, across this program and every other one you qualify for in 2026.
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