Small Scale Solar Grants (Commerce RI)

March 23, 2023

Summary

Commerce Rhode Island provides financial grants for small scale solar photovoltaic systems and domestic solar water heating systems to help reduce energy costs and increase renewable energy adoption. The program is funded by the Rhode Island Renewable Energy Fund (REF) and alternative compliance payments (ACPs) from the state’s renewable portfolios standard (RPS). The application for grants are solicited on a "Block" basis with specific application deadlines.

Eligibility

All residential, business, affordable housing, non-profits, state facilities, and municipalities located in Rhode Island are eligible to apply for the grant. Systems that are directly owned (DO) and systems that are owned by Third Party (TPO) are both eligible. Customers participating in RE Growth Program offered by National Grid are not eligible to participate in the program.

Grants are available for solar photovoltaic systems up to 7.6 kilowatts (kW) (anything above will receive the max) in capacity and domestic solar water-heating systems. There is also a flat adder available for programs with energy storage projects. Project owners must have conducted an energy audit prior to application submittal.

Program Overview

Implementing Sector:	State
Category:	Financial Incentive
State:	Rhode Island
Incentive Type:	Grant Program
Web Site:	http://commerceri.com/finance-business/renewable-energy-fund/small-scale-projects/
Administrator:	Commerce RI
Start Date:	1/1/2013
Eligible Renewable/Other Technologies:	Solar Water Heat Solar Photovoltaics Lithium-ion
Incentive Amount:	Direct Ownership: $0.65/W Energy Storage Adder: $2,000/project
Maximum Incentive:	Direct Ownership: $5,000 per project, $140,000 per application. Energy Storage Adder: $2,000 per project
Equipment Requirements:	Maximum system size of 7.6 kW
Installation Requirements:	Applicant must be approved by Commerce RI

Incentives

This program has 2 incentives

Technologies:	Solar Water Heat, Solar Photovoltaics
Sectors:	Commercial, Local Government, Nonprofit, Residential, State Government, Installers/Contractors, Multifamily Residential, Low Income Residential, Integrators
Parameters:	The system has a minimum of 7.60 kW, The incentive is 0.65 $/W

Technologies:	Lithium-ion
Sectors:	Commercial, Local Government, Nonprofit, Residential, State Government, Installers/Contractors, Multifamily Residential, Low Income Residential, Integrators
Parameters:	The incentive is 2000.00 $

Authorities

Name:

RIGL §42-64-13.2

Contact

Name:	Renewable Energy Fund Small-Scale Program
Organization:	RI Commerce Corporation
Address:
Phone:	(140) 127-8910
Email:	REF@commerceri.com

This information is sourced from DSIRE; the most comprehensive source of information on incentives and policies that support renewables and energy efficiency in the United States. Established in 1995, DSIRE is operated by the N.C. Clean Energy Technology Center at N.C. State University.