Policies & Incentives
Please click on the blue links for more detailed information about these policies from the U.S. Department of Energy's Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency.
Energy Standards for State Facilities
RI enacted legislation (S.B. 232) in November 2009 which requires that public building construction projects 5,000 or more square feet & public building renovation projects of 10,000 or more square feet comply with the U.S. Green Building Council's LEED certification (dsireusa.org).
Net Metering Rules
This electricity policy is for consumers with somewhat small renewable energy facilities such as solar panels or wind turbines and enables customers producing their own energy to turn back their meters when excess electricity is created. Net metering increases the value of electricity by allowing consumers to ultimately "bank" their energy for future usage (apps3.eere.energy.gov). Rhode Island allows net metering for systems up to five megawatts (MW) (dsireusa.org).
Public Benefits Fund
Created by RI's 1996 Utilities Restructuring Act, the PBF is supported by a surcharge on consumer's electric & gas bills used to fund the state's renewable energy programs.
Solar Access Law/Guideline
The State of Rhode Island allows property owners to establish solar easements the same way it is established in an interest in real property. The easements have to be in writing and must include a descrption of the property, description of the angles & 3-D space involved, the terms that the easement may be granted or terminated, and any compensation provisions of the property owner.
Renewable Portfolio Standard
Established in the summer of 2004, the Renewable Energy Standard (RES) requires Rhode Island retail electricity providers to supply 16% of their retail electricity from renewable energy sources by the end of 2012.
Energy Standards for State Facilities
RI enacted legislation (S.B. 232) in November 2009 which requires that public building construction projects 5,000 or more square feet & public building renovation projects of 10,000 or more square feet comply with the U.S. Green Building Council's LEED certification (dsireusa.org).
Net Metering Rules
This electricity policy is for consumers with somewhat small renewable energy facilities such as solar panels or wind turbines and enables customers producing their own energy to turn back their meters when excess electricity is created. Net metering increases the value of electricity by allowing consumers to ultimately "bank" their energy for future usage (apps3.eere.energy.gov). Rhode Island allows net metering for systems up to five megawatts (MW) (dsireusa.org).
Public Benefits Fund
Created by RI's 1996 Utilities Restructuring Act, the PBF is supported by a surcharge on consumer's electric & gas bills used to fund the state's renewable energy programs.
Solar Access Law/Guideline
The State of Rhode Island allows property owners to establish solar easements the same way it is established in an interest in real property. The easements have to be in writing and must include a descrption of the property, description of the angles & 3-D space involved, the terms that the easement may be granted or terminated, and any compensation provisions of the property owner.
Renewable Portfolio Standard
Established in the summer of 2004, the Renewable Energy Standard (RES) requires Rhode Island retail electricity providers to supply 16% of their retail electricity from renewable energy sources by the end of 2012.
Financial Incentives
Corporate Tax Credit
Tax credit for installation of photovoltaic systems is 25% of the system cost and can only be used on residential installations. The credit is available to the business that funds the system's installation.
Property Tax Exemption
Renewable energy systems can be exempt by cities and towns from property taxation. Rhode Island law states that certain residential solar-energy systems cannot be assessed at a value greated than a conventional heating system.
Sales Tax Exemption
Renewable energy quipment and systems are exempt from sales and use tax in Rhode Island.
Tax credit for installation of photovoltaic systems is 25% of the system cost and can only be used on residential installations. The credit is available to the business that funds the system's installation.
Property Tax Exemption
Renewable energy systems can be exempt by cities and towns from property taxation. Rhode Island law states that certain residential solar-energy systems cannot be assessed at a value greated than a conventional heating system.
Sales Tax Exemption
Renewable energy quipment and systems are exempt from sales and use tax in Rhode Island.