State Overview

Rhode Island

National Solar Capacity Ranking: 31st

Data Current Through: Q3 2024

 

Rhode Island State Solar Overview

Just The Facts

  • Solar Installed (MW):

    1,111

  • National Ranking:

    31st (23rd in 2023)

  • Enough Solar Installed to Power:

    205,916 homes

  • Percentage of State's Electricity from Solar:

    12.61%

  • Solar Jobs:

    1,396

  • Solar Companies in State:

    30 (11 Manufacturers, 11 Installers/Developers, 8 Others)

  • Total Solar Investment in State:

    $1.8 billion

  • Prices have fallen:

    37% over the last 10 years

  • Growth Projection and Ranking:

    902 MW over the next 5 years (ranks 42nd)

  • Number of Installations:

    22,913

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Rhode Island State Solar Policy Resources

Rhode Island Energy Storage Policy and Market Overview

The energy storage market in Rhode Island is making considerable progress deploying systems across many sectors. Efficient action from the state legislature and regulatory agencies, inclusive funding opportunities, and net metering will be incremental to attaining the state’s energy storage procurement mandate.

In 2020, the state’s longstanding Renewable Energy Fund added energy storage in solar funding opportunities and kickstarted solar-plus-storage growth. Recent regulatory adaptations require that the Rhode Island Public Utilities Commission set new tariff rates for storage, further incentivizing growth. In 2024, Rhode Island codified an energy storage procurement target set at 195 MW by 2028 (Energy Storage Systems Act). The state has an energy storage capacity of 8.5 MW-AC and 0.5 MW-AC residential and C&I storage capacity, respectively.

The ConnectedSolutions incentive program, also available in Massachusetts, is a key indicator of a regional policy spillover. State incentives, grants, and net metering are ensuring storage system deployments is prime for growth and delivers equitable and affordable energy.

 

Rhode Island Energy Storage Policy Resources