Energy (Solar) in Rhode Island

in committee · Rhode Island · Senate May 12, 2026

SB 3272: AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC UTILITIES AND CARRIERS -- RENEWABLE ENERGY STANDARD

Requires the electric distribution companies to offer system owner/operators 30 year contracts, with various terms including guaranteeing the delivery of net metering credits valued at $0.19, with an annual escalation of 2.75%.

Topics ✓ Energy

Sub-Topics Renewable Energy Solar

died · Rhode Island · Senate Apr 15, 2026

SB 2801: AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC UTILITIES AND CARRIERS -- SOLAR COST REDUCTION ACT

This bill creates a statewide automated permitting system to speed up the approval process for residential solar energy installations in Rhode Island. It requires the state to develop an online platform that automatically checks applications for code compliance and issues permits instantly without manual review for eligible systems up to 25 kilowatts. Municipalities must accept these automated permits or provide equivalent systems, while also establishing a centralized online repository of local solar regulations and offering remote inspection options by 2027. The system is designed to reduce paperwork requirements, eliminate unnecessary stamped drawings for smaller systems, and allow electronic submissions and signatures throughout the permitting process.

Topics ✓ Energy ✓ Technology

Sub-Topics Solar Social Media

died · Rhode Island · Senate Mar 31, 2026

SB 2762: AN ACT RELATING TO BUSINESSES AND PROFESSIONS -- RESIDENTIAL SOLAR ENERGY DISCLOSURE AND HOMEOWNERS BILL OF RIGHTS ACT

This bill amends the Residential Solar Energy Disclosure and Homeowners Bill of Rights Act to clarify definitions and improve disclosure requirements for solar energy agreements. It directly affects homeowners and solar retailers by updating standard forms used for lease and purchase agreements to include clearer details about costs, payment schedules, and customer responsibilities. The bill introduces a specific provision for catastrophic loss, allowing customers to temporarily suspend lease payments if their property becomes uninhabitable, though it does not cancel the remaining payments. Additionally, the legislation requires more transparent information on insurance responsibilities and potential federal tax credits in purchase agreements.

Topics ✓ Energy

Sub-Topics Solar

died · Rhode Island · House Apr 9, 2026

HB 7506: AN ACT RELATING TO TAXATION -- SALES AND USE TAXES -- LIABILITY AND COMPUTATION

HB 7506 exempts sales tax on batteries that store solar power for on-site use (behind-the-meter systems) when connected to solar photovoltaic installations. This directly affects homeowners, businesses, and property owners purchasing such battery systems for solar energy storage. The bill amends the state's sales tax code to add this exemption under existing tax categories, removing the sales tax burden specifically for these renewable energy storage components. It does not change tax rates for other items or create new requirements.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Energy ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Procurement Sales Tax Energy Storage Renewable Energy Solar

passed · Rhode Island · House Jun 9, 2026

HB 7726: AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC UTILITIES AND CARRIERS -- SOLAR COST REDUCTION ACT

HB 7726, the Solar Cost Reduction Act, streamlines permitting for residential solar installations by creating a statewide automated platform. It requires municipalities to adopt a "smart solar permitting platform" that instantly issues permits for compliant applications (like rooftop solar systems under 25 kW) without manual review, while banning additional engineering documentation for eligible projects. Homeowners and installers benefit from faster permits, electronic submissions, and remote inspection options by 2027, while municipalities retain authority over local fees and retain all permit revenue. The bill also establishes a public repository of all local solar ordinances to standardize requirements across the state.

Topics ✓ Energy

Sub-Topics Solar

died · Rhode Island · Senate Apr 15, 2026

SB 2658: AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC UTILITIES AND CARRIERS -- PORTABLE SOLAR GENERATION DEVICE

SB 2658 creates a new regulatory category for small portable solar generation devices used in residential settings. It directly affects homeowners who install these portable solar systems, clarifying how they interact with public utility regulations. The bill establishes specific rules for these devices under utility law, ensuring they are treated separately from larger residential or commercial solar installations. This provides a clear framework for utilities to manage connections and billing for portable systems without requiring major infrastructure changes. The bill focuses on defining the scope of these devices within existing utility frameworks.

Topics ✓ Energy ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Solar

in committee · Rhode Island · Senate Jan 23, 2026

SB 2229: AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION -- SCHOOL FUNDS AND PROPERTY

SB 2229 requires all Rhode Island school buildings to meet "zero energy capable" standards by December 31, 2037, meaning they must generate as much renewable energy as they consume annually. The Department of Education must develop regulations by June 30, 2027, to implement these standards, which align with the Northeast Collaborative for High Performance Schools (NE-CHPS) guidelines. The bill ensures local school districts can access state/federal funding for energy projects without penalties or reduced housing aid, and provides guidance for using federal tax incentives for solar installations. This applies to all new school construction and major renovations, directly affecting public schools across Rhode Island.

Topics ✓ Education ✓ Energy ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Renewable Energy Solar

in committee · Rhode Island · Senate Jan 23, 2026

SB 2219: AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT -- 2021 ACT ON CLIMATE

SB 2219 requires the state's climate council to study whether climate policies shift environmental impacts of carbon-free energy technologies (like solar panels and EV batteries) onto developing countries, including labor conditions, mining effects, and supply chain transparency. It mandates that solar permit applicants set aside funds for panel recycling at end-of-life and requires wind turbine blades to be disposed of or recycled within the state unless approved for off-site recycling. The bill also creates a renewable energy credit program allowing utilities to use tradable credits for clean energy goals, but prohibits credits for energy made with slave/child labor or certain hazardous materials. These provisions directly affect state agencies, energy developers, and manufacturers of carbon-free technology products.

Topics ✓ Energy ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Electric Vehicles Renewable Energy Solar Recycling

died · Rhode Island · House Mar 19, 2026

HB 7178: AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC UTILITIES AND CARRIERS -- SOLAR SITING ADVISORY TASKFORCE

Creates a taskforce to provide recommendations, advice and guidance to help expedite and provide technical assistance with regard to the development of solar energy systems on property owned by the state.

Topics ✓ Energy ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Solar

in committee · Rhode Island · Senate Jan 23, 2026

SB 2217: AN ACT RELATING TO TOWNS AND CITIES -- STATEWIDE MUNICIPAL SOLAR PERMIT

Requires as part of the solar permit application an assessment on carbon-neutral, a solar permit would only be approved if it was carbon neutral based on the assessment.

Topics ✓ Energy ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Solar

All energy bills