Net Metering in Rhode Island (2026)
Rhode Island uses Retail net metering (1:1). Rhode Island offers retail-rate net metering (or its Renewable Energy Growth performance tariff), and very high rates make solar compelling.
| Policy type | Retail net metering (1:1) |
|---|---|
| Export compensation | Full retail-rate credit for exported kWh |
| Retail electricity rate | ~30¢/kWh |
| Est. annual production per kW | ~1,250 kWh/kW/yr |
Policy status reflects the statewide standard as of 2026. Actual export rates and program caps vary by utility — confirm with your provider.
What this means for your payback
Because Rhode Island credits exports at the full retail rate (~30¢/kWh), the grid effectively acts as a free battery: every kWh you send out offsets a kWh you later pull back. That keeps payback short and makes a home battery optional rather than essential — you add storage mainly for backup power, not to rescue your economics.
2026 reality check: the 30% federal tax credit for purchased home solar ended Dec 31, 2025. With that gone, net metering — which Rhode Island still offers at retail rates — plus any state incentives are now the main levers on your solar ROI. Run the numbers on your actual utility bill before signing anything.
See full solar costs & payback for Rhode Island
Solar panel cost in Rhode Island →Rhode Island net metering FAQ
Does Rhode Island have net metering?
Yes. Rhode Island offers retail-rate net metering, so exported solar is credited at roughly the same ~30¢/kWh you pay for grid power.
What is Rhode Island's solar export rate?
At the full retail rate — about 30¢/kWh in Rhode Island — so a kWh sent to the grid offsets a kWh you buy back later.
Do I need a battery to make solar worth it in Rhode Island?
Not for economics — Rhode Island's retail net metering lets the grid store your excess for you. A battery is worth adding if you want backup power during outages.
Is solar still worth it in Rhode Island now that the federal tax credit is gone?
Often, yes. The 30% federal credit for purchased systems ended Dec 31, 2025, so Rhode Island's retail net metering (1:1) plus any state incentives are now the main drivers of payback. At ~30¢/kWh and about 1,250 kWh produced per kW each year, run the numbers on your own bill before deciding.