Rhode Island REF Grant: Up to $19,500 Toward Your Solar

Free state money for Rhode Island homeowners. Not a loan.

The Rhode Island Renewable Energy Fund (REF) Small-Scale Program, run by the Rhode Island Commerce Corporation with the Office of Energy Resources, gives homeowners a grant toward a new solar system. Pair solar with a battery and the grant can reach up to $19,500.

How Much You Can Get (2026 Funding Levels)

  • Solar: $1.65 per watt (DC), up to $14,500 per project. Systems around 8.8 kW and larger get the full $14,500.
  • Battery bonus: a flat $5,000 Energy Storage Adder when a qualifying battery is installed with your REF-funded solar.
  • Solar + battery maximum: $14,500 + $5,000 = up to $19,500.

Example: a 6 kW system earns about $9,900 (6,000 W x $1.65). A 9 kW system earns the $14,500 max. Add a qualifying battery to either and add $5,000.

Who Qualifies

  • Rhode Island homeowners (you must own the property)
  • New solar that has not been installed before the grant is approved
  • Net-metered systems that you own (direct ownership). Leased systems and REG projects are not eligible, and REF and REG cannot be combined.
  • A shade score (TSRF) of 80% or higher
  • Batteries must meet Rhode Island Energy ConnectedSolutions technical requirements and be enrolled in (or formally opted out of) that program

How It Works

Your installer applies to REF on your behalf. Once your system is installed, inspected and passes a quality check, the grant is paid to the installer and applied to your project price, so it comes off what you pay. Your contract should show the grant amount and include a cancellation option in case the round fills up.

Steps

  1. Free site visit and shade analysis
  2. We design your system and show the grant amount right in your quote
  3. We submit your REF application in the next open round
  4. After approval, we install, and handle permits and inspection
  5. REF processes the completion paperwork and the grant comes off your cost

Funding Rounds

REF funding is limited and opens in rounds (2026 rounds opened May 1, July 17 and October 16). Rounds can close early when funds run out, so it pays to get your paperwork ready early. Ask us about the next open round.

FAQ

Is this a loan or a tax credit?

Neither. It is a grant and you do not pay it back.

Do I have to apply myself?

No. We prepare and file everything for you.

Can I get the grant if I lease?

No. REF is for systems you own. If you want $0 down, ask about our Propel option instead.

Do I need a battery?

No. The battery is optional, but it adds $5,000 and gives you backup power.

Can I start installing before approval?

No. Installing before approval makes the project ineligible.

Official Sources

Funding levels are set by Commerce RI and may change. Awards depend on eligibility, approval and available funds.

Talk to a Local Installer

Local Solar and Electric is a locally owned, owner-installed solar and electrical company based in Warwick, RI, serving Rhode Island and Southeastern Massachusetts.

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