Community solar lets you support local solar energy without putting panels on your roof. If you get power from Rhode Island Energy, you may be able to subscribe to a nearby project. This guide explains how it works in Rhode Island and what to look for before you join.

What community solar is (and is not)

Community solar is a shared solar project. You subscribe to a portion of a larger solar farm. The project sends bill credits to your utility account based on your share.

Nothing is installed at your home. No panels, no roof work, no equipment. Rhode Island Energy keeps delivering your electricity on the same wires you already use.

To subscribe, you need an electric account in your own name with a participating utility. Renters can join if the account is in their name.

How it works in Rhode Island

Rhode Island uses a structure called Community Remote Net Metering (CRNM). In CRNM, a participating solar project sends credits to subscribers’ electric accounts. Rhode Island Energy (formerly National Grid in Rhode Island) applies those credits on your Rhode Island Energy bill.

How the subscription itself is billed depends on the project. Each project provides a disclosure form that explains the billing method and timing for subscription charges. Some projects invoice you directly. Others may use different billing arrangements. Always read the disclosure form so you know how you will be billed.

Credits, subscription charges, and savings

It helps to separate credits from subscription charges:

  • Credits: These appear on your Rhode Island Energy bill. They reduce a portion of what you owe to the utility.
  • Subscription charges: This is what you pay the project for your share. The project’s disclosure form explains how and when you are billed.

Here is how savings generally work. Subscribers pay less for the subscription than the solar credits are worth. Credits cover part of your utility bill, so any discount applies to the credits, not the whole bill. Savings depend on the state, utility, and the project you join.

For current program notes and openings in the Ocean State, see our Rhode Island overview on the Rhode Island state page.

Eligibility in Rhode Island today

You can subscribe if you have a Rhode Island Energy electric account in your own name. Renters can be eligible when the utility account is in the renter’s name.

State law calls for a redesigned community solar program with space for low- and moderate-income and disadvantaged-community residents. It has not been confirmed as launched, so there is no separate income-qualified discount right now. If you are income-qualified, you can still check available projects and see if one is open to you based on its rules.

If you are unsure about your eligibility, you can check your eligibility with our quick form. It asks a few simple questions so we can match you with projects that serve your utility.

What to review before you subscribe

Take a few minutes to read the details. Look for:

  • Billing method for the subscription. The disclosure form explains how you will be billed for your subscription.
  • Pricing terms for the credits. Understand how your subscription cost relates to the value of the credits.
  • Where credits appear. Credits show up on your Rhode Island Energy bill.
  • Support contacts. Keep the project’s customer service information handy in case you have questions later.

You can also explore the Rhode Island Solar Marketplace, which lists solar options in the state. It is a helpful way to see how community solar fits into Rhode Island’s clean energy efforts.

For a simple walkthrough and current openings, use our Rhode Island state page. When you are ready, you can check eligibility online to see if a project serving Rhode Island Energy has space.

Common questions from Rhode Island Energy customers

  • Will anything be installed at my home? No. Community solar does not require panels or equipment at your home.
  • Will my utility change? No. Rhode Island Energy keeps delivering your electricity and maintains the lines.
  • When will credits start? A participating project sends credits to subscribers’ accounts. You will see credits on your Rhode Island Energy bill once the project is applying them.
  • How much will I save? Subscribers pay less for the subscription than the solar credits are worth. Credits cover part of your bill, so any discount applies to the credits, not the whole bill. Actual savings depend on your project and utility.
  • Is there a special discount for income-qualified households? State law calls for a redesigned program that makes space for low- and moderate-income and disadvantaged-community residents, but it has not been confirmed as launched. There is no separate income-qualified discount right now.

Community solar in Rhode Island is designed to be simple. You keep your utility, nothing is installed at home, and credits appear on your Rhode Island Energy bill. When you review the disclosure form and know how billing works, you can decide if a project is a good fit for you.