Save money on your electricity bills, take advantage of federal tax credits and incentives for solar, increase the value of your home.
Support the local clean energy economy by creating local jobs.
Reduce your carbon foot and help Providence become a carbon neutral City, protecting the environment and public health.
City of Providence recognized by U.S. Department of Energy for solar-friendly policies
Providence was awarded a Silver SolSmart Designation, earning high-profile national recognition for the steps it has taken to reduce barriers to going solar. SolSmart is a national recognition and a no-cost technical assistance program for local governments, designed to drive solar adoption across the United States. Providence is the first community in Rhode Island and the sixth in New England to achieve a SolSmart designation, joining the ranks of 58 other communities across 25 states that have made it faster, easier, and cheaper to go solar. Read more here
Solar panels are allowed on homes and businesses everywhere in Providence. Start by getting your no-cost energy assessment to ensure you’re getting the best value. Then, consider options for using solar to provide electricity and heat for your home or business.
Guide to Going Solar
For more detailed information, check out our Guide to Going Solar in Providence and our Solar 101 resource guide. You can also look at the Rhode Island Residential Solar Guide from the Office of Energy Resources.
1. Consider your zone
If you are in a historic district or downtown, your plans will need an extra review. Click here to learn more.
2. Contact installers and schedule a solar assessment
Check out this list of solar installers or use services like EnergySage or Pick My Solar, which gives you competing solar quotes online for free.
3. Meet with installers and ask the right questions
SEIA has a handy Residential Consumer Guide to Solar Power that includes questions to ask solar companies.
Learn about your rights via the Interstate Renewable Energy Council’s (IREC’s) Clean Energy Consumer Bill of Rights.
4. Choose the best option and company for you
Learn more about your financing options and incentives
5. Go solar – celebrate your financial savings and the positive change you’re bringing to Rhode Island and the world!
For Installers
Welcome to the Rhode Island market! We’re grateful for the important work you are doing to help spread solar.
- Here is a Checklist for Solar PV Installations
- See National Grid’s information about interconnection here, including slides from a 2015 RI Distributed Generation Seminar.
- Learn more about the Renewable Energy Professional (REP) license and consider applying. Review these FAQ put together by the Office of Energy Resources (OER) and Department of Labor and Training (DLT) regarding what electricians and non-electricians can do on solar job sites
