Beat rising utility rates
Solar in Rhode Island
Considering going solar in Rhode Island?
Rhode Island residents are no strangers to high electricity bills, despite energy efficiency upgrades and reducing energy consumption. With Sunrun, there’s a better way to power your home and take control of your electric bill. Rhode Island solar panels allow you to tap into a local source of power with affordable, predictable rates without needing to compromise on your monthly energy consumption. When the sun is shining, your solar panel system provides solar generation, and the power generated goes straight to running your home. Because your solar panel company will size your solar system to meet your average usage, you can produce electricity that significantly offsets what you pull from your utility company. This makes home solar systems an intelligent addition to a home’s portfolio of energy resources.
The little state has big benefits for managing your energy bills. When your solar panels produce more power than your home needs at the moment, that extra solar energy generated is automatically sent onto the New England electric grid. This process, called net metering, ensures you get credit on your utility account for the excess energy shared with the grid. These credits can then be used to offset your future electricity bills when your panels aren't generating enough (like at night). However, the value of the bill credits received from specific net metering programs can vary. Despite what types of credits Rhode Island offers, you can still maximize your system’s excess generation by using battery storage.
Rhode Island homeowners can future-proof their homes against grid disruptions with stored solar power. This can be accomplished by adding a solar battery to your solar panel system. Having solar batteries means the power generated by your panels can be stored locally for when the sun sets or if the New England electric grid is experiencing an outage. This is more than just backup power; Rhode Island offers the ConnectedSolutions program, which can actually provide compensation for allowing the utility to access your stored power during times of peak energy demand on the grid². Ready to explore what a solar energy system can do for your family? As America’s #1 home solar and battery storage company, we're here to make your switch effortless.
Go solar in RI
Upgrade your home with a solar system and battery storage, and get expert installation from America’s #1 provider.
Powering Rhode Island: Easy Process. Better technology. Happy customers.
*Actual savings vary by customer
Sunrun Subscription Plan vs. solar panels ownership
Our solar lease subscription plan offers predictable, affordable rates for as little as $0 down in upfront costs, or you could purchase solar panels outright.
Sunrun Subscription Plan
Leasing solar panels
Benefits
- Predictable, affordable payments
- Protect against rising utility costs
- Extended Sunrun warranties including workmanship and energy production guarantee for life of contract, 10 year roof penetration warranty, 24/7 system monitoring
Who maintains?
- Sunrun owns and maintains
- Plan transfers to new owners if you sell your home
Payments
- $0 to little down
- Locked in monthly solar lease
Solar panels ownership
Purchasing solar panels
Benefits
- Own your system outright
- Protect against rising utility costs
- Manufacturer's equipment warranties, 10 year workmanship guarantee, and 10 year roof penetration warranty
Who maintains?
- I service and care for my system myself
- Transfers to new owners if you sell your home
Payments
- Full system cost (cash upfront)
A home battery system is more crucial now than ever in Rhode Island
Power when you need it most
Keep your home running smoothly during outages
Control energy costs effectively
FAQs
Why should I choose Sunrun out of all the Rhode Island solar companies?
Sunrun stands out among solar companies in Rhode Island by providing reliable solar installation and maintenance homeowners can trust. Unlike many solar companies out there, Sunrun is here to stay. As the pioneer of the solar subscription, we boast the longest track record in the industry and support over 1 million customers. Backed by our position as the largest residential solar and storage provider in the U.S., Sunrun combines national reach with a local touch.
While we are a national solar company, in Rhode Island we have local teams who are expert battery and solar installers. At the national level we are able to provide 24/7 system monitoring for all Sunrun Solar Subscription customers and if you need to sell your home, we easily transfer systems to new buyers to start them on their own solar energy journeys. The best solar installers don’t just take care of you during installation, but for the lifetime of your contract. With Sunrun you’ll experience an unmatched combination of expertise, customer service, and product warranty and performance guarantees.
Are renewable energy solar incentives, such as the federal tax credit, available?
For those seeking to own residential solar energy systems, the 30% Residential Clean Energy federal solar tax credit may help offset the large upfront investment. This federal tax credit will no longer be available for systems installed after 2025.
While the consumer solar incentives tied to the Inflation Reduction Act and the Investment Tax Credit are being discontinued, for many homeowners, an outright solar investment was still not the right lifestyle fit or financial decision when those credits were available. The Sunrun Solar Subscription solves for this by potentially providing customers with savings without the initial expenses and personal responsibility of solar energy system ownership.
Sunrun does not currently participate in Rhode Island’s solar incentives such as the Renewable Energy Growth Program (REG).
What is the average cost of a Rhode Island solar installation?
In Rhode Island, the cost of solar installations itself can be as little as $0 down for qualifying homeowners. Just like you don’t pay a utility company to install powerlines, with the Sunrun Solar Subscription, we install solar panels at little to no upfront cost, and you pay a fixed monthly rate for the energy they produce over 25 years—replacing part of your utility bill.
If you choose to purchase your home solar system, installation costs will depend on various factors, including the number of panels being installed, what additional equipment you select–such as a backup battery, and any applicable incentives you may be eligible for and can utilize. The best way to understand solar project costs is to meet with one of our local Rhode Island energy consultants. A Sunrun representative will assess your home and energy usage and provide you with a customized quote.
Should I include battery storage when installing solar panels?
The short answer is yes, you absolutely should add solar storage to your system. While solar panels are great for providing a home energy alternative and helping you take control of your electric bills, adding a battery offers some pretty powerful benefits.
Here’s the bright side of adding a battery:
Power through outages: With only solar panels, your system is designed to shut down when the grid goes out to protect utility workers making repairs. This means your home loses power, even if the sun is shining. A battery, however, provides powerful outage protection. It stores the excess generation from your panels during the day and keeps your essential lights and appliances running when the grid is down. The battery can even recharge using your solar panels if the outage lasts for days.
Use your own power, day and night: Without a battery, you can only use your solar power as it's being produced. A battery lets you store the extra power your solar panels produce during the day and use it whenever you want—even at night when the sun goes down. This increases your energy independence from the grid and can lead to more predictable bills.
Maximize your potential savings: In many areas, utilities charge more for electricity during "peak rate" hours. A battery allows you to use your stored solar power during these expensive times instead of drawing from the grid, which helps you maximize your potential savings on your electricity bill.
While a battery isn’t required, it’s a smart way to get peace of mind and more control over your home's energy. To find out what makes the most sense for your home, talk to a Sunrun expert who can help you explore your options.
Sources
1. https://www.eia.gov/electricity/data/browser/#/topic/7?agg=1,0&geo=vvvvvvvvvvvvo&endsec=8&linechart=ELEC.PRICE.US-RES.A~ELEC.PRICE.RI-RES.A&columnchart=ELEC.PRICE.US-RES.A&map=ELEC.PRICE.US-RES.A&freq=A&start=2001&end=2024&ctype=linechart<ype=pin&rtype=s&pin=&rse=0&maptype=0 (As of 2024)
2. https://energy.ri.gov/renewable-energy/energy-storage/connectedsolutions (Enrollments will be approved until July 1, 2026, or until capacity is reached.)
3. https://climatechange.ri.gov/sites/g/files/xkgbur481/files/documents/noaa-climate-rhode-island-state-summary.pdf