Rhode Island State Solar Power Rebates, Tax Credits, and Incentives

Narragansett Bay and the Newport Bridge

Solar Legislator Score:

STATE LEGISLATION

Among the earliest Colonists to arrive in America, those who settled in the colony of Rhode Island were probably the feistiest and most independent. By 1663 they had negotiated a charter with King Charles II establishing Rhode Island as a highly autonomous self-governing colony with religious freedom and recognized territorial claims. Theirs was the most generous charter to be issued by England, but pressure was growing in the Motherland to tighten up colonial control.

The colonists were reluctant to give up what they had achieved, and on May 4, 1776, Rhode Island became the first of the thirteen original colonies to break from British Rule and declare independence. The people of Rhode Island were also the first to engage in armed hostilities with the British. True to form, they were the last to ratify the Declaration of Independence, demanding that the Bill of Rights be added to guarantee individual freedoms. Rhode Island, in spite of its diminutive size, has obviously played a large role in shaping the history of this country, as well as their own destiny.

They continue to shape their own destiny in modern times in matters of energy independence. In April of 2007, Governor Donald L. Carcieri submitted Senate bill 943 to the General Assembly to create the Rhode Island Power Authority to drive alternative energy development. In 2004, the state had adopted a Renewable Portfolio Standard that calls for 20% of Rhode Island’s energy needs to be met by clean energy sources. It is an aggressive commitment, consistent with the array of individual incentive programs that encourage solar power development (see below). Rhode Island’s lawmakers have earned a Solar Legislator Score of “Excellent”. “Good”  because the rebate program has gone away.

STATE INCENTIVE PROGRAMS, UTILITY REBATES, UTILITY LOANS, and UTILITY INCENTIVES
Rhode Island has created a number of incentive programs to promote clean energy. Listed below are those that are applicable to solar power, with links to the Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency (DSIRE) which provide program details.

FINANCIAL INCENTIVES

Corporate Tax Credit

• Residential Renewable Energy Tax Credit (Corporate)

Personal Tax Credit

• Residential Renewable Energy Tax Credit (Personal)

Production Incentive

• People’s Power & Light – Renewable Energy Certificate Incentive

Property Tax Exemption

• Local Option – Property Tax Exemption for Renewable Energy Systems
• Solar Property Tax Exemption

Sales Tax Exemption

• Renewable Energy Sales Tax Exemption

Utility Rebate Program

• National Grid – Solar Thermal Rebate Program

RULES, REGULATIONS, AND POLICIES

Energy Standards for Public Buildings

• Green Building Standards for State Facilities

Interconnection

• National Grid (Narragansett) – Interconnection Guidelines

Net Metering Rules

• Rhode Island – Net Metering

Public Benefits Fund

• Public Benefits Fund

Renewables Portfolio Standard

• Renewable Energy Standard

Solar Access Law/Guideline

• Solar Easements

EXAMPLE RESIDENTIAL SOLAR INSTALLATION

Providence, the State Capitol, is also the largest city in Rhode Island. Electrical service is provided by Narragansett Electric (National Grid), a utility which serves 38 communities and 465,000 customers throughout the state. Rates are generally high throughout the New England area, and Rhode Island averages 13.04 cents/kWh applied to an average usage of about 7440 kWh/year. The solar rating here is “good”, but that is not the only reason why power from the sun is a good bet in this state.

To reduce dependence on conventional electricity by 50%, a Photovoltaic system will require 350 square feet of roof area, and equipment and installation costs will be approximately $22,500 (mid-range estimate) for a 3kW system. Now let’s look at what it will actually cost you after taking advantage of Rhode Island’s progressive solar incentive programs.

• Expected state rebate: $14,175 (no longer available! updated August 2009!!)
  
• State tax credit/deduction: $4,331
• Less income tax on state tax credit: ($1,213)
• Federal tax credit: $2,000 (now 30% of system cost so now $6,750!!!  However, this will also be taxed as income. Check with your tax advisor.)
  

Estimated NET COST: $12,632

• Increase in Property Value: $8,540
• 25-year Utility Savings: $17,918
• Greenhouse gas (CO2) saved over 25-year system life: 76.0 tons

CONSENSUS

Rhode Island has taken the “holistic” approach, and is tackling the state’s energy problems on a broad front. The previous example shows how a potential solar user can benefit significantly from just a couple of the state’s legislative actions. Keep up the good work, Rhode Island. ‘Nuff said.

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