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Sunwatt Solar

Incentives

     Rhode Island and Massachusetts both offer programs to help residents meet their renewable energy goals.  Because incentive rates change and eligibility requirements vary from state to state it's important to keep up with the latest developments.  At Sunwatt we pride ourselves on understanding which local, state and federal programs will apply to each project and project site.  Our goal is to provide you with the best return on your solar investment - the most efficient system at the best possible price.

Current solar PV incentives include:

  • RI Renewable Energy Fund Grant (residential and commercial).
  • RI REG Tariff Program.
  • RI Energy Storage Rebate Program
  • AG Energy Grants (for farmers and rural small businesses).

Solar & Storage Incentives Rhode Island

Available to all Rhode Island Energy customers                        (residential and commercial)

  • Net-Metering
  • Renewable Energy Fund Grant
  • Renewable Energy Growth Program
  • Energy Storage Rebate Program
  • Grants for Farms and Small Business 

Net-Metering                                                                                  Net metering allows the meter to “spin backwards” when solar power is produced, but not immediately needed for on-site use. This additional energy is sent out to the grid and credited to your electric account. The ideal solar energy system creates a reserve of bill credits in the summer which cover usage during evening hours and the shorter/colder days of winter.

Renewable Energy Fund Grant                                                The Rhode Island Office of Energy Resources/ Commerce RI sponsors a grant for home and business owners. Calculated by system size, residential and commercial customers could receive funding that offsets up to $14,500 of project cost based on system size. Eligible sites must have a TSRF (Total Solar Resource Fraction – equation comprised of roof tilt, azimuth, orientation and shading) of 80%, which is determined in the design phase. If your site qualifies, the amount of your grant award is subtracted from the upfront cost to be recouped by Sunwatt Solar post installation. All REF projects are reviewed by a 3rd party firm after installation ensuring only well designed and built systems receive funding.

Renewable Energy Growth Program                         

Rhode Island Energy offers a production-based incentive for customers paying a fixed rate per kilowatt produced. Rather than serving the on-site electric loads, all power generated by a solar array is sent directly out to the grid and account holders receive a monthly payment from the utility. REG Program users are NOT eligible for the REF Grant. 

Energy Storage Rebate Program

Offered through the Rhode Island Office of Energy Resources this program offers rebates for the installation of behind-the-meter residential energy storage systems. The base incentive is $250/kWh in nameplate battery capacity maxing out at $8,000 (32kWh system size) per project. Funded by proceeds from the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, this new program is administered first-come, first served basis so take advantage while the money is available!

 

For RI Farmers

Farm Energy Grant Program                                                      The RI DEM offers this grant to eligible farmers to help ‘green’ their businesses and take advantage of the cost and energy savings from using renewable energy. REG Program users are NOT eligible for the Farm Energy Grant.

For Farmers and Rural Small Business

USDA Rural Energy for America Program (REAP)                  The REAP Grant is available to farmers and rural small business owners for renewable energy systems. Recipients may be eligible for funds covering up to 25% of overall project costs. This grant may be used in conjunction with the RI REF Grant and the Farm Energy Grant and is also available to REGrowth Program recipients.

RIMap

Solar Incentives Massachusetts

MAMap

Available to National Grid, Eversource and Unitil customers (residential and commercial)

  • Net-Metering
  • MA Personal Income Tax Credit
  • Grants for Farms and Small Businesses

Net-Metering                                                                                    A net-meter allows the meter to “spin backwards”.  When power is produced but not immediately needed for use it is sent out to the grid and credited to your electric account. This creates a reserve which covers usage during evening hours and the shorter days of winter.

MA Personal Income Tax Credit                                                  A credit of $1000 or 15% of qualifying project costs, whichever is less

 For MA Farmers

Agricultural Energy Grant Program (ENER)                      ENER offers two grant programs: the Traditional Ag-Energy Grant and the new Ag-Energy Special Projects Grant. Both are available to help promote greater sustainability, improve energy efficiency and encourage the adoption of alternative energy by Massachusetts farms.

For Farmers and Rural Small Business

USDA Rural Energy for America Program (REAP)               The REAP Grant is available to farmers and rural small business owners to help with the purchase of a renewable energy system. Recipients may be eligible for funds covering up to 25% of overall project costs. This grant may be used in conjunction with the Farm Energy Grant and eligible SMART participants.