Small Scale Solar Grants (Commerce RI)
Administered by: Commerce RI
Quick Summary
The Small Scale Solar Grants program provides upfront cost reduction for residential solar photovoltaic systems (up to 7.69 kW) or domestic solar water heating systems through grants funded by Rhode Island's Renewable Energy Fund. Your chosen installer applies for the grant on your behalf, and once your project is approved, inspected, and completed, the grant payment goes directly to the installer to repay the discount they provided you upfront. You must have completed an energy audit before application and cannot participate if you're already enrolled in National Grid's RE Growth Program.
AI-generated summary • Updated 7/12/2026
Program Details
- Program ID
- 5361
- Effective Date
- 1/1/2013
- Last Updated
- 9/26/2025
Eligibility
Program Summary
Commerce Rhode Island provides financial grants for small scale solar photovoltaic systems and domestic solar water heating systems to help reduce energy costs and increase renewable energy adoption.
The program is funded by the Rhode Island Renewable Energy Fund (REF) and alternative compliance payments (ACPs) from the state’s renewable portfolios standard (RPS). The application for grants are solicited on a "Block" basis with specific application deadlines. EligibilityAll residential, business, affordable housing, non-profits, state facilities, and municipalities located in Rhode Island are eligible to apply for the grant. Systems that are directly owned are eligible. Customers participating in RE Growth Program offered by National Grid are not eligible to participate in the program. Grants are available for solar photovoltaic systems up to 7.69 kilowatts (kW) (anything above will receive the max) in capacity and domestic solar water-heating systems. There is also a flat adder available for programs with energy storage projects. Project owners must have conducted an energy audit prior to application submission.
Contact & Resources
Please verify current program details with the administering agency before making any financial decisions.