Rhode Island's REG program in 2026: how it pays

The short answer

REG is a Rhode Island program that pays you for each kWh your panels make. Home systems up to 15 kW31.55¢31.55¢ per kWh for 15 yearsREG pay rate: systems up to 15 kW, 15-year termFor the program year April 2026 to March 2027. Your rate is locked in for the full term once you enroll.RI Energy, RE Growth Solicitation and Enrollment Process Rules for Small-Scale Solar (effective 4/1/2026)Schedule 2, 'Small-Scale Solar I (>0-15 kW DC)', page 12Verified Sep 28, 2026 get 31.55¢ per kWh31.55¢31.55¢ per kWh for 15 yearsREG pay rate: systems up to 15 kW, 15-year termFor the program year April 2026 to March 2027. Your rate is locked in for the full term once you enroll.RI Energy, RE Growth Solicitation and Enrollment Process Rules for Small-Scale Solar (effective 4/1/2026)Schedule 2, 'Small-Scale Solar I (>0-15 kW DC)', page 12Verified Sep 28, 2026 for 15 years31.55¢31.55¢ per kWh for 15 yearsREG pay rate: systems up to 15 kW, 15-year termFor the program year April 2026 to March 2027. Your rate is locked in for the full term once you enroll.RI Energy, RE Growth Solicitation and Enrollment Process Rules for Small-Scale Solar (effective 4/1/2026)Schedule 2, 'Small-Scale Solar I (>0-15 kW DC)', page 12Verified Sep 28, 2026. Your rate is locked once you enroll. REG takes the place of net metering. You can't also get the state grant. Apply by March 31, 2027March 31, 2027Last day to apply for REG this yearOr sooner, when the statewide program fills. A complete application is due by 4 p.m. Eastern.RI Energy, 2026 Small-Scale Solar RE Growth Program one-pagerHow It Works, bullet 4Verified Sep 28, 2026, or sooner if it fills.

REG stands for Renewable Energy Growth. A kWh is the unit your bill counts power in.

How much does REG pay?

It depends on the size of your system. A kW is how solar systems are sized.

The size of your system sets the term. You don't choose it. These rates are for the program year from April 2026 to March 2027. Once you enroll, your rate stays the same for the whole term.

For comparison, net metering credited 27.553¢ per kWh27.553¢27.553¢ per kWh (Oct 2026, standard home rate A-16)Home solar credit per kWh, standard home rate A-16This changes when supply rates change. It shows on your bill as the renewable generation credit.RI Energy, Addendum to RIPUC Tariff No. 2095, Net Metering Credit by Rate Class, Oct 2026For the Month of October 2026. Row (21) Renewable Net Metering Credit, column A-16 (Fixed LRS): $(0.27553)Verified Oct 28, 2026 on the standard home rate in October 2026. That credit moves when power prices move. The REG rate does not.

Is there a cap or a deadline?

Yes, both. REG has 3 MW3 MW3 MW (DC) for the whole stateTotal room in REG for small solar this yearFirst come, first served, across the whole state.RI Energy, RE Growth Solicitation and Enrollment Process Rules for Small-Scale Solar (effective 4/1/2026)Schedule 1, Approved Small-Scale Solar Annual MW Target (Small-Scale Solar I and II combined)Verified Sep 28, 2026 of room for small solar this program year, for the whole state. That is the size of every system it takes, added up. Room goes first come, first served.

A complete application is due by March 31, 2027March 31, 2027Last day to apply for REG this yearOr sooner, when the statewide program fills. A complete application is due by 4 p.m. Eastern.RI Energy, 2026 Small-Scale Solar RE Growth Program one-pagerHow It Works, bullet 4Verified Sep 28, 2026, at 4 p.m. EasternMarch 31, 2027Last day to apply for REG this yearOr sooner, when the statewide program fills. A complete application is due by 4 p.m. Eastern.RI Energy, 2026 Small-Scale Solar RE Growth Program one-pagerHow It Works, bullet 4Verified Sep 28, 2026. It closes sooner if the statewide program fills.

Does REG replace net metering?

Yes. REG replaces net metering. You get one or the other.REG replaces net metering. You get one or the other.Does REG work with net metering?A system already on net metering can't join REG. Ask in writing who receives REG's cash part; RI Energy's documents differ on it.RI Energy, RE Growth Program Tariff for Residential Customers, RIPUC No. 2151-M (effective 4/1/2026)Sheets 6-7, project segmentation paragraphVerified Sep 28, 2026 For the whole term, a REG system gets the REG rate instead of net metering credits. A system already on net metering can't join REG. How net metering works.

Who gets the money?

REG splits its pay. You get a bill credit for power you use, and the rest is paid in cash. RI Energy's rules say the cash goes to you as the customer, but its flyer says the applicant, so get it in writing.You get a bill credit for power you use, and the rest is paid in cash. RI Energy's rules say the cash goes to you as the customer, but its flyer says the applicant, so get it in writing.Who gets REG's cash paymentIf an installer files for you, ask in writing who receives the cash part before you sign.RI Energy, RE Growth Solicitation and Enrollment Process Rules for Small-Scale Solar (effective 4/1/2026)Section 1 overview: 'the remainder of the PBI payment will be paid to the customer' (residential). The 2026 one-pager says 'the applicant will be paid the remaining Performance-Based Incentive'.Verified Sep 28, 2026

If your installer files for you, ask who receives the cash part, and get the answer in your contract.

Can I use REG and the grant?

No. The state grant is called REF. Pick one. REF and REG can't be combined.Pick one. REF and REG can't be combined.Can you use the grant and REG together?RI Commerce, Renewable Energy Fund, Small-Scale Request for Projects (rev. 4/6/26)Things to know, bullet 1Verified Oct 28, 2026 REF pays once, up front. REG pays for each kWh over its term.

Which one pays more depends on your system and how much of its power your home uses. We price one system both ways in the REF or REG example. To run both for your own home, use the solar calculator.

Quick answers

What does REG stand for?

Renewable Energy Growth. It is a Rhode Island program that pays for each kWh your panels make.

Can I pick a longer term?

No. The size of your system sets the term.

Can I have REG and net metering?

No. REG replaces net metering for the whole term.

Can I get REG and the state grant?

No. You pick one or the other.