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Is plug-in solar legal in Rhode Island?
Bill stalled (likely refiled 2027) H 7269 / S 2359 (also S 2658)
- Introduced
- Passed one chamber
- Passed both chambers
- Signed
- In effect
Not yet. Rhode Island considered a plug-in solar bill (H 7269 / S 2359 (also S 2658)) that did not pass in 2026; a new version is expected. Until then, utility interconnection rules apply.
Max system sizeNo capsmallest tier: Residential UL 1741 <=25 kW
Electrician / permitPermit and inspectionutility rules apply
Tell the utility?Interconnection applicationtypical fee $0
CertificationUL 1741 inverterrequired by every utility
What this means for you
✓ What you can do
- Apply for interconnection like any small generator (Residential UL 1741 <=25 kW), typical fee $0.
- Use portable panels with a power station, never connected to house wiring, with no permission at all.
- Install conventional rooftop or ground-mount solar through the standard interconnection process.
✕ Not yet / not allowed
- Plug a grid-tied kit into an outlet without an interconnection agreement; it can breach your service terms.
- Expect a permit or wiring exemption; none exists without a law.
- Count on H 7269 (Sub A) this year: Passed House 70-0-5 on 6/9/2026; Senate Environment & Agriculture; died at session end; deferred to 2027.
What the rules say
Rhode Island held hearings in 2026 but did not pass a bill; Rhode Island Energy interconnection rules apply.
What happened in 2026. H 7269 (Sub A): Passed House 70-0-5 on 6/9/2026; Senate Environment & Agriculture; died at session end; deferred to 2027.
Before you plug in: Rhode Island checklist
- The rule that applies is Rhode Island Public Utilities Commission; Office of Energy Resources's interconnection process: R.I.G.L. 39-26.3 DG Interconnection Standards.
- A plug-in kit falls in the smallest tier (Residential UL 1741 <=25 kW). $0 by statute for residential <=25 kW (current tariff not verified).
- Permits: Licensed electrician required (no homeowner exemption); 2023 NEC.
- Only consider kits with a UL 1741-listed inverter (UL 3700 preferred); a non-listed inverter will not be approved anywhere.
- What exports are worth: Retail net metering (post-2023 excess 80%, secondary).
- If approval is slow or costly, a portable panel and power station (never connected to house wiring) needs no permission.
- Watch H 7269 (Sub A) / S 2359 / S 2658: Passed House 70-0-5 on 6/9/2026; Senate Environment & Agriculture; died at session end; deferred to 2027.
The rules in detail
Rhode Island has no statute specific to plug-in solar (the only bill so far is H 7269 / S 2359 (also S 2658)). Average residential electricity price: 28.29¢ per kWh (EIA, July 2026).
- Sponsor: Sen. Sandra Darling (S 2359).
- Utilities: Senate Environment & Agriculture hearing Apr 15, 2026.
Your utility's rules in Rhode Island
No utility in Rhode Island publishes a rule that specifically allows or bans outlet-connected generation, so the general interconnection agreement is what applies. Here is what the largest residential utilities say and require.
| Utility | Residential customers | Published position on plug-in kits |
|---|---|---|
| Rhode Island Energy (Narragansett Electric) | 451,381 | Letter 4/14/2026 (Nicholas S. Ucci): 'While our Company is not opposed to "plug-in solar," we do have concerns about their potential impact on grid safety and reliability, as well as the safety of our workforce.' Requests explicit UL 1741 certification, striking 'utility technical requirements,' and a two-devices-per-premise cap. source |
| Pascoag Utility District | 4,373 | No specific statement. |
Interconnection terms for a sub-1.2 kW system
| Regulator | Rhode Island Public Utilities Commission; Office of Energy Resources. |
|---|---|
| Governing rule | R.I.G.L. 39-26.3 DG Interconnection Standards. |
| Smallest tier | Residential UL 1741 <=25 kW. |
| Application fee | $0 by statute for residential <=25 kW (current tariff not verified). |
| Electrician / permit | Licensed electrician required (no homeowner exemption); 2023 NEC. |
| Export compensation | Retail net metering (post-2023 excess 80%, secondary). |
| Electrical code | 2023 NEC (eff. 12/1/2025). |
In practice
- Only in-scope state with a written utility position (not opposed; UL 1741; 2 devices/premise).
- House 70-0; died in Senate committee.
Plug-in solar bills in Rhode Island, 2025–2026
| Bill | Sponsor | Status | What it would do |
|---|---|---|---|
| H 7269 (Sub A) | Rep. June Speakman (D-Bristol) + 9 | Passed House 70-0-5 on 6/9/2026; Senate Environment & Agriculture; died at session end; deferred to 2027. | <=1,200 W; exempt from interconnection/fees; anti-backfeed; excluded from net-metering eligibility. |
| S 2359 / S 2658 | Sen. Valverde (S 2658) | Held for further study 4/15/2026. | Senate companions. |
State incentives
- Renewable Energy Fund (eligible installer).
- Sales-tax exemption R.I.G.L. 44-18-30(57).
Who is pushing for a law
- RI Office of Energy Resources (supports)
- Climate Action Rhode Island
- Bright Saver
- Green Energy Consumers Alliance
Savings preview: 800 W kit in Rhode Island
Adjust for your setup →≈ $239/year
Frequently asked questions
Is plug-in solar legal in Rhode Island?
Not yet. Rhode Island considered a plug-in solar bill (H 7269 / S 2359 (also S 2658)) that did not pass in 2026; a new version is expected. Until then, utility interconnection rules apply.
Do I need a permit or electrician for plug-in solar in Rhode Island?
Default. Check with your local building department before you plug in.
Do I have to tell my utility in Rhode Island?
Default. Plugging in a grid-tied kit without following this can breach your service agreement.
What can an 800 W plug-in kit save in Rhode Island?
Roughly 845 kWh and about $239 per year at Rhode Island's average residential rate of 28.29¢/kWh, assuming a typical balcony or patio mount. See the calculator for your exact setup.