Is plug-in solar legal in Rhode Island?
Bill stalled until 2027 Not yet. Rhode Island's 2026 bill (H 7269 / S 2658) didn't pass; supporters expect to try again in the 2027 session.
Without a dedicated law, a kit that sends power into your home wiring counts as a grid connection under your utility’s rules for rooftop solar. That usually means an interconnection application, and some utilities charge fees or require a licensed installer.
What you can do today:
- Ask your utility whether it has a simplified process for systems under 1,000 W. A few do.
- Use solar without touching the grid: a power station charged by portable panels is legal everywhere, including in a rental.
- Watch the bill. Rhode Island’s bill is H 7269 / S 2658. We update this page when anything changes.
What a kit would save in Rhode Island
| Kit size | Solar per year | Saved per year |
|---|---|---|
| 400 W | 373 kWh | $89 |
| 800 W | 745 kWh | $179 |
| 1,200 W | 1,118 kWh | $268 |
Panels on a south-facing balcony railing, Rhode Island’s average sunshine (NREL PVWatts, state average), today’s price of 28.2¢/kWh, and 85% of the output used at home. Run it for your ZIP code.
See every state’s plug-in solar status, or electricity prices and other rules in Rhode Island.