2023 Incentives Update: Embrace a Bright Future with Solar and Batteries in Rhode Island

Welcome to the exciting era of solar power enhanced by energy storage; here is our comprehensive update on the latest technology, benefits, and incentives for solar and batteries in Rhode Island in 2023.

As experts in the field, Newport Solar is excited to share how these advancements can empower you to harness the numerous advantages of solar energy and battery storage. Whether you’re motivated by environmental consciousness, security, energy independence, or long-term savings, now is the perfect time to make an informed purchasing decision.

Key Benefits & Advantages: Why Choose Solar and Batteries in Rhode Island in 2023?

Inflation Protection via Solar:

The cost of electricity in Rhode Island has gone up about 40% in the last two years alone. With inflation in the United States continuing to increase the cost of goods and services, locking in savings by producing your energy on-site with a solar installation today can protect you from electricity price inflation for the next 25 years.

Cost Savings from Solar:

The solar industry experienced a remarkable 43% growth in 2020, solar power has become the most affordable source of electricity. By adopting solar energy, you can significantly reduce your monthly utility bills and lock in long-term savings. With the stable cost of solar installations and the available incentives, transitioning to solar power is a wise financial decision. By leveraging the Net Metering, the Renewable Energy Fund Grant, the 30% Federal Investment Tax Credit, and the Connected Solutions Program you can significantly reduce the upfront cost and enjoy long-term savings on your energy bills. Compared to what you pay now, solar produces electricity for about 60% cheaper.

Environmental Impact:

By choosing solar power, you are actively reducing greenhouse gas emissions and combating climate change. Solar energy is clean, renewable, and doesn’t produce harmful pollutants, making it the environmentally responsible choice. Solar is your best path to actively reducing your carbon footprint and making a positive impact on the environment.

Energy Independence with Batteries:

Solar power, in combination with batteries, grant you the freedom to generate your own clean energy right at home. By installing batteries with your solar array, you can store excess energy to prepare for grid outages or emergencies, ensuring that essential appliances and devices continue to operate. Embrace energy independence with solar and batteries and gain peace of mind.

Future-Proof Investment:

Solar power installations are durable and require minimal maintenance. By investing in solar now, you’ll benefit from long-term energy savings and insulate yourself against rising energy costs in the future. Additionally, the increasing demand for solar homes enhances property value, making it an attractive investment.

Solar and Battery Incentives

Net Metering for Solar Panels

Net Metering is a Rhode Island solar incentive that allows homeowners to sell back to the grid at the retail electricity price. This policy is foundational for solar and applies an appropriate value to the energy that solar arrays are producing to offset electricity use on-site.

Rhode Island Renewable Energy Fund

The Rhode Island Renewable Energy Fund continues to support residential solar installations in 2023. By partnering with the Commerce Corporation of Rhode Island, this program offers valuable grants to eligible net metering solar projects. The grant amount has been revised to a cap of $5,000 for new solar arrays, providing homeowners with upfront financial assistance that can reduce installation costs by up to 20%. However, it’s important to act swiftly to secure this grant before the final 2023 application round on October 23rd, 2023.

The Commerce Corporation of Rhode Island has expanded their support for homeowners in their pursuit of installing batteries with their solar installation, through the Renewable Energy Fund. As of 2023, eligible net metering solar installations with batteries can receive an additional $2,000, for a total grant of up to $7,000, significantly contributing to the battery installation cost. Act now to secure this generous grant for your solar installation and maximize your savings.

US Federal Investment Tax Credit for Solar and Batteries

The federal government recognizes the importance of clean energy. Through the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, the Investment Tax Credit (ITC) has been extended to encourage the adoption of solar power. In 2023, the ITC offers a full 30% credit on new solar and battery installations, helping you reduce your tax liability and increasing the affordability of going solar.

It’s worth noting that the ITC program is scheduled to retire in 2032, so take advantage of this incentive while it lasts. Going solar now allows you to benefit from substantial savings and contribute to a sustainable future.

Connected Solutions for Batteries

In addition to backing up your home during a grid outage, while connected to the grid, batteries can help meet electric demand during times of high energy use. Typically, during hot and humid summer days, the electric grid is under the most strain. Batteries that participate in the Rhode Island Connected Solutions Program can help reduce this demand. For providing this service, battery owners can earn thousands of dollars per year.

Between the REF Grant, the Federal ITC, and the Connected Solutions Program, batteries are now cost competitive with generators while offering the benefits of low noise, low maintenance, and excellent longevity.

Technological Advancements in Solar and Batteries

Solar power has experienced significant growth, and it’s now the most cost-effective source of electricity. Panel wattage continues to march upwards with 400 – 420 watts per panel now being commonplace. With higher efficiency, more solar power production can be installed on your roof.

In addition, Enphase Inverter technology has advanced with higher wattage and better capability. Low light performance is excellent, and Enphase inverters are now shipped “Battery Ready” so that when operating with batteries, they can participate seamlessly as part of your home microgrid. Enphase inverters even produce electricity who’s signal is “cleaner” than the grid! This is great news for the devices in your home.

The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 has also allocated funds to the Department of Energy (DOE) to enhance solar PV energy efficiency, promote cost-effectiveness, and expand the manufacturing and recycling of solar panels. This commitment to research, development and manufacturing will ensure that solar power remains a reliable and efficient energy solution.

Enphase batteries are using the most advanced and stable Lithium Iron Phosphate technology available. This makes Enphase batteries some of the safest, stable, and long lasting residential home batteries on the market.

Make an Informed Decision Today

2023 holds immense potential for solar and batteries in Rhode Island. With decreasing installation costs, generous incentives, and recent technological advancements, there has never been a better time to go solar.

Join us as we power Rhode Island’s future with solar energy and batteries. Contact us today to learn more about the incentives and how you can make a positive impact on your energy usage and the environment. Don’t miss out on the benefits of clean, renewable energy, financial savings, and a sustainable future!

Testimonials

Google Rating

5.0

Newport Solar

Meredith Spitalnik

23:36 22 Jan 24

The customer service is amazing. They are a great team. They are there to quickly answer any question you might have.Great team!

Ted Baldwin

23:48 17 Oct 23

Please consider Newport Solar for your solar installation! We interviewed and received proposals from multiple firms. Newport Solar wasn't the least expensive, but they were far and away the most honest, knowledgeable, professional, and responsive. Their price was within 5-10 percent of their competitors. Their proposal was WAY better than the others. It's clear that they are the RI regional leaders for very good reasons. They should reach a total of 1,000 lifetime installations by the end of the year (2023). They're clearly going to be around to service your system. The other firms haven't completed 50 in the state or region. I've heard horror stories about other firms, some from neighbors, I'm sad to say. I have nothing but positive feedback about Newport Solar. You're likely to be sorry if you go with someone else, or you'll at least be missing out. With regard to solar in general, it's a great deal. Our installation covers all our electrical needs, including pool operation, five air conditioning zones, normal needs of our six bedroom house (we live in Jamestown and are fortunate to have many extended family members and friends visiting), etc. We are generating enough excess that we've replaced our dated hot water heater with a new electric one. Free hot water! Next up is an electric car. That may require some more panels, but Newport Solar planned for that!

Xavier Mauprivez

23:09 17 Oct 23

The Newport Solar team is terrific. 7 years ago they installed 20 panels to our house. We added 14 panels on our roof.. Casey came with two scenarios (estimate) and explained how much power they will produce. We decided and 3 weeks later the crew came in and installed the 14 panels in 1 1/2 day. The inspection took place the week after . I would recommend Newport Solar without hesitation.

Deborah Lamond

01:36 29 Sep 23

Newport Solar guided us throughout the installation process. They took care of all the paperwork with RI Energy and town. Their proposal was thorough and accurate - no surprises later on in the process. Couldn’t be happier that we went with them and have recommended them to neighbors, family, and friends.

Linda Bessette

22:15 22 Aug 23

Couldn't be happier with the system and advise we received and continue to receive from Newport Solar. We've been up and running for about 5 months and have zero complaints. House looks great with the panels and the battery(s) back up is comforting. Our electric bills are on average $12. a month, we were spending over $350. every month, sometimes more. We had already decided on going with another solar company when a friend told us about Newport Solar, so we made an appt. to have them visit and see what they had to offer. What we learned was that they were much more knowledgeable or at the least, shared much more information about solar panels, what to expect and the panels we received are some of the best panels on the market, more powerful and durable. So glad we slowed down and gave them a call. We highly recommend Newport Solar, Great company!

Mr. Quindazzi

22:14 09 Aug 23

We had 20Kw system and batteries installed in what was a complicated situation. Newport Solar negotiated all the paperwork and permitting and did the install as promised. My contact, Eric Martin, was outstanding.

15:36 29 Jul 23

We interviewed and received proposals from multiple firms. Newport Solar wasn't the least expensive, but they were the most honest, knowledgeable, professional, and responsive. They are the RI regional leaders for very good reasons. They should reach a total of 1,000 lifetime installations by the end of the year. They're clearly going to be around to service your system. The other firms haven't completed 50 in the state or region. I've heard horror stories about other firms, some from neighbors I'm sad to say. Nothing but positive feedback about Newport Solar.

21:47 25 May 23

Steve Dionne

18:40 12 Apr 23

Honest, fair, straightforward, excellent workmanship. Those are the words that best describe Newport Solar. The installation went smoothly and my system is operating as promised. No complaints whatsoever. Thank you Newport Solar!

Eric Dale

22:58 01 Jan 23

I have only positives to say about my experience with the team at Newport Solar. From my first call with Eric Martin, I was impressed by his knowledge and the integrity of his answers to my questions; he has the best interests of his customers at heart. The positive experience continued through my interactions with the Newport team who worked on my installation. I am delighted with the quality of the work done, commencing with the inspection through to the final installation. I would not hesitate to give the name of Newport Solar to anyone considering a solar installation.

Jennifer Berton

17:18 28 Nov 22

Absolutely stellar business from start to finish. Their communication is unparalleled and they patiently answered every question and helped us to understand the best plan forward for our specific needs. They were respectful of our space and timeline needs. I can’t recommend them highly enough. I know there are many solar companies popping up everywhere, but if you want the top line in fair prices, knowledge, and professionalism go with Newport Solar.

Scott Howie

23:26 12 Nov 22

The solar panels and battery back-up system installed by Newport Solar have performed flawlessly. They made navigating the Rhode Island subsidy easy. We have consistently generated more electricity than we use since the installation.

William Army

20:05 27 Jul 22

Newport Solar installed my solar panels and did an outstanding job. The company (employees) were knowledgeable, patient, and reassuring. From the initial stages of learning the "ins and outs" of solar energy to the final days of turning on the system, Newport Solar was great. Even the installation was impressive; they were quietly efficient, and done in one day. I am very pleased with Newport Solar and recommend them highly if you're in the market for solar energy.

Michael Mitchell

10:27 21 Jun 22

I will say I was very hesitant about pursuing solar energy, because it seems to mean so many different things. many of which seem sketchy. After we got a new roof, the contractor told me if we really wanted to get a quote on solar, go with Newport Solar only. I scheduled an initial visit, they were prompt, professional, courteous and there was never any sell job. After much back and forth, we finally decided on a solar array design to meet our needs (Net Metering). Newport Solar, handled all the paperwork, grant proposal, National Grid inspection, etc. I would highly recommend using Newport Solar.

Gary Frishman

13:56 01 Feb 22

Newport Solar installed solar panels on my roof having chosen them because they did a great job for a neighbor. They were incredible to work with- a great value, professional (and cleaned up@), responsive, and accurate in their solar power predictions. Would VERY HIGHLY recommend them.

Deborah Drew

17:35 04 Nov 21

We used Newport Solar to install our solar panels and set up our system for generating electricity. They were wonderful to work with: clear about the process and expectations, appropriately apologetic when unavoidable delays happened, answered all our questions, and were nice people to have in and around our home. Since the panels were installed in June, we have been enjoying an electric bill of $0 every month. (that is 4 months now!). We are very happy to be generating electricity in our home and very grateful for the professional and expert services provided by Newport Solar to make it all happen. We highly recommend them to anyone who is interested in having solar at their home. Thank-you!

Tim Fratus

16:46 25 Jul 21

Solar System Installation: I highly recommend Newport Solar. Our solar system’s proposal, design, permitting, application for grants and installation all went very smoothly and successfully. Newport Solar has a lot of experience installing these systems and does it well. They do NOT try to sell you extras you don’t need, nor do they employ the high pressure sales or deceitful marketing (bait and switch tactics). Furthermore, all the equipment they use for the systems are industry leading and highly efficient/reliable. They communicated with us very well and laid out the entire process in advance. Their installers were experienced, pleasant and efficient. Finally, unlike a lot of other businesses out there, Newport Solar checks in with us from time to time to see how we are doing with the system and if we have any questions. We are quite pleased with our solar system. and the company who installed it.

Mary McDowell

15:46 28 Jun 21

They are efficient, professional and kept us informed throughout the solar purchase and installation. Highly recommend them!!!!!

Kirsten Lynne

18:27 28 May 21

The crew was both professional and kind. They were extremely knowledgeable about the system and answered all my questions politely. They took care of their tools and ladders etc neatly and efficiently and I would recommend Newport Solar to everyone considering solar power

Douglas Clark

21:44 18 Mar 21

Had 30 panels installed last October and couldn't be happier. They were very thorough with their initial proposal and explained everything clearly. When the work was scheduled they were always prompt and kept us informed. And they cleaned up so well you couldn't tell they were ever there!

A Kav

22:23 02 Jun 20

I vetted MANY solar companies, locally and nationally. No one compared to Newport Solar! They explained the process and pricing so even I could understand. Their breakdown/estimate of everything was very comprehensive and easy to understand. They answered my many questions over many weeks! I was expecting the process to be a pain and take forever! Not so! Our system was up and running within 2 weeks. Everything unfolded exactly how they said, almost to the minute (the crew was 2 minutes early and ready to go on the day of install). I love the end product and I love supporting a local company that has believed in solar before it was cool! I cannot recommend this company more highly! Great people, great product, great service!

Sean Taylor

12:57 01 Apr 20

Newport Solar does a great job, they're helpful throughout the process, flexible, punctual and on top of literally every aspect of the installation. I spent a few months sifting through different companies that could do the install, estimating prices and so forth. Doug and his staff did right by me and my family and are clearly a great team. Our installation was completed far ahead of the original schedule (much to our excitement), was done professionally in every way and involved absolutely 0 stress. If you're looking for solar panels I can't recommend these guys enough, they're using the right products, offering great prices for the value they provide and they actually care about and follow up with their customers. 6 out of 5 stars easily.

Bradley Peterson

12:06 26 Feb 20

Newport Solar installed a system on my parents house 5 years ago. The system is operating well and producing the estimated energy. There was excellent communication with their team from start to finish. I highly recommend them if you are considering solar!

Steve Butera

03:47 28 Nov 19

Great customer service and system is performing well. All employees are knowledgeable and courteous.

judie sky

14:49 26 Jun 19

We had a great experience using Newport Solar as our experts for installing our solar panels! Thanks

Patrick Laverty

22:12 28 May 19

We talked to a few companies about getting our solar installation and chose Newport Solar. The experience was great from start to finish. These guys are very straight shooters and will even admit that their estimates on your production may be on the conservative side, which I really appreciate. They truly do aim to "Under promise, over deliver" and they have. We couldn't be happier with the whole sales process, the installation time and now the production of our system. We would definitely choose Newport Solar again!

Glenn Russell

21:23 11 Apr 19

Newport Solar was great. I chose them for their 5 star review, and now I'm happy to leave them a 5 star review. Our was a 40 panel system, and everything went really well. I'm happy to recommend them to my friends, and have done so now a number of times. Keep up the good work Newport Solar!

Elizabeth Nestor

14:09 03 Apr 19

They communicated VERY well, they did their work efficiently and on-time. Friendly, smart and tremendously responsive. Can't say enough good things! Recently they came back to check up on a system problem. NOT their fault, a component gave out, they were prompt to respond, fast to come, and quick to figure it out and fix it. AGAIN, can't say enough good things! their communication is excellent.

Julie Harney

14:48 09 Dec 18

We had an excellent experience working with Newport Solar through all of the phases of establishing our rooftop solar array. Through each process we were well informed and guided with thorough expertise. Installation was well executed and we were delighted that the solar components added minimal change to our existing house. We highly recommend using this small but mighty company for your solar project.

Robert Stevenson

13:25 17 Oct 18

Fantastic company Have had system for almost two years and it is producing more KWH than we use (and we have electric mini-splits for most of our heat and air conditioning). With RI incentive the company recommended, our electric bill is less than zero. MOST important, the company follows up with great service. EXTREMELY trustworthy.... we highly recommend them as the best company for solar installation and support..

Steven Booth

14:11 12 Oct 18

I have been a Newport Solar client since Aug 2016 and could not be happier. Newport Solar did an excellent job of explaining the process and the expected return on investment. They handled the installation professionally, and handled all of the necessary paperwork with National Grid. The savings have been as expected and the system has worked flawlessly. Seldom do I make the extra effort to submit a review, but I feel very strongly about my positive experience.

Jeffrey Migneault

00:28 10 Oct 18

It's been just over a year since our panels were turned on and they are great - absolutely no problems. And Newport Solar was absolutely fantastic to work with. Clear, patient, helpful, and were available to answer questions long after the panels were up. Couldn't recommend more.

Janice Kowalczyk

13:26 03 Oct 18

We installed solar panels 3-4 years ago. At the time, we obtained estimates from 3 different companies. The bids at the time were similar but the process of getting them was not. From the beginning, Newport Solar stood out....they were customer focused, extremely clear, easy to work with and professional every step of the way. We are very pleased with our system and were extremely pleased that we chose Newport Solar. My daughter was recently looking into solar panels for her house also...and she has made the same chose. I highly recommend these professionals.

Sue AnderBois

21:08 01 Oct 18

I cannot say enough nice things about Doug and the whole Newport Solar team. We've had our solar system up for a year now, and the whole process was smooth and seamless. As a homeowner, I'm always worried about getting things done to my home and finding the right professionals -- it's hard to know if someone is going to do a good job or if it's just going to be a headache. But I had ZERO concerns with newport solar, and I would 150% recommend them to anyone looking to get residential solar in Rhode Island (I, in fact, have recommended them to many people who I know personally and professionally).

Donna Lico

20:08 01 Oct 18

I chose Newport Solar to install my solar panels because out of the four companies I met with they offered the most clear information and the best price. From start to finish everyone I dealt with was patient with my questions, thorough and professional. I strongly recommend that anyone who is considering a solar installation should talk to Newport Solar.

Timothy Hynes

21:59 17 Sep 18

Great team of employees at Newport Solar, from first contact to final installation. All my questions were addressed and answered in a timely manner by knowledgeable professionals. Installation schedules were set and met with complete respect for my time and availability. I would highly recommend Newport Solar to anyone considering a solar installation.

Rob Babcock

19:08 15 Sep 18

I do my research before I invest money and I wasn't disappointed. Most importantly, they are good people. They are also knowledgeable and dependable. I had the system installed a year ago and the follow-up has been excellent. Most importantly, the system is doing what it is supposed to and it is saving me a lot of money. I interviewed other good companies, but they were the most impressive and they are local. Everyone enjoys working there, which is a very good sign. I would not hesitate to go with them.

judith westrick

01:14 12 Sep 18

Doug and his team were very helpful knowledgeable and efficient. They arrived on time to give us an estimate and answered all of our questions completely. We were given an accurate assessment of when the panels could be installed. Our panels were installed as promised with minimal interruption or mess and have been providing us with free solar energy ever since. I can wholeheartedly recommend using Newport Solar for buying and installing solar panels.

Kenneth Payne

02:08 31 Jul 18

As a practical matter, deciding to have a solar system installed is complex. Lots to consider. Newport Solar provides straight information. Their estimations about how much our system would produce have been accurate. Good information is customer empowering. We're very glad we went solar. It's a sweet feeling when a system performs up to expectations.

Kerry Clougher

11:21 28 Jul 18

There’s an enthusiasm from all the employees at Newport Solar. They enjoy their work and the company they work for. They believe in the product and that attitude extends into their work ethic which benefits the customer. Thanks for going the extra mile to make our installation a reality!

jackie drouin

16:38 25 Jul 18

Newport Solar is great, they are friendly, professional. they made sure I thoroughly understood everything before, during and after installation. My system looks and is working great!

Neil Wardley

22:11 23 Jul 18

We were novices in the solar space until we engaged Newport Solar to help us explore the pros and cons of a solar installation. The support we received was exemplary from the initial conversations through to final installation. Their approach is educational and not a hard sell. We asked lots of questions which were answered in a timely fashion. We are 2 years in and still get prompt responses to our questions from Doug and his team! Would absolutely recommend this company.

Edmund Dalo

12:54 23 Jul 18

I was so lucky to find Newport Solar. Doug and his crew are not only professional, but genuinely good people. They respected my home and my time and gave me a competitive price on my system. I’ve had my solar for 3 years now, and it was worth every penny. I had some questions recently, and Doug called me back personally and helped with a solution. It was like we never skipped a beat. I would stop your search at Newport Solar. Remember you get what you pay for.

Jeffrey Taber

00:21 21 Jul 18

Everyone at Newport Solar was knowledgeable, courteous, and professional. I would not hesitate to recommend Newport Solar for a consultation, estimate or installation.

Pasco Marro

19:49 18 Jul 18

After researching solar 4 years ago and meeting Doug, the Newport Solar team was definitely the Company we trusted to install our system. Doug is so knowledgeable, reliable, resourceful and supportive and is still providing us excellent service. It's great to know how many trees are being saved and reducing the carbon footprint. Zero bills are welcomed!

15:05 09 Jul 18

The French Confection

17:31 19 Mar 18

Newport Solar team started to install our 20 panels the 28 of May, it is now producing on June 9. Thanks to a great and hard working team! We are pleased!

Joyce Anderson

18:08 22 Feb 14

Working with Doug at Newport Solar was a 100 percent satisfactory experience. Doug is extremely knowledgeable about his product, is reliable, on time, honest and delivers the goods. He helped us in every way with our solar project and 3 years later, he is still helpful and right there if we have a question or a problem. We give him an A++

Stuart Johnstone

15:40 02 Dec 13

Doug and his team at Newport Solar provide great service, even better support and are truly a nice group of people to work with. The installation was thoughtful, meticulous and very well done. Plus, the pricing was fair and reasonable. They're a hard combination to beat in terms of their knowledge to help get you going on your first solar project!

MVS RI

03:39 02 Dec 13

I had been interested in getting solar panels for years, but couldn't find a local resource until I had the good fortune to find Newport Solar and meet Doug Sabetti. Doug was very knowledgeable, informative and made the whole process from start to finish easy. Having had many frustrating dealings with past contractors, it was a pleasure to work with Doug. Doug was always prompt, reliable, and his attention to detail and aesthetics were exemplary. I highly recommend everyone who is interested in solar power contact Newport Solar. My only regret is that I didn't contact Doug sooner! My electric bills have been ZERO since my solar panels were installed!

See All Reviews