Rhode Island

Incentives/Policies for Renewables & Efficiency

Commercial-Scale Renewable-Energy Grants

Last DSIRE Review: 01/10/2013

Program Overview:

State:	Rhode Island
Incentive Type:	State Grant Program
Eligible Renewable/Other Technologies:	Solar Thermal Electric, Photovoltaics, Landfill Gas, Biomass, Geothermal Electric, Fuel Cells, CHP/Cogeneration, Small Hydroelectric, Biodiesel
Applicable Sectors:	Commercial, Nonprofit, Local Government, Low-Income Residential, Institutional
Amount:	20% of project funding
Maximum Incentive:	$75,000
Funding Source:	Rhode Island Renewable Energy Fund (RIREF), Alternative Compliance Payments (ACPs)
Program Budget:	$1 million in 2013
Start Date:	1/1/2013
Expiration Date:	12/31/2013
Web Site:	http://www.riedc.com/files/RI-REF-Rules-and-Regulations-2013.pdf
Authority 1:	RIGL §42-64-13.2

Summary:

The Rhode Island Economic Development Corporation (RIEDC) provides incentives for renewable-energy projects. Incentive programs are funded by the Rhode Island Renewable Energy Fund (RIREF) and alternative compliance payments (ACPs) from the state’s renewable portfolios standard (RPS). Currently, the RIEDC provides grants for small-scale solar projects and direct funding for commercial-scale renewable-energy projects.

Grants are available for electricity-generating renewable-energy systems greater than 10 kilowatts (kW) but not greater than 50 kW. Grants will provide 20% of project funding, with a maximum award of $75,000 per individual project. Systems may be installed on businesses, institutions, non-profits, municipality property and affordable housing projects. Project owners must have conducted an energy audit prior to application submittal. The deadlines to submit complete applications are March 15, 2013; May 31, 2013; and August 30, 2013.

The following requirements apply to solar-electric projects:

A shade-analysis demonstrating no more than 20% predicted shading during the hours of one hour after sunrise and one hour before sunset.
A layout drawing of project.
A one-line electrical drawing.
An interconnection application submitted to National Grid.
Project payback using assumptions stated in the program guidelines
Manufacturer’s specifications for panels and inverter to be installed.
A photo of the project location taken from the south looking northward toward the building or site.
An aerial image of the site from Microsoft Virtual Earth, Google Earth, or similar source with the building or site clearly identified.

Separate requirements apply to wind-energy projects. Funding is also available to support early-stage commercialization and pre-development feasibility studies for renewable-energy projects. See the program rules and regulations for more information.

Contact:

Hannah Morini
Rhode Island Economic Development Corporation
315 Iron Horse Way, Suite 101
Providence, RI 02908
Phone: (401) 278-9100 Ext.135
Fax: (401) 273-8270
E-Mail: hmorini@riedc.com
Web Site: http://www.riedc.com

Disclaimer: The information presented on the DSIRE web site provides an unofficial overview of financial incentives and other policies. It does not constitute professional tax advice or other professional financial guidance, and it should not be used as the only source of information when making purchasing decisions, investment decisions or tax decisions, or when executing other binding agreements. Please refer to the individual contact provided below each summary to verify that a specific financial incentive or other policy applies to your project.

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