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New to plug-in solar?

Plug-in solar lets anyone generate free electricity — no roof, no permit, no contractor. A single panel on your balcony can meaningfully cut your bill, especially as rates keep rising.

What is plug-in solar? →How it saves you money →
Pending legislation

Coming Soon — Rhode Island is considering plug-in solar legislation

Would permit residential plug-in solar systems up to 1,200W without utility approval or interconnection requirements.

Get notified when Rhode Island goes legal

We track every vote. One email when this bill passes — no spam.

🔋

Solar you can use in Rhode Island today, while you wait

Plug-in solar that ties into your home's wiring isn't legal here yet — but a portable solar generator (a panel charging a battery you plug devices into directly) never touches your home's wiring, so it's legal everywhere, including Rhode Island, right now.

See solar backup options →

Bill Status

Bill number
TBD
Expected vote
Introduced — 2026 session
Proposed watt cap
1200W AC
As written in current bill text — subject to amendment
Primary utility
National Grid RI

Pending bill information may change as legislation advances. Bill text, watt caps, and effective dates are subject to amendment or failure. This is not legal advice.

What to Expect If This Passes

🔌

Up to 1200W, no permit

The bill as drafted would allow systems up to 1200W AC connected to a standard household outlet — no permit, no utility approval required.

⚡

No net metering

The bill does not include net metering for plug-in systems. Excess generation would not be credited. Self-consumption maximization is key.

🏠

Renters included

The bill does not restrict installation to homeowners. Renters would still need landlord consent, but no permanent installation is required.

Electricity Cost Trend

↑ 4.0%/yr avg — Moderate
Rates up 22% over the past 5 years
From $0.222/kWh in 2021 → $0.270/kWh today. Every year you delay solar, your bills compound.
4.0%
avg. annual increase
Historical avg. residential rate ($/kWh)
$0.222
2021
$0.231
2022
$0.240
2023
$0.250
2024
$0.260
2025
$0.270
2026
20-year projected rate
$0.592/kWh
at 4.0%/yr escalation
Extra you'll pay over 20 yrs*
$2,640
vs. today's rates (1,000 kWh/mo household)
Best time to go solar
Now
Each year of delay = a year of higher grid bills

Estimated Savings Preview

Based on Rhode Island's $0.270/kWh avg. rate and 4.1 sun hours/day. Use this to plan — not to make a purchase yet.

Best-fit kits for Rhode Island

sorted by your payback period
6yr payback~$2,672 lifetime savings

CraftStrom 400W Eco Line Plug-In Kit

400W Eco Line bifacial panel + ETL/UL 1741 microinverter.

Output
400W
Lifespan
25 yrs
●Panel warranty: 25 yr
●Inverter: 10 yr
ETLUL1741
$530~$88/yr avg cost
Shop Now →
6yr payback~$5,515 lifetime savings

US Solar Supplier 810W Balcony Kit

Complete kit: Runergy panels, APsystems EZ1, SunModo awning racking.

Output
810W
Lifespan
25 yrs
●Panel warranty: 25 yr
●Inverter: 12 yr
UL1741IEEE1547
$969~$162/yr avg cost
Shop Now →
6yr payback~$5,405 lifetime savings

PluggedSolar 800W Plug-In Kit

Four 200W panels + UL 1741 microinverter + WiFi monitor. Sold on Amazon.

Output
800W
Lifespan
25 yrs
●Panel warranty: 25 yr
●Inverter: 10 yr
UL1741
$999~$167/yr avg cost
Buy on Amazon →

Payback estimates use your current slider settings with each product's wattage and price. We earn an affiliate commission on purchases at no extra cost to you.

Default: 4.1h/day (Rhode Island avg)
$1,200
$900$2,200
800W
400W1200W
60%
30%100%
$0.270/kWh
$0.080/kWh$0.400/kWh
Rate Escalation Scenario
Year 1 Generation
611 kWh
51 kWh/mo
Year 1 Savings
$165
$14/mo
Payback Period
7 yrs
by year 7
25-Year Savings
$6,404
net $5,204
ℹPanels typically last 25–30 years with a 25-year output warranty. Microinverters carry a 10–25 year warranty depending on brand. Battery modules degrade faster — expect 10–15 years before capacity drops below 80%. The 25-year savings figure above assumes the panel and inverter run for the full window; budget ~$200–$400 for an inverter swap around year 15 if needed.
Cumulative Savings vs. Break-even ($)
Selected scenario2% escalation8% escalationBreak-even
Calculator AssumptionsSavings estimates are projections based on average sun hours, self-consumption assumptions, and rate escalation scenarios. Actual results vary by roof orientation, shading, usage patterns, and local rate schedules. The federal ITC for residential solar expired December 31, 2025.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is plug-in solar legal in Rhode Island?
It's not explicitly banned, but it falls under National Grid's standard interconnection process for now. Companion bills 2026-S 2359 and 2026-H 7269 would create a 'portable solar device' exemption from permitting and interconnection requirements, but as of March 2026 the House bill had been held for further study.
Can my HOA block solar panels in Rhode Island?
Potentially, yes. Rhode Island only has a solar easement law for voluntary agreements between neighbors — there's no statute preventing HOAs from restricting solar installations through their covenants.
Does National Grid offer net metering for small systems?
Yes, and it was recently expanded. HB-5580, signed in June 2025, broadened net metering site eligibility under R.I. Gen. Laws §39-26.4-3, with residential systems under 25kW (including batteries) eligible for credits up to 125% of on-site usage.
What's the status of Rhode Island's plug-in solar bill?
Two related bills were introduced for the 2026 session — 2026-S 2359 and 2026-H 7269 — sponsored in part by Rep. Speakman, which would define and exempt 'portable solar devices.' The House version was held for study by committee as of March 2026, so it hasn't become law yet.
Is Rhode Island a good fit for plug-in solar?
Rhode Island has relatively high electricity prices and moderate solar irradiance, making plug-in solar economically attractive, and the state is part of a broader New England push toward balcony solar legislation.

Stay in the Loop

We monitor the Rhode Island legislature and will email you the moment TBD is signed into law or fails. No spam — one email per bill outcome.

Legal DisclaimerLaws change. Information on this site reflects our best understanding of current statutes as of the date shown. It is not legal advice. Verify requirements with your state utility commission, local building department, and a qualified attorney before installation.