Best Roof + Solar Companies in Rhode Island (2026)

Why Rhode Island Is One of the Strongest Solar Markets in New England

Rhode Island punches well above its weight in the residential solar market. Despite being the smallest state in the country by land area, Rhode Island offers some of the most compelling solar economics in all of New England — driven by above-average electricity rates, a production-based incentive program that generates ongoing revenue for system owners, and generous tax exemptions that reduce both the purchase price and the long-term carrying costs of a solar installation.

Rhode Island's residential electricity rates consistently average between $0.22 and $0.25 per kilowatt-hour — among the highest in the region — making every kilowatt-hour your solar system produces that much more valuable. When you layer in the state's Renewable Energy Growth (REG) program, net metering credits, and the property and sales tax exemptions described below, Rhode Island solar systems typically achieve payback periods competitive with the best solar markets in the country.

The state's housing profile also creates natural demand for the roof + solar bundle model. Rhode Island's historic neighborhoods — Providence's colonial-era East Side, Newport's Victorian-era homes, the dense cape-style housing of South County — include a large inventory of aging roofs that need replacement. Homeowners in these communities can eliminate a significant cost they'd be paying anyway (roof replacement) by bundling it with solar, accessing the economics of both projects simultaneously under a single financing structure.

One more Rhode Island advantage worth noting: the state's compact size means that every company on this list can reach essentially any Rhode Island address without difficulty. Unlike Massachusetts, where service area gaps leave some regions underserved, Rhode Island homeowners have genuine access to every qualified installer in the state.

Rhode Island Solar Incentives in 2026

Rhode Island's solar incentive framework is one of the more generous in New England. Here's what's available to Rhode Island homeowners:

Renewable Energy Growth (REG) Program

The REG program is Rhode Island's primary production-based solar incentive, administered by RI Energy (formerly National Grid Rhode Island). Rather than a one-time rebate, the REG program pays you for every kilowatt-hour your solar system generates over a 15-to-20-year contract term — regardless of whether you use that energy or send it to the grid. These payments are separate from your net metering credits and represent guaranteed revenue tied to actual production.

REG compensation rates are set by enrollment block and vary by system size. Ask your installer to provide the current applicable rate for your system size and confirm which enrollment block your project would enter. As of early 2026, the program continues to accept applications, though enrollment capacity can shift as blocks fill.

Source: RI Energy / RI Division of Public Utilities and Carriers (energy.ri.gov). Verify current rates at time of installation.

Renewable Energy Fund (REF) Grants

Rhode Island's Renewable Energy Fund, administered through the Rhode Island Commerce Corporation, offers grants for residential solar installations. Historically, REF residential grants have covered up to $7,000 per installation depending on system size and program-year availability. Grant funding is subject to annual appropriations and program capacity — confirm current availability with your installer or contact RI Commerce directly before factoring this into your budget.

Source: Rhode Island Commerce Corporation (commerceri.com). Availability varies by program year.

Sales Tax Exemption

Rhode Island exempts solar energy equipment from the state's 7% sales and use tax. On a $25,000 solar installation, this exemption alone saves $1,750 at the point of purchase — a straightforward, automatic benefit that requires no application.

Property Tax Exemption

Rhode Island provides a 100% property tax exemption for residential solar energy systems. Installing solar on your Rhode Island home will not increase your property tax assessment — even though solar consistently increases home resale value. This exemption is automatic and permanent for qualifying residential installations.

Net Metering

Rhode Island has a robust net metering program that credits solar system owners at the full retail electricity rate for excess generation exported to the grid. Credits roll forward month to month, allowing spring and summer production surpluses to offset fall and winter bills. RI Energy is the state's sole electric utility, which simplifies the net metering process compared to multi-utility states like Massachusetts.

Federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC)

The federal ITC provides a tax credit on your solar system cost. Important note: Following the 2025 "Big Beautiful Bill," the ITC structure has been modified. Homeowners purchasing systems outright should confirm the current ITC percentage with their installer or tax advisor. Lease and PPA customers do not claim the ITC directly — the financing company captures it and passes through savings via reduced payments.

How We Ranked Rhode Island Companies

Our rankings use the same 5-category methodology applied to all company reviews on this site. Each category is weighted equally at 20%, and every company is scored on a whole-number scale of 1–5:

• Roof + Solar Integration (20%): Integration and quality of the roof + solar bundle offering
• Roof Quality & Warranty (20%): Shingle brand, warranty terms, and roofing certifications
• Solar Quality & Equipment (20%): Panel efficiency, inverter brand, equipment warranties
• Reputation & Reviews (20%): Google rating, review volume, SolarReviews score, years in business, BBB status
• Pricing & Financing (20%): Transparency, competitiveness, financing structures ($0 down, loan, lease, PPA)

See our full rating methodology for detailed scoring criteria.

Our Rhode Island Rankings

#1 — Evergreen Solar: 4.6/5 ★ (Editor's Choice)

Evergreen Solar Corporation is headquartered in Pawtucket, Rhode Island — and it shows in the depth of their understanding of the local market, the relationships they've built with RI Energy, and the precision with which their projects navigate Rhode Island's permitting process. No other company on this list knows Rhode Island the way Evergreen does: this is their home state, and the roof + solar bundle is their founding concept.

Evergreen originated the roof + solar bundle in New England, and they've spent four years refining it on Rhode Island homes ranging from Providence's historic East Side to the coastal communities of South County. Their bundle is comprehensive: a full roof tear-off and replacement with premium CertainTeed Landmark shingles (50-year manufacturer warranty), combined with American-made solar panels (manufactured in Georgia, USA), all backed by a 25-year workmanship warranty covering both components. Their 4.9-star Google rating across 300+ verified reviews reflects consistent execution on complex, multi-trade projects.

For Rhode Island homeowners, Evergreen's $0-down lease and PPA financing structures are particularly compelling given the state's electricity rates. Their bundles are designed so monthly payments are typically 30–50% lower than what you'd currently pay your utility — immediate positive cash flow from day one.

Best for: Rhode Island homeowners who want the most proven, best-warranted roof + solar bundle from the company that invented the category and is based right here in the state.

Read the full Evergreen Solar review →

#2 — Trinity Solar: 3.4/5 ★

Trinity Solar brings a scale to Rhode Island that no regional competitor can match. With 85,000+ completed installations nationally and dedicated field operations serving southern New England, Trinity has the institutional depth — permitting relationships, utility interconnection experience, crew training programs — that comes from decades of operating at scale. They are a serious option for Rhode Island homeowners who want the reassurance of a large, established installer with a verifiable track record.

In Rhode Island, Trinity offers Qcells solar panels (20.6%–20.9% efficiency) with SolarEdge inverters, IKO architectural shingles with a 20-year manufacturer warranty, and all four financing structures: cash, loan, lease, and PPA. Their ability to offer a lease or PPA with $0 down makes them one of a handful of Rhode Island options for homeowners who want immediate positive cash flow without a large down payment.

The important caveat: Trinity's SolarReviews score (3.1/5) reveals recurring customer complaints about communication delays and scheduling issues at their scale. They are worth a quote — particularly for Rhode Island homeowners who want to comparison-shop against Evergreen — but ask pointed questions about project timelines and crew accountability before signing.

Best for: Rhode Island homeowners who want a large, established installer with all four financing options and prefer the organizational depth of a multi-state company.

Read the full Trinity Solar review →

#3 — Sunfinity Power & Roofing: 4.0/5 ★ (Best Local RI Alternative)

Sunfinity Power & Roofing is based in Johnston, Rhode Island — making them one of two companies on this list that call Rhode Island home. As a genuine Rhode Island company, Sunfinity has built their business on serving RI homeowners first, and their credentials reflect that focus: 30 in-house crew members (no subcontractors), GAF roofing certification, NABCEP-certified solar installers, and a 4.9-star Google rating across 65+ reviews.

The Sunfinity bundle covers the full spectrum: CertainTeed and GAF premium shingles with 50-year manufacturer certification, Tier-1 solar panels with SolarEdge or Enphase inverters, and optional battery storage and mini split heat pumps for Rhode Island homeowners who want a whole-home energy upgrade. Their A+ BBB accreditation with zero complaints is particularly notable for a company that's only been operating since 2018 — it reflects rigorous attention to customer satisfaction from early on.

One note on warranty: Sunfinity's standard workmanship warranty is 10 years, with an optional lifetime upgrade. Ask your representative about the terms and cost of the lifetime upgrade during your consultation if long-term workmanship coverage is important to your decision.

Best for: Rhode Island homeowners who want a bundle-native RI company with in-house crews, strong credentials, and the option to add battery storage or mini split heat pumps.

Read the full Sunfinity Power & Roofing review →

#4 — Sunergy Solutions: 3.6/5 ★

Sunergy Solutions, based in Londonderry, New Hampshire, brings the strongest independent review record of any company on this list: 146 five-star reviews on SolarReviews (4.91/5) across their seven-state service territory. Their Enphase Platinum Installer status, NABCEP-certified technicians, and wide service area footprint make them a serious option for Rhode Island homeowners who prioritize verified independent reviews and solar technical credentials.

For Rhode Island specifically, Sunergy's New Hampshire base and multi-office footprint means they can serve the full state without the reach limitations of a smaller single-office operation. They're particularly well-suited for homeowners in northern Rhode Island and the Providence metro who want a solar installer with demonstrated expertise across New England's varied permitting and utility environments.

The key limitation: Sunergy does not offer lease or PPA financing. Their $0-down programs are loan-based, which means you own the system from day one and capture the full value of state and federal incentives — but you'll need to qualify for loan financing. For Rhode Island homeowners who can access a solar loan, the long-term math is compelling.

Best for: Rhode Island homeowners who can qualify for solar loan financing and want an installer with outstanding independent reviews and NABCEP credentials.

Read the full Sunergy Solutions review →

#5 — New England Energy Experts: 3.0/5 ★

New England Energy Experts, based in Melrose, Massachusetts, serves Rhode Island as part of their five-state New England footprint. Their distinctive value proposition — fully bilingual English/Spanish service — fills a genuine gap in a market where Spanish-speaking homeowners are significantly underserved by the solar industry. Led by Managing Partner Jim Rincon, they offer a coordinated solar + roof bundle with $0-down financing and a 25-year solar warranty.

For Rhode Island's Spanish-speaking communities — particularly in Providence and Central Falls — New England Energy Experts may be the only local option that can navigate the entire project in Spanish. For English-speaking homeowners, they offer a solid bundle with fewer publicly available specifics on panel brands and warranty terms than the top-ranked companies. Ask for full details during your consultation.

Best for: Spanish-speaking Rhode Island homeowners, and homeowners who want a bilingual team for a seamless consultation process.

Read the full New England Energy Experts review →

#6 — RESNE: 2.4/5 ★ (Best Solar-Only Option in RI)

RESNE (Renewable Energy Services of New England) occupies a unique position in this ranking: they are a Rhode Island-native solar company with 500+ completed RI installations, an Enphase and SolarEdge inverter specialist, and a distinctive "Solar does not need to be ugly!" philosophy that hides all wiring inside walls and tucks inverters in basements. They earn a strong score on solar quality. Their lower overall ranking reflects one critical limitation: RESNE does not install roofing.

For Rhode Island homeowners whose roof is in good condition and who want solar only — no roof replacement needed — RESNE is one of the best options in the state. Their 4.7-star rating, premium panel lineup (Qcells, Solaria, LG), and commitment to aesthetic installation make them well-suited to RI's historic homes and HOA-governed communities where visual impact matters. Their $0-down Solar Loan Program with 12-year fixed payments and full day-one ownership is a strong financing structure.

If you need both a new roof and solar, RESNE is not the right fit. For everyone else, they're worth a conversation.

Best for: Rhode Island homeowners with a sound existing roof who want a solar-only installation from a deeply local company with exceptional aesthetic standards.

Read the full RESNE review →

Our Top Pick for Rhode Island: Evergreen Solar

Rhode Island is Evergreen Solar's home market — their operations are headquartered in Pawtucket, and they have more Rhode Island installations, more RI utility relationships, and more RI permit office experience than any other company on this list. When you combine that local depth with the highest overall rating (4.6/5), the strongest warranties, and the most proven bundle model in New England, the case for Evergreen as our top pick for Rhode Island is clear.

The best alternative for most RI homeowners is Sunfinity Power & Roofing — another genuinely Rhode Island company with strong credentials and in-house crews. If Evergreen's schedule is full or the project scope doesn't align, Sunfinity is an excellent second choice. Trinity Solar is the right pick for RI homeowners who want the scale and organizational depth of a large national installer.

Rhode Island-Specific Considerations When Choosing a Company

REG Program Enrollment: Choose an Experienced Installer

The Rhode Island REG program requires a separate application to RI Energy after your solar system is installed and interconnected. Installers who have enrolled dozens of RI systems in the REG program will navigate this process faster and with fewer errors. Ask your installer how many REG enrollments they've completed with RI Energy in the past 12 months, and whether they handle the enrollment paperwork on your behalf.

Historic Properties and HOA Considerations

Rhode Island has a high concentration of historic homes in Providence, Newport, Bristol, and other communities — and many are subject to historical commission review or HOA approvals before solar installation. Installers experienced with Rhode Island's historic districts understand what types of panel placement, racking, and wiring approaches are most likely to receive approval. RESNE's aesthetics-first approach was specifically developed for this context; Evergreen Solar's experience in Providence neighborhoods makes them another strong choice for historic properties.

Coastal Corrosion and Wind Loading

Rhode Island's coastal communities — Narragansett, Westerly, Middletown, and much of the East Bay — present specific equipment requirements. In saltwater environments, standard aluminum racking can corrode over time; ask your installer about stainless steel or marine-grade racking options. Wind loading calculations also matter on exposed coastal properties — ensure your installer provides a structural engineering assessment for homes within a mile of the coast.

RI Energy as Your Sole Utility

Unlike Massachusetts with its three utilities, Rhode Island has a single electric utility: RI Energy (formerly National Grid Rhode Island). This simplifies net metering, REG enrollment, and interconnection applications considerably. That said, RI Energy's interconnection queue for residential solar can still run 60–90 days in some areas. Ask your installer what their recent experience has been with RI Energy's interconnection timeline before finalizing your installation schedule.

Frequently Asked Questions: Roof + Solar in Rhode Island

Is Rhode Island a good state for solar in 2026?

Yes — Rhode Island is one of the better solar markets in New England. Above-average electricity rates ($0.22–$0.25/kWh), the REG production incentive, REF grants, sales and property tax exemptions, and a strong net metering framework combine to create compelling solar economics. Rhode Island solar systems typically achieve payback periods competitive with the best markets in the country when homeowners fully capture available incentives.

What is the REG program?

The Renewable Energy Growth (REG) program is Rhode Island's primary solar incentive — a production-based payment made monthly by RI Energy for every kilowatt-hour your system generates, over a 15-to-20-year contract. Unlike a one-time rebate, REG payments provide ongoing revenue for the life of the contract. Rates vary by system size and enrollment block. Ask your installer to confirm the current rate and enrollment block availability for your project.

Can I get both a roof replacement and solar in Rhode Island from one company?

Yes — and the five bundle providers on this list (Evergreen Solar, Trinity Solar, Sunfinity Power & Roofing, Sunergy Solutions, and New England Energy Experts) all offer integrated roof + solar projects. RESNE is the one exception on this list: they install solar only, not roofing. For Rhode Island homeowners who need both a new roof and solar, a bundle from Evergreen or Sunfinity makes particular sense: one contract, one financing structure, coordinated warranties, and a single point of accountability.

Which company is actually based in Rhode Island?

Two companies on this list are headquartered in Rhode Island: Evergreen Solar Corporation (Pawtucket) and Sunfinity Power & Roofing (Johnston). RESNE is also a Rhode Island company (Cranston), though they install solar only, not roofing. Trinity Solar, Sunergy Solutions, and New England Energy Experts are based in other states but serve Rhode Island regularly.

Should I get multiple quotes for a Rhode Island roof + solar project?

We recommend getting at least two quotes — ideally from Evergreen Solar and one other company from this list. Use our company evaluation guide to compare scope, warranty terms, and financing structures on an apples-to-apples basis. Our solar savings calculator can give you a baseline savings estimate before your consultations.

Shingle Quality Comparison

We've added shingle brand and installer certification data to the comparison table above. For a detailed analysis of how shingle brands compare, see our full shingle comparison or read our guide on why roofer certification matters more than the shingle brand.