State law · Rhode Island
No — Rhode Island had no statewide plug-in solar law on October 14, 2026. HB 7269 was deferred to the 2027 session; the proposal would define portable solar, exempt small arrays from some permits and require UL-style certification.
HB 7269 was deferred to the 2027 session; there is no state plug-in solar law yet.
Checked October 14, 2026
420 kWh used at home × 29.22¢ = $122.61; 338 kWh sent to the grid unpaid, 0 kWh lost to the inverter limit. At Rhode Island's average rate (EIA).
Residential average, January to July 2026 (EIA Electric Power Monthly).
Open the calculatorOn October 14, 2026 the legislature had not enacted plug-in solar law; HB 7269’s latest action is "Deferred to 2027" (legislature). Bright Saver's tracker records the bill as carryover to 2027.
The draft language would define "portable solar devices" and exempt small systems from permitting and utility-agreement processes that apply to larger arrays. It would require compliance with electric codes, UL or similar certification, and an anti-islanding/outage-safety feature, and the draft protects utilities from liability for device-related damage or injury.
Devices that do not need grid connection remain unaffected: a portable power station charged by a panel requires no interconnection or utility approval. Manufacturer specs show common portable station capacities from 192 Wh to 4,000 Wh and AC outputs up to 4,000 W, so you can choose a model that matches how you plan to use it.
The calculator gives typical-year numbers for an 800 W kit at the state population center. It shows 758 kWh a year for an 800 W kit mounted vertical and facing south; with a 164 W home base load, 420 kWh (55%) is used at home and 338 kWh exported. At 29.22 cents/kWh the home-used power is worth $123 a year ($1,226 over 10 years, exports paid 0). Tilted at 30° the same kit produces 1,090 kWh and saves $147.
No. The bill did not pass in 2026; the legislature's latest action lists HB 7269 as "Deferred to 2027." Bright Saver's tracker records the same carryover status.
Yes. The draft would require portable solar systems to meet electric codes and be certified by Underwriters Laboratories (UL) or a similar lab, and to include an anti-islanding feature to prevent energizing the grid during outages.
Until the state passes a statute, protections for renters and limits on HOA rules are not explicitly addressed. Bright Saver notes the technology sits in a legal gray area and utilities can require interconnection review, permits, and fees.
The calculator gives 758 kWh a year for an 800 W kit mounted vertical and facing south, and 1,090 kWh a year if tilted at 30°. At 29.22 cents/kWh the vertical case saves $123 per year on energy used at home.