The bill amends Section 39-26.4-3 of the General Laws regarding net metering policies for electricity generated from eligible net-metering systems and community remote net-metering systems. Key provisions include establishing a maximum allowable capacity of 275 megawatts (MWac) for ground-mounted eligible net-metering systems. The maximum capacity restriction shall not apply to eligible net-metering systems installed on preferred sites, which include locations such as landfills, gravel pits, quarries, highway and major road median strips, brownfields, superfund sites, parking lots, and rooftops of residential, commercial, industrial, and municipal buildings. Additionally, the bill allows for systems mounted on raised structures that enable the ground beneath to be used for other purposes, such as parking, pedestrian access, recreation, or agricultural uses.

The bill also introduces provisions for the Rhode Island Office of Energy Resources to redesign the community solar remote net metering program, ensuring that a portion of the project is allocated to low- and moderate-income residents and disadvantaged communities. This act is set to take effect upon passage.

Statutes affected:
1121: 39-26.4-3