National Grid formally launched its 2016 Renewable Energy Growth Program on April 1. There is a separate solicitation and enrollment process rules for PV projects up to 25 kW, and a separate residential tariff to simplify and streamline the process for residential PV projects. PV projects larger than 25 kW DC and all other DG projects must compete through open enrollments based on price or below pre-determined ceiling prices.

Applications for small PV projects will be accepted on an open, continuous basis beginning April 1. For Program Year 2016, the annual enrollment target for PV systems up to 25 kW is 5.5 MW, with incentive levels — which vary by tariff length, system size and system ownership — ranging from $0.247/kWh to $0.3765/kWh.

Applications for all other projects will first be accepted during the first enrollment period, scheduled for April 18 to April 29. There will be three two-week open enrollments in 2016.
The 2016 RE Growth Program includes a new feature, SolarWise Rhode Island, which provides customers pursuing efficiency options through National Grid access to data and tools to assess their solar potential. Customers who choose to install PV in conjunction with efficiency projects may qualify for additional solar incentives under the RE Growth Program.