Rhode Island’s DG Board has filed a report and recommendations on 2016 Renewable Energy Growth Program classes, ceiling prices and annual targets. The report includes the following recommendations for the state’s 2016 RE Growth Program:
- Creating a pilot to increase program participation by non-profit projects, including affordable housing projects. The pilot would allow solar PV systems up to 250 kW, with ceiling prices ranging from $0.2955/kWh to $0.4525/kWh.
- Including the 30% federal ITC in the small and medium solar classes’ ceiling prices, while assuming a 10% ITC for commercial and large PV projects.
- Excluding the federal PTC for the wind, anaerobic digestion and small-scale hydropower classes’ ceiling prices.
- Potentially altering the ceiling prices if applicable federal tax incentives are revised or created.
- Setting ceiling prices of up to $0.3765/kWh for Small Solar I systems owned by hosts.
- Setting ceiling prices of up to $0.2990/kWh for Small Solar I systems owned by third parties.
- Setting a ceiling price of $0.2615/kWh for Small Solar II systems.
- Approving National Grid’s proposed SolarWise program, designed to coordinate capacity from the RE Growth Program with the state’s annual energy-efficiency program.
- Allowing Small Solar class funds to be available year-round.