Rhode Island will combine solar power, battery storage and EV charging in two parking lots on its state Capitol Hill campus. The Office of Energy Resources (OER) announced the $9 million projects on October 26, 2026. A $4.5 million federal earmark is being matched with OER funding, and construction is scheduled to start toward the end of the first quarter of 2027.
Project Details
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Total value | $9 million ($4.5 million federal earmark matched by OER) |
| Locations | Lot behind the Department of Administration building and lot next to the Department of Health |
| Technology | Solar carports, battery energy storage, EV charging stations |
| Solar on campus | About 1 MW combined with existing rooftop systems |
| Schedule | Construction from late Q1 2027; operational by late 2027 |
| Expected federal credit | 30%–40% of eligible costs, about $3 million to $3.7 million |
How the Financing Works
OER says it has secured a 5% safe harbor expenditure toward the federal Clean Electricity Investment Credit under Section 48E of the Internal Revenue Code. Subject to eligibility rules, the projects are expected to qualify for a credit equal to 30% to 40% of eligible costs in 2028. To secure the credit, the systems need to be operating by late 2027.
The projects run under OER’s Lead by Example program, which the agency says has completed or started more than 185 energy projects worth over $48 million with state agencies, municipalities and public schools.
What It Means
Pairing chargers with on-site solar and batteries is becoming a standard design for public fleets and workplaces, because storage can cut peak demand when several vehicles charge at once. Charger choice matters in these systems: networked units with adjustable current and load management let the site controller share limited power. Our EV-ACT5006T 48A Level 2 wall charger (ETL/FCC/CE) offers adjustable output for workplace parking, and our commercial charging solutions cover multi-charger sites. Read more in our guide to load management linked below.
Related Reading
- Solar Panels and EV Chargers: How to Charge Your Car With Sunshine
- What Is EV Charger Load Balancing? How Multi-Charger Sites Share Power
- How to Plan a Workplace EV Charging Program
Key Takeaways
- Rhode Island will build two solar carport, battery storage and EV charging projects on its Capitol Hill campus.
- The $9 million cost is split between a $4.5 million federal earmark and OER funds.
- Construction starts in early 2027, with operation required by late 2027 for the federal credit.
- The credit is expected to cover 30%–40% of eligible costs.
