On this page
- Right to Cancel: Rhode Island's Cooling-Off Period
- Rhode Island Consumer Protection Laws for Solar
- Solar-Specific Regulations in Rhode Island
- Common Solar Contract Issues in Rhode Island
- How to Exit a Solar Contract in Rhode Island
- Rhode Island Attorney General and Consumer Protection Resources
- Frequently Asked Questions
Rhode Island has set some of the most ambitious renewable energy goals in the nation, with a target of 100% renewable electricity by 2033. This policy environment, combined with high electricity rates and various incentive programs, has driven strong growth in residential solar installations. However, the rapid expansion of the solar market has also led to contract disputes. This guide covers the key Rhode Island laws that affect your solar contract, your cancellation rights, and your options if you need to exit a solar agreement in the Ocean State.
Right to Cancel: Rhode Island's Cooling-Off Period
If you signed a solar contract in Rhode Island through a door-to-door or in-home sales transaction, you generally have a right to cancel under both federal and state law.
Federal FTC Cooling-Off Rule
The Federal Trade Commission's Cooling-Off Rule (16 CFR Part 429) provides a 3-business-day right to cancel for sales made at your home. This applies to most door-to-door solar sales. The cancellation period runs until midnight of the third business day after signing.
Rhode Island Door-to-Door Sales Act (R.I. Gen. Laws § 6-28-1 et seq.)
Rhode Island's own cooling-off statute is the Door-to-Door Sales Act, codified at R.I. Gen. Laws §§ 6-28-1 through 6-28-8. The operative right-to-cancel provision is R.I. Gen. Laws § 6-28-3, which generally allows the buyer to cancel a door-to-door sale or lease of merchandise by posting written notice of cancellation to the seller no later than midnight of the third day following the buyer's signing of the agreement, excluding Sundays and any holiday on which regular mail deliveries are not made.
Two counting details typically matter here. First, Rhode Island counts days rather than business days, so a Saturday generally counts against you even though a Sunday does not. Second, the notice under § 6-28-3 must generally be sent by registered or certified mail, and it is generally effective when it is posted, not when the seller receives it. The statute defines a covered door-to-door sale in § 6-28-2 and generally applies where the purchase price is $25 or more; it is not limited to credit sales, so a cash purchase may still qualify. Rhode Island does not appear to provide a separate senior-citizen or age-based extension of this window.
Key detail: R.I. Gen. Laws § 6-28-4 generally requires the seller to place a cancellation notice in ten-point bold-face type or larger immediately above the buyer's signature line, along with a duplicate notice of cancellation form. If the agreement did not comply and you notify the seller by registered mail of your intent to cancel, the seller generally must return any deposit within 20 days, and § 6-28-4 provides that a failure to do so may allow the buyer to recover double damages in a later proceeding. If the required notice was missing or deficient, your cancellation window may not have started running. Consult a qualified attorney to evaluate your specific situation.
What Counts as a Door-to-Door Sale in Rhode Island
The cooling-off period typically applies when the sale was initiated through an unsolicited visit to your home:
- A solar salesperson knocking on your door without a prior appointment
- A sales presentation conducted in your home, even if you initially responded to an advertisement
- Transactions completed at temporary locations like trade shows or hotel presentations
Important: If you are within the cooling-off period, act immediately. R.I. Gen. Laws § 6-28-3 generally requires the notice to go by registered or certified mail, and the notice is generally effective when posted rather than when received, so keep the mailing receipt and a copy. Do not rely on phone calls. Pre-installation cancellation guide →
Rhode Island Consumer Protection Laws for Solar
Deceptive Trade Practices Act (R.I. Gen. Laws 6-13.1-1 et seq.)
Rhode Island's Deceptive Trade Practices Act prohibits unfair or deceptive acts in trade or commerce. In the solar context, this may include:
- Making false or misleading claims about energy savings or system performance
- Misrepresenting the terms of a solar lease, PPA, or loan agreement
- Failing to disclose material information such as escalator clauses, lien filings, or maintenance responsibilities
- Using high-pressure sales tactics or bait-and-switch methods
- Misrepresenting the Renewable Energy Growth program benefits
- Misrepresenting the company's licensing status
The Deceptive Trade Practices Act provides for actual damages, punitive damages in certain cases, and attorney fees. In our assessment, this makes it a strong tool for Rhode Island solar consumers who were misled.
Contractor Licensing in Rhode Island
Rhode Island requires contractors to be registered and licensed through the Contractors' Registration and Licensing Board. Solar installation work generally requires appropriate electrical and/or general contractor licensing. If your solar installer was not properly licensed, this is a significant issue that may affect your contract's enforceability.
Rhode Island Public Utilities Commission (PUC)
The RI PUC regulates Rhode Island Energy (formerly National Grid), the state's primary electric utility. The PUC oversees net metering, the Renewable Energy Growth program, interconnection standards, and rate structures.
Solar-Specific Regulations in Rhode Island
Net Metering in Rhode Island
Rhode Island has net metering under R.I. Gen. Laws 39-26.4 and PUC regulations. The program allows qualifying solar customers to receive credits for excess electricity they export to the grid.
Under current Rhode Island net metering rules:
- Residential systems may qualify for net metering through Rhode Island Energy
- Credits for excess generation are generally provided at or near the retail rate
- Monthly credits carry forward and may be subject to annual true-up
- Virtual net metering is available, allowing credits to be applied to other accounts
- Community solar and shared renewable energy projects are also available
Renewable Energy Growth (REG) Program
Rhode Island's REG program is a unique incentive that provides fixed-rate payments for solar generation through a competitive enrollment process. Under the REG program, participants receive a fixed per-kWh payment for electricity generated for a term of 15-20 years, in addition to net metering benefits.
Rhode Island Solar Programs
If a solar company misrepresented the terms or availability of the REG program during sales, this may support a consumer protection claim.
Rhode Island Renewable Energy Standard
Rhode Island's Renewable Energy Standard (RES) requires the state's electric utility to procure an increasing percentage of electricity from renewable sources. Combined with the 100% Renewable Energy by 2033 Act, this creates a supportive policy environment. However, be cautious of sales representatives who misrepresent state-level mandates as creating direct personal financial benefits.
Interconnection Standards
Rhode Island's interconnection standards establish the requirements for connecting solar systems to the grid through Rhode Island Energy. Key aspects include application and approval processes, technical requirements, timelines, and insurance provisions.
Property Tax Exemption
Rhode Island law (R.I. Gen. Laws 44-3-21) provides a property tax exemption for renewable energy systems. This means the added value of your solar installation should generally be exempt from property tax. If a solar company misrepresented property tax implications, this may support a claim.
Common Solar Contract Issues in Rhode Island
Based on our research, the most common solar contract disputes in Rhode Island involve:
1. Overstated Savings Projections
While Rhode Island's high electricity rates make solar attractive, some homeowners report savings below what was promised. New England's variable weather, shorter winter days, and occasional snow coverage can all affect production. If savings guarantees have not materialized, this may constitute a deceptive practice under R.I. Gen. Laws 6-13.1-1 et seq.
2. REG Program Misrepresentation
Some solar companies have misrepresented the Renewable Energy Growth program: either overstating the payment rates, guaranteeing enrollment (which is competitive), or conflating REG payments with net metering credits. If your sales presentation included inaccurate REG program representations, this may provide grounds for a claim.
3. Undisclosed UCC Lien Filings
Solar leases and PPAs may result in a UCC-1 financing statement being filed with the Rhode Island Secretary of State. If undisclosed, this may support a claim for rescission. UCC lien removal guide →
4. Door-to-Door Sales Violations
Solar door-to-door sales have been active throughout Rhode Island's compact geography. Common violations include failure to provide required cancellation notices under the Door-to-Door Sales Act (R.I. Gen. Laws § 6-28-4), misrepresenting program benefits, and using high-pressure tactics. These violations may extend cancellation rights.
5. Escalator Clause Surprises
Solar PPAs and leases with annual price escalators can erode the savings advantage in Rhode Island over time. If the escalator was not clearly disclosed, you may have grounds for relief. PPA exit guide →
Dealing with a solar contract issue in Rhode Island? Get a free preliminary review of your contract and options.
How to Exit a Solar Contract in Rhode Island
If you need to get out of a solar contract in Rhode Island, here is a general step-by-step framework:
Step 1: Review Your Contract Thoroughly
Read your entire solar contract including all addendums. Pay attention to cancellation clauses, buyout provisions, escalator terms, REG program terms, and performance guarantees.
Step 2: Determine If You Are Within the Cooling-Off Period
If you signed through a door-to-door sale within the last three days, counting every day except Sundays and holidays with no regular mail delivery, you may generally cancel at no cost under R.I. Gen. Laws § 6-28-3. Post written notice by registered or certified mail immediately. Cancellation guide →
Step 3: Document Everything
Gather all documentation including the contract, amendments, sales materials, correspondence, utility bills, and any recordings (Rhode Island is a one-party consent state under R.I. Gen. Laws 11-35-21).
Step 4: Identify Potential Legal Grounds
- Misrepresentation of savings, system performance, or program benefits
- Failure to provide required cancellation notices (R.I. Gen. Laws §§ 6-28-3, 6-28-4)
- Deceptive practices under R.I. Gen. Laws 6-13.1-1 et seq.
- Contractor licensing violations
- Breach of contract (failure to deliver promised performance)
- REG program misrepresentation
- Failure to disclose UCC lien filings or other material terms
Step 5: File a Complaint with the Rhode Island Attorney General
File a formal complaint with the Rhode Island Attorney General's Consumer Protection Unit. This creates an official record and may prompt the solar company to negotiate.
Step 6: Explore Your Exit Options
- Contract buyout: purchasing the system per your contract terms
- Transfer to a new homeowner: the buyer may assume the agreement (selling with solar guide →)
- Negotiated settlement: working directly with the solar company
- Legal action: pursuing rescission or damages through Rhode Island courts (find a solar lawyer →)
- Professional exit service: hiring a solar contract exit specialist (see our rankings →)
Step 7: Consult a Qualified Attorney
We always recommend consulting with a Rhode Island-licensed attorney experienced in consumer protection and solar disputes. Find a solar panel lawyer →
Important: We do not advise homeowners to stop making payments or breach contractual obligations. Failing to make payments could result in damage to your credit, collection actions, or acceleration of the full contract balance. Continue making payments while you explore your legal options.
Rhode Island Attorney General and Consumer Protection Resources
Key Contacts for Rhode Island Solar Consumers
- Rhode Island Attorney General. Consumer Protection Unit
Phone: (401) 274-4400
Website: riag.ri.gov
File complaints about deceptive solar sales practices - Rhode Island Public Utilities Commission (PUC)
Phone: (401) 780-2107
Website: ripuc.ri.gov
For net metering, REG program, interconnection, and utility billing issues - Contractors' Registration and Licensing Board
Phone: (401) 462-9500
Website: crb.ri.gov
Verify contractor licenses and file complaints - Rhode Island Office of Energy Resources
Phone: (401) 574-9100
Website: energy.ri.gov
Information on state energy programs and incentives - Rhode Island Secretary of State. UCC Filings
Website: sos.ri.gov
Search for UCC-1 financing statements filed against your property
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cooling-off period for solar contracts in Rhode Island?
Rhode Island's Door-to-Door Sales Act, R.I. Gen. Laws § 6-28-3, generally gives you until midnight of the third day after signing to cancel a door-to-door sale, excluding Sundays and holidays with no regular mail delivery, so Saturdays generally count. Notice generally must be posted by registered or certified mail and is generally effective on mailing. The federal FTC Cooling-Off Rule separately provides 3 business days. If the seller failed to give the notices required by § 6-28-4, the window may be extended. Cancellation guide ��
Can I cancel my solar contract in Rhode Island after the cooling-off period?
After the cooling-off period, direct cancellation is generally not available without cost. Rhode Island's Deceptive Trade Practices Act (R.I. Gen. Laws 6-13.1-1 et seq.) may provide grounds for rescission, including potential punitive damages and attorney fees, if deceptive practices were involved. Full exit guide →
How does net metering work in Rhode Island?
Rhode Island has net metering under R.I. Gen. Laws 39-26.4. Credits are generally at the retail rate through Rhode Island Energy. The state also offers the Renewable Energy Growth (REG) program providing fixed-rate payments for solar generation. Virtual net metering is available. Contact Rhode Island Energy or the PUC for specifics.
What is the Renewable Energy Growth (REG) program?
The REG program provides fixed-rate payments for solar electricity generation through a competitive enrollment process. Participants receive a per-kWh payment for 15-20 years. Enrollment is competitive and not guaranteed. If a solar company guaranteed REG enrollment or misrepresented the payment terms, this may constitute a deceptive practice.
Who do I contact in Rhode Island to file a solar complaint?
File complaints with the RI Attorney General's Consumer Protection Unit at (401) 274-4400. For utility issues, contact the RI PUC at (401) 780-2107. The Contractors' Registration and Licensing Board handles contractor complaints at (401) 462-9500. File with all relevant agencies.
Does Rhode Island have solar-specific consumer protection laws?
Rhode Island has the Deceptive Trade Practices Act (R.I. Gen. Laws 6-13.1-1 et seq.) and the Door-to-Door Sales Act (R.I. Gen. Laws 6-28-1 through 6-28-8), whose right-to-cancel section is R.I. Gen. Laws 6-28-3. The RI PUC regulates utility-related solar policies including net metering and the REG program. The Contractors' Registration and Licensing Board regulates solar installers. Rhode Island has also been proactive on renewable energy policy generally.
Get a free preliminary contract review or see which companies our editorial team recommends for solar exits.
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Solar contract terms and exit options vary by contract, company, and individual circumstances. Results vary by individual situation. We do not advise homeowners to stop making payments or breach contractual obligations. Consult a qualified Rhode Island-licensed attorney before taking action. See our Ownership Disclosure, Advertiser Disclosure, and Methodology.
See how Rhode Island’s cancellation window compares with every other state in our Solar Cooling-Off Period by State guide: the right-to-cancel window and governing statute for all 50 states.