FINANCING
Clem's ElectricRENEWABLE ENERGY FUND
About REF
CommerceRI’s Renewable Energy Fund (REF) exists to help expand the role of renewable energy throughout Rhode Island, so the state and its citizens can reap the full benefits of cost-effective renewable energy from diverse sources.
REF provides grants for renewable energy projects that have the potential to produce electricity in a cleaner, more sustainable manner, while stimulating job growth in the green technology and energy sectors. Using funds from the “system benefit charge” on electric bills and alternative compliance payments received from retail electricity providers, CommerceRI funds renewable energy projects in Small Scale solar, Commercial Scale, and Community Renewables.
Fund Level Information
| Submission Period | Funding Cap | Remaining Balance (as of 4/3/2018) |
|---|---|---|
| August 6, 2018 | $1,700,000 | Small Scale: $600,000 Commercial: $1,100,000 |
| October 1, 2018 | TBD | TBD |
**This is the total amount for all REF grant programs (excluding Community Renewables).
An update will be made frequently under the “remaining balance” column.
May be subject to change.
REF Programs
Commercial Scale Projects
Commercial Scale Funding Program Approximate Time Table
All dates are approximate and subject to change.
| Commercial (Blocks) |
Enrollment Date | Application Due Date |
|---|---|---|
| 17 | Feb 15, 2018 (Starting at 9:00am) | March 30, 2018 |
| 18 | Aug 6, 2018 (Starting at 9:00am) | Oct 1, 2018 |
Block Application Documents
Request for Projects 
(Please review this document for application instructions)
Funding Flier
Direct Ownership Projects Application
Third Party Ownership Projects Application
Note: Hard copies are no longer a requirement but holds as an option. Please submit your applications (all sections) via email to REF@commerceri.com
Small Scale Projects
Small Scale Funding Program Approximate Time Table
All dates are approximate and subject to change.
| Commercial (Blocks) |
Enrollment Date | Application Due Date |
|---|---|---|
| 16 | Dec 1, 2017 | CLOSED |
| 17 | Feb 15, 2018 (Starting at 9:00am) | Mar 30, 2018 |
| 18 | Aug 6, 2018 (Starting at 9:00am) | Oct 1, 2018 |
Block Application Documents
Request for Projects
(Please review this document for application instructions)
Funding Flier
Direct Ownership Projects Application
Note: Hard copies are no longer a requirement but holds as an option. Please submit your applications (all sections) via email to REF@commerceri.com
Community Renewables
The REF seeks to fund Community Renewable projects.
Note: Hard copies are not requirement but holds as an option. Please submit your applications (all sections) via email to REF@commerceri.com.
Pre-Development Feasibility Studies
This Program is Currently Unavailable
- The REF seeks to fund Predevelopment Feasibility Studies for prospective renewable energy projects with promising and obtainable outcomes.
- This program accepts applications on a rolling basis. Subject to the availability of funds.
Note: Hard copies are no longer a requirement but holds as an option. Please submit your applications (all sections) via email to REF@commerceri.com
Early Stage Commercialization
This program is Currently Unavailable
- The REF seeks to fund Early Stage Commercialization Projects with the ability to transform the renewable energy business sector and produce or aid in electricity usage. These projects can be in the form of an Emerging Technology or an Innovative Business Model.
- The Early Stage Commercialization program accepts applications on a rolling basis. Subject to the availability of funds.
Note: Hard copies are no longer a requirement but holds as an option. Please submit your applications (all sections) via email to REF@commerceri.com
Education Materials
Learn more about Rhode Island Renewable Energy & Energy Efficiency Programs.
Additional Information
REF EDUCATIONAL
MATERIALS
Rooftop Solar Financing 101
REF EDUCATIONAL
MATERIALS
Choosing a Solar Installer
REF EDUCATIONAL
MATERIALS
Will Solar Panels Save You Money?
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