RI Lawmakers Propose Portable Solar Legislation To Lower Electric Bills

State lawmakers have introduced legislation aimed at allowing Rhode Islanders to utilize portable solar technology to reduce monthly electric bills.

State Sen. Bridget Valverde, D-North Kingstown, East Greenwich and South Kingstown, and State Rep. June S. Speakman, D-Warren and Bristol, sponsored the bills.

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The proposal focuses on small, portable solar arrays that can be connected to a standard wall outlet. These systems are designed to be accessible to both homeowners and renters, including those who do not have access to rooftop solar installations.

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A typical portable system consists of one to four panels and usually costs between $500 and $1,200. Once plugged into an outlet, the device provides energy to power household appliances and lights, thereby reducing the amount of electricity a resident draws from the power grid.

The legislation defines these portable devices and provides exemptions from the permitting and utility-agreement processes required for larger solar installations.

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"Rhode Islanders need relief from high energy bills, and our state needs to reduce our reliance on energy from fossil fuels. Portable solar is an excellent tool to move the needle a bit for both those efforts,” Speakman said in a media release.

“Portable solar is essentially helping to democratize energy generation, so more people can participate and have a bit more control over their electric bills," Valverde said in the release.

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"You don’t have to be a homeowner, have the perfect roof, make a huge investment or even have anything professionally installed to use a portable solar system," Valverde said. "These systems are an easy way to enable more Rhode Islanders to get the financial and environmental benefits of renewable energy generation, including the many who don’t have the money or the opportunity for rooftop solar."

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