Solar Retailers Industry Frequently Asked Questions

Who needs a registration?

Registration is required of all solar retailers seeking to do business in Rhode Island. Pursuant to R.I. Gen. Laws § 5-93-2, “solar retailers” are defined as entities who sell or propose to sell a residential solar energy system to a customer under a system purchase agreement; system lease agreement; or power purchase agreement.

Who is exempt from this registration requirement?

This registration requirement does not apply to lenders, governmental entities, or other third parties that enter into agreements to finance a solar energy system but are not party to a system purchase agreement, power purchase agreement, or lease agreement. Contractors and related installation personnel are also exempt from this requirement, though they remain subject to all other registration and licensure requirements generally applicable to their field and/or profession.

When do I need to have a registration by?

The registration application goes live May 1, 2025. The Department will work with applicants to ensure compliance as quickly as possible but the Department does not currently have a firm deadline for licensure. Applicants should make every effort to register as soon as possible so that any issues related to the registration process can be addressed in a timely manner.

What happens if I don’t register?

Conducting residential solar retail activities without obtaining the required registration may result in administrative enforcement action by the Department, including fines of up to $5,000 per violation and/or emergency cease and desist action.

Who needs a background check, and what kind of background check is required?

The Statute and Regulations currently require a federal criminal records check for members, managers, owners, salespeople, and third-party representatives of registered solar retailers.

However, due to delays in legal review and related approvals from the Federal government that may make this infeasible, the Department will be accepting state BCIs from both Rhode Island and the person’s state of residence (if not Rhode Island) as a substitute until further notice.

Why is this registration required?

This registration and associated disclosure requirements were enacted by the General Assembly in 2024 and are broadly aimed at improving consumer transparency and reducing harmful and/or fraudulent business practices in this growing industry.

How much does the registration cost?

The registration is $750 and must be renewed annually.

How long is my registration good for?

The registration is valid for one year and must be renewed annually.

Will I receive a registration certificate?

Yes, the Department will provide confirmation of successful registration via the registered email on file that will include a registration number.

Is there any municipal registration requirement for solar retailers?

No. However, solar retailers may be subject to additional municipal ordinances relating to the time, place, and manner of their retail activities.

What happens if my employee roster changes?

Updates to employee rosters must be made on a quarterly basis, no later than the last day of each calendar quarter (March 31, June 30, September 30, and December 31). Registrants must notify the Department of all other material changes to information contained in the residential solar retailer’s registration within 10 business days.

The Employee Roster reporting form can be here.

What is required if one of my employees is also employed by another registered solar retailer?

Employees of multiple registered solar retailers must be separately included in each individual retailer’s registration materials.

What happens if the ownership of my business changes?

An ownership change is a material change to a retailer’s registration. The Registrant must notify the Department and submit the required documentation within 10 business days of the change occurring.

Except for an incomplete application, are there any instances where an applicant would be denied?

The Department may deny an application for registration or renewal on the basis of violations laid out in R.I. Gen. Laws § 5-93-14, which include, but are not limited to, providing incorrect, misleading, incomplete, or materially untrue information in the registration application; obtaining or attempting to obtain a registration through fraud or misrepresentation; using fraudulent, coercive, or dishonest practices or demonstrating incompetence, or financial irresponsibility in this state or another place; and having a registration or its equivalent denied, suspended, or revoked in any other state, province, district, or territory.

Where do I find required disclosure forms?

The disclosure forms can be found on the website of the Office of Energy Resources at: https://energy.ri.gov/resources/major-initiatives/solar-consumer-protection

Will registration information be accessible to the public?

In general, certain registration information is considered public under the Rhode Island Access to Public Records Act (APRA). In addition, the public may search registered solar retailers through the State portal.

What kinds of insurance are required for solar retailers?

Solar retailers are required to provide evidence of general liability insurance coverage for bodily injury and property damage in the amount of not less than $500,000 per occurrence.

If I am a registered solar retailer, am I exempt from other registration/licensure requirements relative to contractors, electricians, engineers and other disciplines?

No. All activities relating to the installation, maintenance, and design of solar installations are still subject to existing registration and licensure requirements for contractors, skilled tradespeople, and design professionals.

Are there any requirements in place for photo identification?

The Department is not providing any specific requirements for the photo identification but does expect proposed Identification Badge designs to clearly display the name and registration number of the retail company, the name of the individual, and a legible color photograph of the individual.

If I am registered in another state, do I need to complete this registration in Rhode Island?

Yes. There is no reciprocity with comparable registrations in other states.