Office of Energy Resources Announces $9 Million Integrated Solar Carports, Battery Energy Storage System and Electric Vehicle Charging Station Projects
Published on Monday, October 26, 2026
Projects advancing due to a $4.5 million federal energy earmark secured by U.S. Senator Jack Reed. The projects are also accessing the federal Clean Electricity Investment Credit.
PROVIDENCE, R.I. – The Office of Energy Resources (OER) announced today that work will begin in 2027 on two integrated solar carports, battery storage and electric vehicle charging station projects on the state’s Capitol Hill campus parking lots because of a $4.5 million federal earmark secured by U.S. Senator Jack Reed that is being matched with OER funding for the projects.
OER has also secured a 5% safe harbor expenditure for the projects toward qualifying for the federal Clean Electricity Investment Credit (CEIC) under Section 48E of the Internal Revenue Code. Subject to eligibility requirements, the projects are expected to qualify for the CEIC equal to 30% to 40% of the eligible project costs in 2028. Senators Reed and Whitehouse supported and passed the CEIC as part of the Inflation Reduction Act. The estimated value of the federal energy tax credit to Rhode Island for the projects will be between $3 million and $3.7 million. Construction is scheduled to begin toward the end of the first quarter of 2027, with the systems needing to become operational by late 2027 to secure the CEIC.
The two solar carports, battery energy storage system and electric vehicle charging station installations will be in two parking areas on the Capitol Hill campus: the largest lot behind the Department of Administration building and the lot adjacent to the Department of Health. These installations will complement the campus’ existing rooftop solar systems completed by OER, bringing the combined grid-integrated system on the campus to approximately one megawatt of solar capacity.
“By leveraging federal funding and tax credits, we're bringing innovative solar, battery storage and electric vehicle charging technologies to state facilities while making smart investments in Rhode Island's energy future,” said Gov. Dan McKee.
“I secured this federal funding to help the state improve its energy efficiency and generate real savings for Rhode Island taxpayers. This investment will reduce pollution and help the state save money on fuel, maintenance, and operating costs. It will generate clean energy and give the state a chance to reinvest the savings into improving services for taxpayers. This is a forward-looking project that is both economically and environmentally responsible,” said Senator Jack Reed, a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee. “When it is completed next year, this new installation is expected to deliver one megawatt of renewable energy to the selected sites, which will be co-located with battery storage technology to maximize efficiency.”
“Drivers are making the switch to electric vehicles because they’re cheap to run and fun to drive. I’m glad to see Rhode Island’s capital city leading the buildout of clean energy and charging infrastructure to meet this moment,” said Senator Sheldon Whitehouse. “Investments like this will help bring clean cars and big savings within reach for more Rhode Islanders.”
"These projects will help the state of Rhode Island save money by moving to clean energy. I will continue to work with my colleagues in the Delegation to deliver more funding to Rhode Island to help us build a cleaner, brighter, and more affordable future,” said Congressman Seth Magaziner.
“Thanks to federal and state investments in renewable energy, these projects will advance Rhode Island’s clean energy future,” said Congressman Gabe Amo. “By pairing solar power with battery storage and electric vehicle charging, we can help lower energy costs, reduce emissions, and improve infrastructure for Rhode Islanders. I’ll keep working with our Congressional delegation and state and local leaders to bring home the resources we need to build a cleaner, healthier future.”
“Through OER’s Lead by Example Program (LBE), we have been advancing energy efficiency, renewable energy and clean transportation investments with state agencies, municipalities and public schools across Rhode Island over the past few years. To date, those efforts have resulted in more than 185 completed or ongoing energy projects, representing more than $48 million in investments,” said Acting OER Commissioner Chris Kearns. “OER’s LBE team is now advancing one of its largest project initiatives, with integrated solar carports, battery storage system and electric vehicle charging infrastructure that will help reduce the state's long-term operating energy costs and reduce emissions.”