Renewable Energy Growth Program: Brownfield Remediation Solar Incentive
The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) plays a key role in supporting the state’s clean energy goals by helping advance responsible solar development on underused land. Authorized under Rhode Island General Laws § 39-26.6-22 approved by the Public Utilities Commission in 2025, this initiative provides $2.5 million in grant funding to support large-scale solar projects that are sited on qualifying brownfields.
As the state’s lead agency on site remediation, DEM is responsible for verifying whether proposed projects meet the brownfield eligibility criteria. This webpage provides an overview of DEM’s role in the program and outlines the process and documentation required for brownfield site verification.
Program Overview
The Brownfield Remediation Incentive offers a financial “adder” of $140 per kilowatt (kW DC) of nameplate capacity for distributed-generation solar projects located on eligible brownfields in need of remediation. This funding is available to qualifying projects that fall under the Large Solar I or Large Solar II definitions.
To be eligible, projects must:
- Be located on brownfields in need of remediation at the time of application.
- Still require remediation by the end of the calendar year in which the application is submitted.
- Undergo verification by DEM prior to REG program deadlines.
This incentive is designed to support renewable energy deployment while encouraging the safe reuse of previously impacted land. For program details and eligibility requirements, visit the Office of Energy Resources or Rhode Island Energy websites.
How to Request a Brownfield Site Verification:
- Complete the Brownfield Remediation Incentive Site Verification Form (at the bottom of this webpage)
- Email the completed form to DEM.BrownfieldSolar@dem.ri.gov with the subject line:
“Brownfield Remediation Incentive Site Verification Request” - Submit your request as early as possible to allow adequate processing time before REG deadlines.
DEM will review your request and return a determination form within 30 calendar days. Approved forms can then be submitted to Rhode Island Energy as part of your full REG application package.
Final Eligibility Requirements
In addition to DEM’s site verification, applicants must provide proof that the site has been remediated to receive final eligibility for the adder. Acceptable documentation includes:
- A Letter of Compliance
- A No Further Action Letter
- An Interim Letter of Compliance
These documents must be issued by DEM and submitted to Rhode Island Energy to complete your application.
For questions about site verification, contact DEM’s Brownfields Program at DEM.BrownfieldSolar@dem.ri.gov.