From six‑figure utility bills to long‑term savings: An affordable housing solar story in Rhode Island
Rock Ridge
Commercial Solar Guy
National Grid
Woonsocket, RI
Low income housing
Rooftop
792 kW
951,216 kWh
IQ8P-3P-72-E-DOM-US
17,121,888 kWh
$214,023
$4.3 million
“The best parts of the Enphase solution are that their commercial microinverters qualify for domestic content to help offset costs, and most of the hardware is on the roof—meaning there’s no mess of equipment at ground level.”
John Fitzgerald Weaver
General Manager
Commercial Solar Guy
Why solar?
The main focus of investing in solar equipment was to save money, as they had a six-figure electricity bill. There was also a requirement for strong system aesthetics beyond just the solar modules. It became clear that an innovative solution was needed to control costs, keep things looking streamlined, and ensure long-term financial sustainability.
The Rhode Island Housing department was involved in the project, making sure local labor was sourced, the project was built to last, and local residents could take pride in where they lived. Any project designed to support residents who are priced out of market-rate housing must prioritize the people and long-term cost-saving strategies. For this Rhode Island project, incorporating solar energy proved to be a pivotal decision—one that helped reduce ongoing utility expenses while delivering clean, reliable renewable power.
Why Enphase?
Commercial Solar Guy stepped in as a trusted solar installer, designing and commissioning a commercial solar solution that aligned with the organization’s financial and operational goals. With a developed portfolio exceeding several hundred megawatts, the Commercial Solar Guy team is committed to delivering solar solutions that not only make financial sense but also perform reliably over the long term. That commitment is what led them to select the Enphase commercial solution.
By using Enphase Commercial Microinverters with domestic content, the project was able to fully pencil out financially. Solar projects that incorporate U.S.-manufactured components are eligible for a 10% domestic content adder on top of the base Investment Tax Credit (ITC). This incentive significantly improves the return on investment calculations by reducing net project costs. When combined with the Enphase 25-year limited warranty—which was required by the customer, the site owner benefits not only from greater upfront savings but also from more predictable operations and maintenance costs—helping protect budgets well into the future.
