<p>Despite the extensive debate surrounding the role of renewable energy policies in shaping environmental governance, the potential differential impact of diverse policies on corporate green innovation (GI) remains underexplored. The present study draws on legitimacy theory to examine how different renewable energy policies affect corporate GI performance. A textual analysis of renewable energy policies issued by regional governments in China is conducted, resulting in the identification of three main types of policies: renewable energy comprehensive policies (RECP), renewable energy regulatory policies (RERP), and renewable energy incentive policies (REIP). The empirical evidence, derived from a sample of renewable energy firms listed on the Chinese A-share market from 2007 to 2022, indicates that RECP, RERP, and REIP each exert a significant positive influence on corporate GI. From an economic perspective, corporate green patent applications exhibit an approximate increase of 7.20%, 8.40%, and 6.50% relative to the mean, contingent upon an increase in RECP, RERP, and REIP from their 25th to 75th percentiles, respectively. Further heterogeneity analysis reveals that these promotional effects are particularly pronounced in state-owned and large-scale firms. Concurrently, we observe that online media attention and executives’ green cognition serve as critical factors that strengthen the positive effects of RECP, RERP, and REIP on corporate GI. The findings provide valuable insights and managerial guidance for policymakers and executives, with the aim of enhancing the effectiveness of renewable energy policies in driving GI and advancing sustainable development.</p>