Barrington and two other towns are participating in a second round of "Solarizing RI."

Barrington, Bristol and South Kingstown were recently selected for participation in the fall 2017 program, which partners residents and small businesses with the Office of Energy Resources, the Rhode Island Commerce Corporation and the non-profit organization SmartPower.

“The expansion of Solarize RI provides a great opportunity for residents and small businesses to lower their energy bill, while at the same time ramping up the state’s green energy efforts,” said Rhode Island Commerce Corporation President Darin Early. 

“Lowering energy costs and accelerating the use of green technologies are key components in our strategy to bettering the business climate and quality of life for all Rhode Islanders.”

Three municipalities were selected through a request for application process to participate in the fall round of Solarize — Barrington, Bristol and South Kingstown kicked off their programs in late October and residents in all three municipalities can sign up to participate. 

“Now more than ever it’s important to Solarize,” said Brian F. Keane, president of SmartPower. “Each day we are seeing the tragedies of climate change as our fellow citizens grapple with the results of major hurricanes and wildfires. Solarize offers each of us an opportunity to be a part of the solution while helping our own communities and our own households.”

Solarize Rhode Island is a community-based outreach campaign that seeks to increase the adoption of small-scale solar electricity in participating communities through a competitive tiered pricing structure that increases the savings for everyone as more home and business owners sign contracts. 

Now in its third year, Solarize Rhode Island has led to more than 595 residents and business owners in 15 municipalities signing contracts for small-scale solar electricity systems.

Barrington, Bristol, and South Kingstown ran successful Solarize campaigns in 2015 and 2016 resulting in more than 100 new solar installations combined.

Barrington Town Council Vice President Kate Weymouth and her husband, Scott, had photovoltaic panels installed at their home in 2016 as part of the first Solarize Barrington campaign. She is the solar ambassador for the current Solarize program.

“Scott and I took advantage of the funding opportunities during the last round of Solarize Barrington and a year later, have no regrets,” Ms. Weymouth said. “It is empowering to feel less dependent on fossil fuels, to lease an electric car, charge it fully at home, pay much reduced electric bills, and still receive a check back from National Grid every couple of months.”

To find out more about Solarize RI call 215-3285 or go to http://solarizeri.com.

Tiered pricing

Offered through Solarize Barrington, Sol Power’s tiered pricing for its residential ownership model is based on the total photovoltaic system size from contracts for installation in Barrington. The pricing is as follows:

• Tier 1 (1-50kW of total system capacity): $3.21 cost per watt

• Tier 2 (51-150kW): $3.15 per watt

• Tier 3 (151 kW+): $3.09 per watt

Other incentives are available, including from the Renewable Energy Fund administered by RI Commerce, and federal renewable energy tax credits. During the first Solarize Barrington program, Barrington easily reached the Tier 3 pricing based on strong demand for panels.

Solar 101 workshop

• When: Wednesday, Dec. 13, from 6:30 to 8 p.m.

• Where: Barringon Public Library

• How Solarize Works:

1. Find out if your home is good for solar by signing up

2. Request a free no-obligation site visit

3. Receive a quote from a participating solar installer

4. Ask about $0 down financing