Solarize program launches in North Smithfield

NORTH SMITHFIELD – North Smithfield has become the first Rhode Island community to launch the “solarize” residential solar energy campaign.
The launch took place Friday at National Marker, which will install solar on its rooftop this fall through the help of a grant by the R.I. Commerce Corporation’s renewable energy fund.
“We are very happy to be part of the launch of Solarize RI, and excited that North Smithfield is the first town to participate. As a resident and business owner this will allow us to shrink our energy footprint, and help to create a cleaner environment for future generations,” Michael Black, National Marker president, said in a statement.
Solarize Rhode Island was created through a partnership of Commerce RI, the R.I. Office of Energy Resources and nonprofit marketing firm SmartPower.

Solarize relies on four components to reduce solar installation costs, including a competitively-selected installer, a tiered pricing system, community-based outreach and marketing, and a firm end date to encourage participation.
Solarize North Smithfield has chosen RGS Energy as its official Solarize installer.
“We are very excited to be launching this program here in North Smithfield. Our residents and businesses are all looking for smart ways to reduce costs. Solar is not only good for their pocketbooks, it’s good for our community. We have already been getting great reaction to the program, as the community hears that Solarize is coming,” Town Administrator Paulette Hamilton said in a statement.
The North Smithfield Town Council recently passed a 20-year municipal tax exemption on residential and commercial rooftop Photovoltaic systems.

“Through this partnership, we’ll be able to work with municipalities to offer solar installations at lower costs, while helping to expand the renewable energy sector as a growing source of jobs and economic activity in Rhode Island,” Marcel A. Valois, executive director of Commerce RI, said in a statement.
“With greater adoption of solar energy, we hope to leverage the Solarize program to continue to provide Commerce RI’s renewable energy fund resources to support more renewable energy projects around the state,” he said.

Managing the campaign in Rhode Island is SmartPower, a national nonprofit marketing and outreach organization dedicated to promoting clean energy and energy efficiency. SmartPower has been managing Solarize effort campaigns across the country.
In August, the Commerce RI’s board of directors approved the use of $50,000 of funds controlled by the Office of Energy Resources to start the $250,000 Solarize program.
In addition to North Smithfield, the program also will operate in Little Compton and Tiverton, and involves a $50,000 match from SmartPower. The remaining $200,000 will fund a yet-undetermined incentive program.

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