To the editor:

In February, the Solarize Aquidneck program completed its initial sign-up phase. The Aquidneck Island Planning Commission (AIPC) wishes to thank the partners that made Solarize Aquidneck a great success: the City of Newport, the towns of Middletown and Portsmouth, the state Office of Energy Resources and CommerceRI, and the organization SmartPower.

Solarize Aquidneck was the first multi-community, multi-installer solar energy partnership in Rhode Island. Through education, outreach and discount pricing, the program generated more than 600 homeowner inquiries and, to date, nearly 170 contracts to install solar panels on Aquidneck Island homes. Once complete, these installations will provide more than 1100 kW of clean electric generating capacity — saving money for homeowners and improving our island’s energy independence.

Our island communities are exceptionally vulnerable to coastal storms, sea level rise, and other climate change impacts; by reducing our carbon footprint, the Solarize program is helping Aquidneck Island to fight back and ensure resilience for the future. Moreover, the program provides a model for inter-municipal cooperation on Aquidneck Island and throughout Rhode Island.

AIPC is deeply grateful for the support of the municipal councils and committees in Newport, Middletown and Portsmouth, and the assistance of the municipalities’ able professional staff, in managing the Solarize program and, indeed, everything that we do. We are committed to continuing to work with all three communities to create programs that, like Solarize Aquidneck, benefit Island residents and improve our quality of life, while using the power of collaboration to save time and money.

Over the next year, three solar energy contractors (Newport Solar in Newport, RGS in Middletown, and Direct Energy Solar in Portsmouth) will be installing the solar panel systems contracted through the Solarize Aquidneck program. If you are interested in solar panels but missed the sign-up period, I encourage you to nevertheless contact the company assigned to your community.

All are great firms that were carefully vetted for Solarize Aquidneck; all offer free consultations and cost estimates; and all provide comprehensive support for solar installation — from helping to determine the system specifications and financing arrangement that best suits your needs, to securing building and electrical permits, advising regarding grant applications and tax incentives, and working with the electric company to turn on the system once the work is done.

To contact a solar installer or for any other information about Aquidneck Island or the Aquidneck Island Planning Commission, please contact us directly at 401/845-9299, or visit us at www.aquidneckplanning.org.

Thomas C. Ardito

Executive director,

Aquidneck Island Planning Commission