Warren residents who want to install solar energy systems on their property have a golden opportunity to get the work done at a heavily discounted price, under a new town/state partnership.

Solarize Warren is part of “Solarize Rhode Island,” a statewide program promoting the use of photo voltaic energy generating systems across the state. The goal is to get as many homeowners as possible to install solar systems; the deadline to apply for the program is the end of June. Warren residents that sign up could save thousands in costs.

Under the program, residents who sign up with the program’s installer, Direct Energy Solar, to put install an average 5.5kilowatt system will receive tax incentives and grants that underwrite as much as 50 percent of the project’s cost. What’s more, under the tiered program, the more residents who apply under the program, the cheaper it is for everyone.

“The more people who sign on, the greater the incentive,” Warren Town Planner Kate Michaud said.

Under the first tier (one to 10 homes signed up) the average total cost for installation would be $19,800, but through grants and tax credits the total cost to the homeowner would be $9,432.50. Under tier two (11 to 30 homeowners) the total cost of $19,250 would be reduced to $9,047.50. And under tier three (31 to 50 homeowners) the total cost of $18,700 would be reduced to $8,662.50.

What’s more, residents who sign up will receive a free ‘learning’ thermostat, and those who successfully refer a friend to the program receive an additional $200 credit.

The program is currently running in Warren, Bristol and Providence. Ms. Michaud said her goal is to beat Warren, and noted that Warren Town Clerk Julie Coelho already signed up. No word on whether Bristol Town Clerk Louis P. Cirillo has, as well.

For more information, see www.solarizeri.com/warren, or attend a public meeting on the program scheduled for Thursday, April 28 at 7 p.m. at Warren Town Hall.

— Ted Hayes