Barrington is on a path to more than double the amount of solar power produced in town as a result of the Solarize Barrington program.

The Solarize Barrington program, which ran from late October to mid-February, resulted in 47 solar contracts being signed by local residents and businesses totaling more than 305 kW of new clean energy capacity. This amounts to an estimated 135 percent increase in the amount of solar power produced in Barrington compared to previous years.

The Solarize Barrington program was developed by the town in partnership with the the Rhode Island Office of Energy Resources, Commerce RI and the non-profit marketing firm SmartPower. Barrington’s installer, RGS Energy, reached Tier 3 pricing and applied this discount to all contracts signed during the program.

“Barrington is leading the way,” said Brian F. Keane, president of SmartPower.  “Solarize communities here in Rhode Island are showing a 50 percent increase in solar adoption compared to last year and here we have Barrington at the front of the line!”

Barrington had a large number of residents express interest, totaling more than 200, and all community events were well attended. Several community groups and solar ambassadors, in addition to town staff, were instrumental in spreading the word and increasing participation in the program. These groups included the Bay Spring Community Center, Bayside YMCA, Barrington Congregational Church and staff at the Barrington Public Library.

“Community-based adoption of solar energy presents tangible energy, economic, and environmental benefits for Rhode Islanders and the cities and towns in which they live,” said State Energy Commissioner Marion Gold. “Solarize Rhode Island is helping local residents and businesses reduce their net energy consumption from the grid, while supporting new investment and job growth opportunities for our local clean energy economy.”

Solar installations will begin in late spring and continue throughout the summer and fall. Residents will have an opportunity to attend future educational events related to solar and to tour new installations, see photos and read testimonials from other residents online. Future events and new resources will be posted on the Solarize Rhode Island website at www.solarizeri.com. 

Solarize Rhode Island and its community-centric model will be expanded in the coming months. A new application round for additional interested municipalities is underway. For more information on the Solarize Rhode Island program, please call 574-9111.