Solarize Cranston will hold two upcoming events for Cranston residents in August. With less than a month before the program deadline, residents will have the opportunity to learn about this unique group – buying solar program, which launched on June 7.

On Saturday, Aug. 19, the Jackvony family will host a solar open house from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. at 2219 Phenix Ave., Cranston. Homeowners and technical experts from RGS Energy will be on hand to give residents a tour of the PV system and to answer questions.

On Tuesday, Aug. 22 at 6:30 p.m., the City of Cranston will hold a community presentation event at the Cranston Central Library. RGS Energy will speak to residents about the benefits of home solar, the two state incentive programs and about why Rhode Island is ranked 3rd in the nation for solar investment this year.

The Solarize Cranston program is in its 10th week and interest in the program has grown dramatically – to date, over 40 residents have had home solar assessments and 11 contracts have been signed, totaling 62 kilowatts (kW) of solar capacity. Solarize Cranston has reached Tier 2 pricing which means that the cost of solar for all participants is now lower.

Wenley Ferguson, a Cranston resident and solar ambassador had her PV system installed last year. “I was happily surprised to learn that our investment in solar panels will not only pay for itself, but it is also a sound financial investment thanks to the great state and federal incentives. Solarize Cranston adds another incentive to reduce the initial cost of solar for Cranston residents.”

The Solarize Cranston program was developed by the City of Cranston and a team of solar ambassadors, the Office of Energy Resources, Commerce RI and the non-profit marketing firm SmartPower to encourage adoption of solar using the power of group buying combined with a grass-roots community outreach plan. The more people who sign contracts, the lower the price is for everyone.

All events are free and open to the residents of Cranston. The deadline for signing up for the Solarize Cranston program is Sept. 8, 2017 If you have questions about the Solarize Cranston program, or Solarize RI in general, please contact Karen Stewart: 401-215-3285 or go to www.solarizeri.com/Cranston.