Mayor leads Solarize Warwick effort, has own home evaluated for program

By Tessa Roy
Posted 8/30/16

Warwick is going solar, and Mayor Scott Avedisian is trying to spearhead the cause. SolarFlair stopped by the mayor's home on Thursday to evaluate whether it is suitable for solar panels. The visit was part of the Solarize Warwick

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Mayor leads Solarize Warwick effort, has own home evaluated for program

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Warwick is going solar, and Mayor Scott Avedisian is trying to spearhead the cause. SolarFlair stopped by the mayor’s home on Thursday to evaluate whether it is suitable for solar panels.

The visit was part of the Solarize Warwick initiative, which will offer discounted prices on solar panels through the end of September. Eligible businesses and homeowners who sign up through the program can get 20 to 30 percent off average market prices, which SolarFlair resident sales associate Scottie Provencal says is around $4 per watt on the east coast. Prices through Solarize Warwick will start at $3.55 per watt, and costs will decrease as more residents and businesses take part.

Provencal said homes with southern exposure and residents who have high electric bills make the best candidates for solar energy. The process from a site visit to installation takes about four months and, according to Provencal, is “non-invasive.” During this time, everything must be thoroughly approved by homeowners before moving forward. When a qualified home is ready, panel installation takes up to three days.

Homeowners and businesses of all backgrounds are encouraged to consider scheduling a site visit. Mayor Avedisian, for instance, lives in a 158-year-old house, but even contemporary-looking solar panels won’t dampen historical charm. Provencal says he has seen lots of older homes have solar panels installed – they are simply placed in locations where they won’t be visible from the front of the house. The mayor didn’t seem to mind either, emphasizing the importance of knowing the benefits of renewable energy even if solar panels are not a proper fit.

“It won’t be the right decision for some people, but at least they are looking at it, getting ideas, and raising awareness about renewable energy,” he says.

Karen Stewart of SmartPower, which works with SolarFlair, agrees that solar panels can have hefty environmental benefits.

“A single solar installation is one of the biggest carbon reductions you can actually do for a home. You can do a lot with just personal habits and energy efficiency improvements, but solar is one of the biggest,” she said.

Mayor Avedisian expects the initiative to be successful as Warwick has remained committed to improving its environmental impact.

“This community really pays attention to renewable and environmental issues. For a city our size to have the highest percentage of recycling every year is pretty amazing,” the mayor said.

Provencal has 12 booked consultations and one order placed so far, and over 40 have called to schedule consultations. Stewart expects a few hundred people to express interest in site visits.

Those interested in knowing more about solar energy can attend upcoming informational events in September. The next will be held September 8 at the Aspray Boathouse from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. and another takes place on September 15 from 2 to 6 p.m. at Doherty’s Ale House.

FINDING THE BEST ANGLE:

SolarFlair representative Scottie Provencal tests the path of the sun above Mayor Avedisian’s roof. (Warwick Beacon photos) POWER FROM THE SUN:

Provencal and Mayor Avedisian show their support for Solarize Warwick.

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