Errrr, nothing for Charlestown?

Smaller R.I. Wind, Solar Projects Get Federal Funds

By TIM FAULKNER/ecoRI News staff

Sixteen local recipients have received a share of a $2.7 million state grant for renewable energy projects.

The projects range from municipal and residential solar panel installations to biodiesel processing. The funds cover a portion of each project's costs. The awards were made through the office of Economic Development and funded by the federal American Resource and Recovery Act.

What Charlestown received, thanks to our
stand against alternative energy

Chris Kent of Island Solar in Jamestown welcomed the funds, especially after the state eliminated a 25 percent tax renewable credit last year.

"It happens at a good time because after Christmas it gets tough," he said. "People don't think solar in the winter."

Here's how the $2.7 million was divided:

MUNICIPAL PROJECTS
Coventry: $325,000 for a 125-kW solar PV on the roof of the Town Hall Annex, by Solect Inc. based in Hopkinton, Mass.
East Providence: $100,000 for planning for 10-megawatt solar farm at the former Forbes Street landfill.
Jamestown: $117,775 for a study and "pre-development" for a planned 1.5-megawatt wind turbine.
Westerly: $22,000 to complete studies for possible renewable projects at former landfill.

NONPROFIT PROJECTS
Cumberland: $339,870 to the Economic Development Foundation of Rhode Island for solar PV system on a commercial office building.
Providence: $167,500 to the Business Innovation Factory to conduct a study of effective energy solutions.
Smithfield: $123,244 to Bryant University to complete an energy feasibility study of public high schools in the state.

RESIDENTIAL, NEIGHBORHOOD
Providence: $500,000 to the West Broadway Neighborhood Association for a group purchase of solar RV for numerous residents and businesses.
Providence: $125,750 to Alteris Renewables for nine residential solar PV installations.
Providence: $74,000 to Omni Development Corporation for installation of solar PV to affordable housing units on the West Side.
Jamestown: $49,931 to Island Solar for installation of solar hot water systems at six residences.

COMMERCIAL
Newport: $365,775 to Newport Biodiesel for the expansion of its current manufacturing and processing facility.
Cumberland: $250,000 to Tiffany & Co. for a 248-kW solar PV at its manufacturing facility.
Lincoln: $130,000 to GWH Ph II LLC. for a 40-kW solar PV system on commercial office building.
Central Falls: $20,003 to Waterfalls Quick Lube Inc. for installation of a 6-kW rooftop solar PV system.
West Kingstown: $18,311 to Tyde Farm for a 4.5-kW solar PV system.

“With the strategic deployment of these new grants, we are supporting some exciting projects that will strengthen the state's leadership in renewable energy development, fuel job creation and retention and lower electricity costs for Rhode Island businesses and homeowners,” Economic Development Corporation (EDC) Executive Director Keith Stokes said.