What was the Block Island Renewable Energy Grant and why was Block Island selected to receive this funding?

The Block Island Renewable Energy Grant was designed to fund renewable energy projects and to help increase awareness of the benefits of renewable energy by encouraging Block Islanders to use solar and wind energy systems. The project provided Block Island property owners grant money for 25 percent of the cost of buying and installing qualifying systems.

The US Department of Energy awarded the funding to Block Island because the island not only is particularly susceptible to air and water pollution but it also has unique characteristics that make it possible to be a leader in the development of sustainable energy practices.

How does Block Island benefit from renewable energy?

Block Island’s pristine landscape, natural resources and scenic locale are among the island’s most precious assets and are among the primary reasons why many choose to live and work here. The delicate environment that makes Block Island unique, however, also makes it particularly vulnerable to the effects of pollution.

Increasing the use of energy developed from clean and renewable sources such as solar and wind power helps to protect the island’s environment by reducing its dependence on energy from fossil fuel sources such as oil, gas and propane, which contribute to air and water pollution.

Block Island is very fortunate to have characteristics that offer tremendous potential for solar and wind energy. It also has high energy costs, which make renewable energy systems a particularly good investment for islanders.

But aren’t renewable energy systems expensive?

Thanks to technology advancements, both the cost and maintenance of renewable energy systems have dropped significantly. The 25 percent funding provided through the Block Island Renewable Energy Grant, along with other tax incentives available for renewable energy, reduced these costs much further.

Renewable energy systems will increase your property value and provide you long-term energy and cost savings. In short, there has never been a better time to make this investment.

I like the idea of renewable energy, but I don’t know much about it. What are they and how much do I have to know to make it work?

There are four major types of eligible renewable energy systems: solar thermal, solar electric, wind power, and hybrid systems, which combine solar and wind power.

Solar thermal systems collect the sun’s energy to provide heat. Many homes and some businesses on the island can and do use these systems for hot-water heating, space heating, and even outdoor pool heating.

Solar electric systems (also known as photovoltaic systems) convert the sun’s energy into electricity for your home or business. They use the flat solar panels you may have seen on houses on the island, or on cellular telephone towers, navigational buoy markers, and highway construction signs.

Wind systems convert wind energy into electricity. These systems vary from small, 2-ft. diameter windmills to large wind farms with machines that have blade diameters of 60 feet.

Hybrid systems combine elements of the above three systems.

Renewable energy technology is like any other appliance or system in your home or business. As long as the system is properly designed and correctly installed, your maintenance requirements will be simple and basic.

There are renewable energy companies who can help you determine which kind of system is best for you and also install the system. 

Can someone maintain my system for me?

Yes, some contractors provide maintenance services for renewable energy systems.  The Block Island Renewable Energy Grant provided training for on-island contractors.  By increasing the renewable energy knowledge base and expertise on the island, this training is intended to help reinforce and perpetuate the long-term utilization and benefits of renewable energy on Block Island.

How do I know what kind of system is good for me?

The technologies mentioned above are environmentally and economically beneficial for Block Island. Any of the technology groups—solar electric, solar thermal, wind, or hybrid—will be appropriate. ENTECH Engineering reviews proposals and, if appropriate, provide advice on how to make them more feasible and cost-effective on Block Island.

We’re not in the winter; should I still consider taking advantage of this grant?

There are many good reasons for you to consider taking advantage of this grant for your seasonal home or business. Your renewable energy system will save energy and energy dollars, even when you are away. Solar thermal systems can be designed to heat your home or business, helping to protect it from freeze damage. Solar electric, wind and hybrid systems that run interconnected to the utility will continue to generate environmentally clean and economic energy, reducing your energy bill.

Can I still be a customer of the local utility if I put in a renewable energy system?

Yes, systems that run interconnected (otherwise known as parallel systems) with the local utility are common. A system that remains interconnected will produce the most energy and benefit for the owner and the local utility.

How will a renewable energy project affect the value of my property?

Renewable energy projects increase the value of your property, usually above the cost of the system. Also, some financial institutions will offer a lower interest rate loan for properties that utilize renewable energy.

How much do renewable energy systems cost and how much will they save?

The cost of a renewable energy system varies considerably depending upon the power output and storage capability of the system.  Solar hot water systems start at about $4,000, and solar electric, wind, and hybrid systems start at about $10,000.  Most properly designed systems have a return on investment superior to most conventional investment or savings accounts.