Residents and representatives from the government and the BVI Electricity Corporation signed multiple solar contracts last Thursday during the official launch of the Solar Technology and Energy Programme.
Participants in the “STEP” initiative can receive a grid-tied solar system that allows them to earn credits for excess energy sold back to the BVIEC, officials said.
“This will slash your electricity bills by up to 50 percent permanently,”
Communications and Works Minister Kye Rymer said during the ceremony at the R&R Malone Complex in Pockwood Pond. “So we’ll say goodbye to the fuel price anxiety. … Sunshine is free, abundant and 100 percent Virgin Islands made.”
$1m subsidy
The central government covered half the cost for the first group of solar power systems through an initial $1 million injection, according to Mr. Rymer.
The funds came from the $100 million loan the government obtained last year from CIBC First Caribbean Bank, he said.
BVIEC General Manager Neil Smith said he expects such funding to continue in the future, but he did not explain the details of potential financial agreements.
Mr. Smith also said that customers have the option of purchasing the solar systems up front or paying them off over time with the help of savings on their electricity bills.
BVIEC Manager of Occupational Health and Safety Melony James told the Beacon that residents can also go fully solar if they choose.
Customers going that route, Ms. James said, would most likely need to pay for the solar installation up front.
Mr. Smith also noted during the ceremony that the corporation has partnered with H. Lavity Stoutt Community College to provide certification pathways for solar technicians.
Currently, the college’s solar programme is dormant, but it could be started again with enough student interest, according to HLSCC President Richard Georges.
“[HLSCC] has not run a cohort recently,” Mr. Georges told the Beacon. “The option is there but requires coordination to ensure that the course can be viable due to the cost to the institution and the student.”
He added, “HLSCC regularly engages stakeholders in this area and remains committed to training for solar photovoltaic installation and maintenance.”
More info?
Asked after the ceremony to clarify details about the STEP solar programme, Mr. Rymer referred questions to Mr. Smith.
Mr. Smith, however, didn’t answer emailed questions about the number of applicants, the programme’s cost structure, the provider of the solar systems, and other details.