Caribbean nations may make the ideal market for solar energy. They have some of the highest electricity prices in the world, rely heavily on imported fuel for conventional generation, suffer from a lack of grid resilience and what’s more, they are among the countries most vulnerable to the most dangerous impacts of climate change. There is a rising groundswell of support in many of the island countries for renewable technologies such as solar to reduce carbon emissions and empower a more efficient economy.
Making these goals a reality requires strong, committed leadership, which was exhibited recently in Jamaica by the Prime Minister of Jamaica, Hon. Andrew Holness, and the Minister of Science, Energy and Technology, the Hon. Dr. Andrew Wheatley.
Jamaica had already previously committed to 30% renewable energy for electricity generation by 2030. In a move that symbolizes this promise and demonstrates commitment to achieving it, the Government of Jamaica announced it has joined the Solar Head of State coalition to install solar photovoltaic (PV) panels on Jamaica House, the national executive office. In his announcement, Prime Minister Holness noted the symbolic nature of the project and what it means for the future of renewable energy in Jamaica.
The 15-kW grid-connected solar photovoltaic system installed on the Office of the Prime Minister by the Solar Head of State project will save the government thousands of dollars in energy expenditures over its lifetime.
Trina Solar is proud to partner in this groundbreaking project through its donation of the solar PV panels that will be used for the Jamaica House Solar Head of State project.
As advocates for providing sustainable solutions to address energy crises and climate change, Trina Solar views the Caribbean as a unique opportunity. Solar radiation in the Caribbean is ideal for the solar power production. Trina is dedicated to working with countries to achieve their renewable energy goals, while also producing positive impacts for local environments through strong, sustained partnerships with civic, community and business leaders and investing in education and charities that benefit all of society.
Jamaica is a stunning example of this plan at work. Solar Head of State partners with solar technology companies, local installers, major climate NGOs and foundations to offer professionally installed solar systems for the residences of heads of state or government around the world, with the purpose of showcasing and promoting the use of solar technology.
In Jamaica, in addition to Trina Solar providing the solar panels for the Head of State project, Solar Island Energy will work with local agencies including the National Energy Solutions Limited (NESol) and Envisage Energy, a local Jamaican company, to do the installation. Additional support comes from Elms Consulting, a London-based strategic consulting firm, as well as the Clinton Climate Initiative and Rocky Mountain Institute-Carbon War Room’s Islands Energy Program.
This project epitomizes the collaborative approach necessary to meet the challenges of transitioning to a renewable energy future and exemplifies Trina’s commitment to inspiring people to imagine what’s possible and develop cutting-edge solutions.
Trina Solar will continue using its resources and position as a global leader to move forward-thinking countries such as Jamaica toward more innovative, sustainable and green societies.
The article is contributed by Jing Tian, Trina Solar’s Head of Global Marketing.