The solar system is the first grid tied connection with a by-directional meter which means that the generated power that is not being used will be filtered back to the main BVI Electricity Corporation (BVIEC) grid. It is also the largest public installation in the Territory.

The system is also comprised of 96 solar panels, two tesla batteries, six battery invertors and four solar invertors that will produce 67.2 kilowatt hours of peak power.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Education, Culture, Youth Affairs, Fisheries and Agriculture, Dr. the Honourable Natalio Wheatley expressed gratitude to the ministry’s partners including UNITE BVI who are able to make phenomenal things happen even in the midst of COVID-19 and post hurricanes Irma and Maria.

Honourable Wheatley added, “We are making things happen when it comes to alternative energy. Last week the college started the Solar Technician Training which is another partnership with Unite BVI and now we are here to equip our young people with the skills to be able to function in a new economy because there is no doubt that we are being impacted by climate change and we have to go green, diversifying our energy supply. ”

The minister said that work will continue to equip other schools, government buildings and private homes with the technology.

Honourable Wheatley added, “Young people, I want you to be inspired and see the opportunities before you to be able to make a good living for yourself and contribute to [the Territory] being cleaner, greener and more efficient.”

Foundation Manager of Unite BVI, Ms. Kim Takeuchi said that the project was a dream that started before the inception of the foundation. She also thanked local partners, Amandla Engineering, BVI Electricity Corporation and the Electrical Inspection Unit for helping make the project a success.

To view the ceremony visit the government’s Facebook page @BVIGovernment or click here: https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=712197262813800