Adventists in Jamaica Celebrate Newest Solar-Powered System Installation

The Central Jamaica Conference (CJC) of Seventh-day Adventists celebrated a major milestone during a handover ceremony of its new solar-powered panel system at its headquarters in Spanish Town, St. Catherine, on June 19. The event highlighted the Adventist organization’s commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship, regional church leaders said.

The new system is expected to significantly reduce the conference’s reliance on traditional energy sources, fostering a greener and more sustainable future for the organization and the community it serves.

“This project is a significant step forward in our commitment as a conference to environmental stewardship and financial responsibility,” CJC treasurer Roxwel Lawrence said during a special ceremony. Solar energy is a clean and renewable resource, so it will help to reduce CJC’s carbon footprint and lessen the environmental impact, he said.

“The operations at CJC result in high energy usage, and with that comes high energy costs, with our dependence on the JPS [Jamaica Public Service] grid. Hence, going solar will prove to be a worthwhile investment,” Lawrence said.

The ceremony showcased the strategic partnership with FosRich, a distributor of lighting, electrical, and solar energy products, and the anticipated impact of the solar-panel system on the conference’s energy consumption.

“Our primary goal in implementing this system is to embrace sustainable energy solutions that align with our commitment to environmental stewardship,” CJC president Nevail Barrett said. “We aim to reduce our carbon footprint, lower energy costs, and provide a reliable power source for our facilities.” The initiative also seeks to set an example for the community, demonstrating the viability and benefits of renewable energy, Barrett said.

The partnership with FosRich stemmed from their strong reputation in the renewable energy sector and their proven track record of successful installations. “We were impressed by their expertise, innovative solutions, and dedication to customer service,” Barrett said.

Solar sales specialist Camiek Blair Dwyer explained the technical aspects of the installation: “This solar system PV installation, which was done by FosRich Company Ltd, is a Grid-Tied system comprising a total generating capacity of 69.92kW DC power and total inverter capacity of 60kW,” she said. The installation includes 152 units of 460W Jinko solar panels and three Huawei 20kW, 3-phase, 220V Grid-Tied Inverters, totaling 60kW.

The average monthly energy production of this system based on design is 6,817.20 kWh, Dwyer said. Since the installation and commissioning of the system in March, it has generated 13,640 kWh from the sun on average, Dwyer reported. “It has resulted in a 70 percent savings in the energy bill,” she said. “While this system is not equipped with battery storage, further savings can be achieved after the net-billing process is completed, with the aim of selling back the excess generated on downtime to JPS.”

The cost and the return on investment of the solar panel system with relocating and realigning the air conditioner condenser, communication towers, and satellites were a challenge but thankfully it was possible, Lawrence said.

Lawrence further emphasized the long-term benefits of the project. “By embracing renewable energy, we are not only reducing our dependence on fossil fuels but also ensuring the long-term sustainability of our operations.” The conference has seen a sharp annual increase in electricity costs over the last few years, he added. Leading up to the installation the conference saw electricity costs double since 2018. With the recent installation, CJC will reduce its electricity costs between 50 and 80 percent, according to Lawrence. “That will free up funding for us to direct towards our core mission and programs, as we carry out the work of the Lord here in the Central Jamaica Conference.”

CJC vice president Everett Smith led a blessing of the solar-panel system, invoking prayers for its successful operation and the continued growth of the conference’s sustainable initiatives.

Barrett explained that the system will enhance the reliability of the conference’s energy supply and reduce their dependency on nonrenewable energy sources. “For the community, it serves as a beacon of sustainable practices, potentially inspiring other organizations and individuals to consider renewable energy solutions,” he said.

FosRich’s involvement in the project was based on the successful implementation of similar projects for several conferences, namely West Jamaica, East Jamaica, as well as the Jamaica Union of Seventh-day Adventists, and more recently the Willowdene Group of Schools, Dwyer said. “It was easy for the leadership and administration of the CJC to see that they could also achieve similar reductions in their utility bills by implementing a similar solution at its location,” she said.

The original version of this story was posted on the Inter-American Division news site.