The transition to renewable energy will play a key role in limiting the use of fossil fuels in Jamaica. Unlike fossil fuels, solar energy does not spew carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, worsen climate change, contribute to fish kills, or drain Jamaica’s coffers for imported oil. Some stakeholders in the oil and gas industries have tried to downplay the efficiency and reliability of solar as a suitable alternative, but as it stands now, solar power is proving to be more effective, and nowhere is this more evident than during power outages.
Many Jamaicans were without power for almost two months after Hurricane Beryl struck the island with fierce winds in July 2024. Among the effects of these outages were the loss of power for medical and life-saving equipment, internet connections, and air conditioners or fans to keep people cool in the tropical heat of summer.
Harvey McDonald, however, was among those Jamaicans who weren’t caught off guard, as his home is equipped with solar technology. He sees solar as the more reliable option and has been steadily investing in the technology.
“It took me a few years to put everything together, little by little—panels, inverters, batteries, and things. So right now, half of my household’s electrical needs are powered by solar—the refrigerator, TV, certain lights, and so forth. I still have more to install for other appliances like the washing machine, but I’ve upgraded little by little because of the cost. We can’t just do it all in one go, but in my case, I have seen the benefits of starting and reaping the rewards,” he said.
Dillard Rowe, a resident of the rural community of Windsor Forest in Portland, noted that although power cuts are not frequent in his area, he would still prefer solar energy as it is environmentally friendly and more dependable.
“If people were to get solar on their houses, it would be more reliable. Having solar panels on your roof or elsewhere to capture the sun’s radiation, along with DC batteries to store backup energy, ensures that even in cases of darkness or cloud cover, the battery will compensate. I think solar is over 90 percent reliable,” he added.
Communities such as Fair Prospect Gardens were built with solar-powered water heaters, which have significantly reduced their dependence on electricity from the Jamaica Public Service Company, the island’s sole electricity provider. However, many residents still dream of a day when they can install their own solar panels, as their electricity bills remain high. Harvey underscores the importance of communities such as Fair Prospect Gardens relying more on solar technology.
“In my community, people have started by putting up external lights, so when there is a power outage or a hurricane, the area is not completely dark. The whole road has lights, people are moving about, children still play, and in my case, I can help my neighbours by storing perishable items for them when they can’t refrigerate. It is helpful, and more people are slowly catching on,” he noted.
Shawna-Lee, a resident of Buff Bay, Portland, agrees that there needs to be a more dependable type of energy. She also points out that she has used solar technology before but not on the scale she would like.
“Sometimes when the electricity goes, it damages our fridge and other household items. I buy solar lights that charge in the sun, and when the power is out, I use them in the house. I think solar will benefit us a lot in the long run because it will save us a lot of money,” she declared.
The Jamaican government is increasing solar energy availability in communities through partnerships between agencies like the National Housing Trust and solar energy providers. It is also amending tax laws to encourage investments in the sector. What is clear is that Jamaicans are ready for a solar technology revolution, and it has the power to transform the country’s energy landscape in the not-too-distant future. Using solar energy is not just about saving money—it is about securing a more liveable future where the sun is our greatest ally, not our fiercest enemy.
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This story was produced with the support of the Caribbean Energy Transition Media Mentorship by Climate Tracker Caribbean.
