There are many ways for a government to demonstrate its commitment to green technology and sustainability.  Germany launched feed-in-tariffs to jumpstart its solar economy.  Jamaica recently announced net metering to help boost solar adoption.  And China has actually come under fire for allegedly using predatory practices to benefit domestic solar manufacturers.

But few demonstrations approach that of the Bahamas.  In late 2011, it announced it would give away solar PV and solar thermal systems to select recipients, free of charge.

Before you get too excited, the number of systems up for grabs is quite small.  The promotion, which is being launched as a pilot program of the Ministry of the Environment’s solar initiative, includes about 100 solar heating systems (valued at $3,000 each) and 33 solar PV systems ($10,000 each).

If your goal is to win a free solar PV or thermal kit, you have a 0.04% chance of being one of the lucky winners in this island nation of under 350,000 residents.

The Message Behind the Message

Giving away 133 solar PV and thermal systems is just a drop in the bucket.  The real story here is the Bahamas’ continued shift towards a more sustainable economy powered by the sun.  In the past few years, the government has made several very public demonstrations of its growing commitment to a cleaner and greener future.  This most recent solar giveaway comes on the heels of a 2011 energy audit in which the Bahamian government cited solar energy as a critical component for fixing an economy nearly 100% dependent on fossil fuel.

So why does all this matter exactly?

It matters because energy security initiatives at the national level often lead to greater job and economic security at the local level.  When your government makes such overt commitments to renewable energy, this increases banks’ willingness to finance solar installations.  It boosts greater residential and commercial interest in green solutions.  It makes securing solar installation training and other green certifications a more attractive path towards long-term employment.

In effect, governmental action helps spark public interest, which further fuels governmental action.  What starts as 133 free solar PV and thermal systems eventually becomes an entire nation committed to “green.”  And this trend is by no means localized.  The greater a country’s pledge to a particular course of action, the more investment interest it generates from abroad – both in terms of capital and expertise.

By way of example, look at the collaboration between South Florida’s US Solar Institute (USSI) and Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute (BTVI) to provide advanced solar PV training to area residents.  Absent strong support from the national government, such partnerships could never exist.  With this support, however, Bahamian residents are incentivized to complete solar PV training in nearby Florida and bring back their newfound expertise to a market hungry for more green talent.  In the coming year, USSI and BTVI may even launch programs in Nassau to keep solar installation training entirely localized where it is needed most.

The 133 free systems are only of immediate benefit to the lucky recipients and those trained professionals hired to install the technology.  But for all Bahamians, this pilot program has undeniable long-term benefits – cleaner air, more job opportunities, stronger tourism, and a greener tomorrow for future generations.