USSolar to host Jamaica’s first-ever Alternative Energy Expo to help residents and businesses navigate their solar PV training, financing, equipment, and installation options.
Fort Lauderdale, FL – February 19, 2013 – Fort Lauderdale’s USSolar has been tapped to become the title sponsor and author of Jamaica’s first-ever Alternative Energy Expo, held this year in Kingston on April 20 and 21. This kick-off renewable energy conference will feature an international cast of solar, wind, and hydropower stakeholders from throughout the Caribbean and United States.
Jamaica’s renewable energy potential has long interested investors, given the island nation’s year-round sunshine and abundant natural resources. In addition, Jamaica runs a staggering trade deficit in imported oil, making it a market ripe for clean, alternative fuel sources. But only in the past year has the country’s green legislation evolved enough to reflect Jamaica’s potential as a major renewable energy player within the Caribbean.
Over the past 5 years, USSolar has played an integral part in developing Jamaica’s green power infrastructure, offering advanced solar PV installation training to hundreds of students who traveled from the Caribbean to Fort Lauderdale.
In addition, the Department of Education-licensed solar PV college has recently branched into parts, providing solar components specifically customized for the Caribbean’s hurricane climate and salty humidity. Backed by SolarEdge and OutBack Power, these wholesale, prepackaged systems come with 25-year warranties for both residential and commercial power producers.
Comments USSolar’s President and Lead Instructor, Ray Johnson, “We’ve spent years establishing close ties with Jamaica’s solar industry and government leadership.” He adds, “This upcoming expo is an opportunity to reinforce these relationships and bring even more stakeholders to the table.”
In addition to more solar PV training opportunities and Caribbean-compliant solar systems, USSolar has also partnered with local lenders, EXIM banks, and government agencies to help make financing more accessible – especially for larger installations.
“The money is there, but navigating the financial landscape has been a real challenge for many would-be solar converts,” adds Johnson. “We want to demystify the process and make installing panels as streamlined and hassle-free as possible.”
Of particular interest is the hospitality industry, which is both a key driver of the Jamaican economy and one of its most resource-hungry sectors. By offering professional design and engineering services, USSolar hopes to demonstrate that users can achieve affordable and sustainable power output without sacrificing comfort.
This year’s Alternative Energy Expo in Kingston is the first in a series of yearly renewable energy conferences sponsored by USSolar throughout the Caribbean, with next year’s event taking place in Montego Bay. “For the next several months, all eyes will be on Jamaica,” adds Johnson. “The success of this project could encourage other Caribbean nations to follow suit – especially those with high solar potential and unaffordable oil imports.”
For sponsorship opportunities, booth reservations, and more, contact USSolar at info@ussolarinstitute.com
About USSolar Institute
USSolar Institute is a globally diversified solar energy corporation with headquarters in Fort Lauderdale, Florida and offices, dealers, and partners around the world. USSolar remains dedicated to comprehensive solar education and consulting services by providing global construction management, engineering, and financing solutions for virtually any sized project or system need.