Adventists in Jamaica Celebrate Newest Solar-Powered System Installation

The newly installed system becomes the fifth among church organizations in the nation to foster a greener and more sustainable future.

August 13, 2024 | Spanish Town, St. Catherine, Jamaica | Kimarley Walker Medley and Inter-American Division News

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 headquarter office in Spanish Town, St. Catherine on June 19, 2024.  The event marked the Adventist organization’s commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship.

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,” said Roxwell Lawrence, treasurer of the Central Jamaica Conference 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 grid. Hence, going solar will prove to be a worthwhile investment,” said Lawrence.

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,” said Pastor Neval Barrett, president of CJC.  “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, added Barrett.

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

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,” he 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, said Dwyer. Since the installation and commissioning of the system in March, it has been able to generate from the sun on average 13,640 kWh, reported Dwyer. “This has resulted in a 70% savings in the energy bill. 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 AC condenser and communication towers/satellites were a challenge but thankfully it was possible, said Lawrence.

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 increase annually 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 see a sizeable decrease in 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.”

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

Barret explained that the system will enhance the reliability of our energy supply and reduce the conference’s dependency on non-renewable 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 follows on the project 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, explained Dwyer. “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.