Green Solutions International SKN Incorporated (GSI) has successfully boosted the renewable energy capacity of Montserrat’s health sector by installing three solar photovoltaic (PV) systems and conducting NABCEP PV training on May 25, 2023.

Under the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) and the Basic Needs Trust Fund (BNTF) 10th Project Cycle, the BNTF, in collaboration with the Montserrat Department of Energy, led the installation of two 4.5 kWp hybrid solar PV systems at the Salem and St. Peter’s Health Centres, as well as a nine kWp system at St. John’s Dental Clinic. GSI was contracted to design, supply, install, and commission these systems and train 11 Montserratians in the skills necessary to use and install solar PV technology. The systems are strategically designed to meet these health facilities’ power demands and annual energy consumption, complete with an appropriate battery backup to ensure uninterrupted service. As a result, clinic operations, dental procedures, and access to digital records will continue without disruption during power outages.

The training of the 11 Montserratians will significantly benefit the island as Montserrat advances its Green Energy Initiatives to improve energy efficiency. Building a pool of knowledgeable and skilled individuals who can safely and effectively install, inspect, commission, and maintain solar PV systems is crucial for commercial and residential applications throughout the island. Upon completing their training, participants received various certifications from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP), including NABCEP Associate, PV Installation Professional, PV Systems Inspector, and PV Commissioning and Maintenance.

At the project’s commissioning ceremony, Jennifer Meade, Project Manager of the BNTF in Montserrat, highlighted, “Part of the government’s energy policy is to transition towards a sustainable energy future. Renewable energy will help mitigate some effects of climate change. A crucial objective of this project is to strengthen the climate resilience of local health centers. Montserrat is located in a hurricane belt, which has experienced increased hurricane activity over the last decade. Therefore, we must enhance our systems to reduce reliance on fossil fuels. In the event of a storm, it’s imperative that our health centers can operate quickly. This project involved collaboration among the BNTF, the Department of Energy of the Government of Montserrat, and the CDB, which has funded numerous projects across the Caribbean region for over 40 years, positively impacting the lives of citizens. We hope for continued support from the CDB as we make this a reality.”

The training programs were designed to equip participants with the knowledge and skills necessary for functioning proficiently and safely in a solar PV environment, demonstrating competencies in PV installation, inspection, commissioning, and maintenance. Dr. Wayne Archibald, Executive Director of GSI, emphasized, “We recognize that a well-managed energy sector is pivotal for economic growth, and the renewable energy sector plays a critical role in achieving broader development objectives over the long term, especially in smaller islands like Montserrat. To maintain the solar PV systems we installed, the Government of Montserrat ensured that those responsible for managing and operating these facilities possess the necessary skills and can pass those skills on to future generations as technology evolves.”

“The installation took place simultaneously with the training, utilizing a blend of online learning and hands-on practical experience during the installation phase. Training and certifying participants has not only increased Montserrat’s renewable energy capacity but has also contributed to the broader Caribbean region’s efforts to transition towards a sustainable, greener energy future.”

Marissa Allen, Energy Officer at the Energy Department of the Ministry of Communications, Works, Energy, and Labour, added, “This project aimed to enhance the resilience of our health system while building local capacity in solar PV installation, commissioning, and maintenance. Employees at the two health clinics and the dental unit, along with the residents who utilize these facilities, can now rely on energy sourced from clean, sustainable, and reliable means. The Government of Montserrat will benefit from reduced electricity bills as well as from the trained personnel available on the island to safely and effectively design and install solar PV systems for both residential and commercial buildings. We extend our deepest gratitude to GSI for their hard work and support in implementing this project, and we also want to thank BNTF in Montserrat and the funding agent, CDB, for their assistance.”

GSI subcontracted Switchlogix to assist in the project.