GEA targeting 5000 homes as 1st phase of national solar drive gets underway

– banks onboard with financing

The Guyana Energy Agency (GEA) is looking to have at least 5,000 homes install with rooftop solar panels as part of a major national solar initiative that will see citizens significantly lower their electricity costs while reducing carbon emissions.
Last month, the new Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) Grid-Connected Solar Household drive was launched with the aim of tapping into the country’s vast solar potential through grid integration. With grid-tied systems, solar panels are installed on rooftops or other structures to supply electricity directly to homes during daylight hours. If additional energy is needed, it is provided by Guyana Power and Light Inc (GPL), and if there is excess solar generation, it is sent back to GPL via an integrated grid-tied system, and households will receive credit on their utility bill. Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the GEA, Dr Mahender Sharma related that hundreds of households are already benefiting from nearly a dozen megawatts (MW) of power being generated by this grid-connected solar initiative.
“There are more than 300 prosumers already on the GPL grid doing this. So, this is tried, tested, and established. And those 300 consumers represent more than 11 megawatts of power that are already being generated from grid-connected solar,” the GEA Head revealed during an appearance on this week’s edition of the Starting Point podcast. “We want to get at least 5,000 homes on board,” he added, explaining that there is a technical limit to the number of prosumers, that is, customers with a grid-tied installation, that GPL can accommodate during this first stage of the solar drive. The new LCDS Grid-Connected Solar Household drive aligns with the LCDS 2030, which is Guyana’s overarching plan for sustainable development. Under this initiative, households are encouraged to adopt rooftop solar technology, helping them lower electricity bills and support a resilient, sustainable energy future.
A typical 5-kWp (kilowatt-peak) rooftop solar system costs around $1.2 million and generates approximately 7,884-kWh (kilowatt-hour) per year, reducing annual electricity expenses by an estimated G$342,402 (roughly $28,533 per month), based on the current GPL residential tariff. For those interested in larger capacity, a 10-kilowatt (kW) system is also available, but the 5-kWp system is sufficient for household use. The GEA says the investment pays for itself in about 3.5 years and helps cut carbon emissions by roughly 5.5 tonnes of CO₂ (carbon dioxide) annually. Sharma noted that the agency has worked with all the local commercial banks to provide funding for those interested in capitalising on this rooftop solar technology but who cannot afford it on their own. “Every bank is on board with this initiative, and every bank will soon be rolling out a different PR programme focused on grid-connected solar, including the New Billing Society,” the GEA Head stated. He added that those homeowners with existing mortgages are better positioned to get faster approval for funding from their respective banks. Based on the plans agreed to by the banks, the mortgage payments for the solar system range between $7,000 to $26,000 per month.
In addition to making access to financing easier, the Energy Agency has dedicated teams to provide support and technical guidance to persons interested in having this system installed, which takes about two to three months.
The Agency will connect persons with equipment suppliers and installers; assist with the review of quotes, design, and technical specifications; work with GPL for efficient processing under the LCDS Solar Express Lane; support the installation of the bi-directional meter; work with the Government Electrical Inspectorate (GEI) to ensure conformity and certification with the National Electric Code, and support as well as guide the installation and commissioning process.
“We want persons to get on board. We want you to sign up. We want you to indicate your interest. We want to help you. We want to hold your hands [and] get you to the finish line. We are your partner in the energy transformation,” Dr Sharma posited. To further support this national solar drive, GPL has announced the establishment of an LCDS Solar Express Lane, a streamlined process aimed at accelerating the review, approval, and grid integration of solar photovoltaic (PV) systems for all eligible customers, including residential, commercial, and industrial users. In fact, in a push for solar energy, electricity company recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Linden Electricity Company Inc (LECI), marking a significant step toward strengthening renewable energy integration within the Linden electricity network. This collaboration establishes a framework to support the integration, operation and long-term performance of utility-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) systems and Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) within Linden. The agreement forms part of GPL’s execution of the Guyana Utility-Scale Solar Photovoltaic Programme (GUYSOL), which aims to diversify Guyana’s energy mix, reduce reliance on fossil fuels, and enhance overall grid reliability. Under this initiative, 15 megawatts-peak (MWp) of solar photovoltaic (PV) generation and 22 megawatt-hours (MWh) of battery storage are being developed in Linden to improve electricity reliability, reduce generation costs and lower greenhouse gas emissions. The partnership underscores the importance of institutional coordination between GPL and LECI to ensure the safe, efficient, and reliable integration of renewable energy systems into the power network.