RENEWABLE energy company Solaris is hoping that the government will give the go-ahead for the construction of a solar farm in Lethem which will meet the energy needs of that community as well as areas in Bon Fin, Brazil.Solaris Sales Manager Carlton DeFour in an interview told the Guyana Chronicle that the company has had discussions with the previous administration, but things were put on pause as the elections were close.
It was envisioned that Solaris will work closely with the Lethem Power Company to create the farm which will augment power supply to Lethem and Bon Fin. The project once approved is expected to reduce the cost of power in Lethem, in addition to widening access to power. DeFour pointed out that the cost of electricity will dip as less fuel will be trucked into the large Region Nine community.
The Sales Manager said, from studies done in Guyana that the cost for energy distribution in the outlying regions is very high, pointing out that to get power to Lethem, for example, the diesel has to be transported via the roads. “What we are saying is that if we put power system in Lethem [Region 9] that is renewable, using the sun which is always there, that would bring the cost down and increase access to electricity,” he said, pointing out that the supply will be provided 24 hours, every day of the week.
He said the company will be making a pitch to the administration on the project and remains hopeful that it will be approved.
“We care about sustainability; it’s about people and improving their lives. Will do a re-run of the proposal to the new government,” the Sales Manager said, as he declined to mention an estimate cost of the project, contending that the prevailing environment is volatile and things can change. The company has also submitted a proposal to the former administration to install 50 solar units at the Providence Housing Scheme, East Bank Demerara. With more than 30 years in the business of providing affordable renewable energy for both commercial and residential needs, Solaris Energy is looking to expand operations here, mainly in the hinterland regions.
The company headquartered in Trinidad and Tobago with operations in Trinidad, Barbados and St Kitts; and California and New Jersey, USA, is pushing to enable a green stamp throughout the Caribbean and beyond.
The company wants to invest in Guyana because of its size and the fact that electricity is not easily accessible in the interior regions.
Solaris Energy is an industry pioneer with more than 30 years of experience in designing, manufacturing and installing renewable energy products. Its roots are in the Caribbean, where the sun is king and it learned to harness its power. The company specialises in affordable, quality solar installations for residential and commercial needs.