Central Jamaica Conference of SDA Celebrates Solar System Handover

The Central Jamaica Conference of Seventh-day Adventists celebrated a major milestone with the handover of its new solar system on June 19, 2024, at the Conference headquarters. The event marked the organisation’s commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship.

 

The ceremony commenced at 9:00 a.m. with a warm welcome and opening remarks by Elder Roxwel Lawrence, the Treasurer of the Conference. Elder Lawrence highlighted the importance of the solar project in reducing the Conference’s carbon footprint and operational costs.

 

"This project is a significant step forward in our commitment as a conference to environmental stewardship and financial responsibility. Solar energy is a clean and renewable resource, so it will help to reduce CJC's carbon footprint and lessen the environmental impact. 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.

 

Following the opening remarks, Pastor Nevail Barrett, President of the Central Jamaica Conference, along with a representative from FosRich, provided an overview of the project. They discussed the strategic partnership and the anticipated impact of the solar system on the Conference’s energy consumption.

 

"Our primary goal in implementing this solar system is to embrace sustainable energy solutions that align with our commitment to environmental stewardship. We aim to reduce our carbon footprint, lower energy costs, and provide a reliable power source for our facilities. This initiative also seeks to set an example for our community, demonstrating the viability and benefits of renewable energy," stated Pastor Barrett.

 

Meanwhile Camiek Blair Dwyer, Solar Sales Specialist, FosRich 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. The installation includes 152 units of 460W Jinko solar panels and three Huawei 20kW, 3-phase, 220V Grid-Tied Inverters, totalling 60kW."

 

The symbolic presentation of the solar system took place at 9:15 a.m., featuring a ribbon-cutting and a symbolic flick of the solar switch in the Conference lobby. Representatives from FosRich, Pastor Nevail Barrett, and other Conference administrators participated in this ceremonial act, marking the official handover of the solar system.

 

Lawrence shared insights into the planning phase, stating, "During the planning phase, as we contemplated the purchase of the system, we encountered some challenges. The biggest was cost. While it was clear that we would realize a return on investment in under four years, it would prove challenging to upfront the cost of acquiring and installing the system. However, that was made easier with the proposal that our vendor (FosRich) put on the table, which we found favourable, and this made solar energy accessible and possible for CJC. We also were faced with the challenge of relocating and realigning all the AC condensers and communication towers/satellites on top of the roof to make space for the 152 solar panels. Electrical wiring had to be rerouted... but with diligence, the team stuck to the task, and we got it done."

 

Pastor Barrett elaborated on the partnership with FosRich: "Our partnership with FosRich stemmed from their strong reputation in the renewable energy sector and their proven track record of successful installations. We were impressed by their expertise, innovative solutions, and dedication to customer service. FosRich's alignment with our vision for a sustainable future made them the ideal partner for this significant project."

 

Dwyer added, "The average monthly energy production of this system based on design is 6,817.20 kWh. Since the installation and commissioning of the system in March, it has been able to generate from the sun on average 13,640 kWh to date. 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 Huawei Grid-Tied solar PV system installed has the ability to be monitored remotely via the Fusion Solar app, allowing both the end users and FosRich engineers to monitor the solar system production and generate daily/monthly reports."

 

Pastor Everett Smith, Vice President of the Conference, then led a blessing of the solar system, invoking prayers for its successful operation and the continued growth of the Conference’s sustainable initiatives.

 

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. We have seen somewhat of a sharp increase annually in our electricity costs over the last few years. As a matter of fact, leading up to the installation, we saw electricity costs double since 2018. With this installation, CJC will see a sizeable decrease in electricity costs between 50 and 80 percent. 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 Central Jamaica Conference."

 

Pastor Barrett highlighted the broader impact of the project: "In the long term, this solar system is expected to provide substantial cost savings on energy, which can be redirected to further our mission and community programs. It will also enhance the reliability of our energy supply and reduce our 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."

 

Dwyer elaborated on FosRich's involvement, stating, "FosRich got involved in the project based on the successful implementation of similar projects for several conferences, namely West Jamaica, East Jamaica, as well as Jamaica Union of Seventh-day Adventists, and more recently the Willowdene Group of Schools. 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."

 

The event concluded with acknowledgements and closing remarks by Pastor Howard Grant-Langley, Executive Secretary of the Conference, who expressed gratitude to all partners and stakeholders involved in the project. Pastor Grant emphasized the Conference’s dedication to environmental sustainability and the positive impact the solar system will have on their community and operations.

 

"The project is setting an example for those who visit the CJC and other conferences, members, passersby, and the wider community to see the use of cleaner energy in action and want to reap similar financial benefits as well as to reduce their carbon footprint," added Grant-Langley.

 

The new solar 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.

 

 

To view photo highlights from the Solar System Handover, click HERE