– for Solar Grid-connected programme

-by Kimberly Giddings

At least 5,000 households are being targeted under a new push to expand solar energy across Guyana.

This was disclosed by the Chief Executive Officer of the Guyana Energy Agency, Mahendra Sharma, during an appearance on the Starting Point podcast.

Homeowners are being encouraged to tap into solar power through the GEA’s grid-connected programme and reduce their electricity costs and the dependence on fossil fuels. This initiative is being rolled out under the Low Carbon Development strategy, allowing households to generate their own power during the day and send excess energy back to the grid earning credits on their monthly bills.

“We do have a target. We want to get at least 5,000 homes on board,” he said.

Persons can apply to be connected to the grid through the Guyana Power and Light Inc.

Applications are processed as part of a structured approval system that allows eligible households to transition to grid-connected solar and net billing arrangements.

“There’s dedicated staff to ensure this moves forward very quickly to ensure that the meters are recording accurately and to make sure that the customer has a very good experience in getting access to the grid,” he added.

A typical system costing about $1.2 million can significantly reduce monthly electricity bills, with financing options through local banks making the technology more accessible.

The system operates automatically without any manual switching, and the installation process can take as little as two to three months from sign-up, as the energy agency moves ahead with its target of 5,000 homes.