The second largest hybrid renewable energy system in Jamaica, a 31 KiloWatt solar panel and wind turbine combination, was officially commissioned today, December 18, at the downtown offices of Delroy Chuck & Co.  The system, which comprises 99 solar panels and 12 sets of wind turbines will save the law firm an estimated 8,400 kilowatt hours of electricity annually, with an estimated pay back of one year.

Speaking at the ceremony, attorney-at-law Delroy Chuck Q.C., told the audience that since the installation of the system, roughly two weeks ago, he has been able to track online, the system’s conversion of solar and wind power to electrical energy.  The attorney and parliamentarian also noted that he looked forward to the increased generation from solar energy that will come with the warmer months.

Minister of Science, Technology, Energy and Mining, Hon. Phillip Paulwell, who was also on hand for the commissioning, congratulated Mr. Chuck on his move to embrace renewable energy in his business operations.  The Minister also pointed out that while the cost of imported oil is presently falling, the drive to increase the use of renewables should not be relaxed, as it remained a critical part of future energy management.

JPS CEO, Kelly Tomblin, in addressing the gathering, noted that JPS will not shy away from the renewable retail business.  She said the Company remains committed to driving an energy revolution in Jamaica and providing an energy solution for every Jamaican. 

Meanwhile Director of Energy Solutions at JPS, Garth McKenzie, told the group that the Company is ready to provide the same type of renewable energy system for other businesses in the downtown area, stressing that the SolarMills are not confined to residential use only.

Last year, JPS signed on to become the authorized Caribbean distributor of SolarMills - hybrid renewable energy systems from Windstream Technologies out of the USA.