jrobinson, Author at SolarBuzz Jamaica

Keir Starmer prepares to miss key green target in effort to keep energy bills down

October 23, 2025 jrobinson

Keir Starmer prepares to miss key green target in effort to keep energy bills down

Ministers are considering dropping one of their central green pledges in an effort to keep energy bills down, sources have told the Guardian.

Government insiders say Keir Starmer is prepared to miss his own target of removing almost all fossil fuels from the UK’s electricity supply by 2030 if doing so proves much more expensive than building gas power instead.

The issue will come to a head within weeks as Ed Miliband, the energy secretary, decides how much renewable energy to commission for the next few years. Allies say Miliband is willing to buy less than experts say is needed to hit the 2030 target, if paying for them would push energy bills much higher than their current levels.

Concern is growing in Downing Street that the cost of living is fuelling the rise of Reform UK, which leads national polls and is predicted to take the Welsh Senedd seat of Caerphilly in a byelection this week.

One government insider said: “There is a choice about what price you’re willing to pay for the next [renewables] auction round, which is key to hitting 2030. If it comes to a choice between hitting the target and overpaying, or missing it and keeping costs down, we will miss it.”

Officials pointed to comments Miliband made last week, when he told an energy industry conference: “We won’t buy at any price. And if specific technologies aren’t competitive, we will look elsewhere. We will take the long-term decisions to secure the right amount of capacity at the right price for the country.”

Starmer committed to hitting the clean power target last year in his “plan for change”. The prime minister said at the time the plan would “make Britain a clean energy superpower and accelerate to net zero”.

Experts say that hitting the target would require Miliband to commission a record 8 gigawatts of new electricity generation at the current auction round. The government sets subsidy levels by asking renewable companies to bid and then commissioning whichever projects promise the cheapest clean energy.

The energy secretary is in talks with Rachel Reeves, the chancellor, about how much to spend on the commissioning round.

But energy industry insiders say high interest rates and the sheer amount of electricity that needs to be commissioned is likely to push prices beyond what it would cost to build the equivalent amount of gas power.

Dieter Helm, professor of economic policy at the University of Oxford, said Miliband was “deluded” if he thought he could bring down energy bills by pushing for clean power by 2030. “The reality is that net zero by 2030 is expensive and that by dashing flat-out towards it, the result will be even higher costs. The price is not coming down; it is going up.”

The state-owned energy system operator, NESO, which runs the electricity grid, recently warned: “With a short and shrinking window of time, pace must be the primary goal. However, this cannot come at the expense of public consent or excessive cost as that would mean the clean power objective would be self-defeating.”

report published on Thursday by the Tony Blair Institute argues the government should drop the 2030 target altogether while sticking to the longer-term net zero commitment.

Tone Langengen, the report’s author, said: “Launched in the middle of the gas crisis and in a low-interest environment, Clean Power 2030 was right for its time, but circumstances have changed.”

The institute has been criticised for its founder’s links to the fossil fuel industry, but its reports are taken seriously in Downing Street, which is staffed by several of its former employees.

Some officials in Downing Street and the Treasury want the prime minister to publicly drop the 2030 target in a sign to both voters and the energy industry that he is not willing to let bills rise, having previously promised to bring them down by £300.

Starmer is resisting this, and is instead understood to be willing to simply miss the target rather than openly disown it. One government aide said: “The prime minister made this the centrepiece of one of his missions. He is not going to drop it now.”

Another insider said: “It would be really silly to amend the target publicly – even if we accept the higher risk it won’t be met.”

Green experts also warn that ditching the target – either quietly or publicly – would reduce business confidence.

Jess Ralston, an energy analyst at the Energy & Climate Intelligence Unit, said: “Renewables provided around half of our electricity last year, and we have the world’s second largest market for offshore wind. Drastic policy changes could jeopardise that investment and those jobs, like we have seen in the US.”

Allies of Miliband insist that even if he does not commission the full 8GW of power in January, there will be other ways to make sure the electricity grid is almost entirely carbon free by 2030. They include building more batteries and encouraging people to use less electricity at peak times in order to reduce the amount of new capacity that needs to be built.

However, industry insiders say the 2030 target would be almost unachievable without the extra renewable power they say needs to be commissioned in January. One said: “There are other ways to make the sums add up, but unless you get close to 8GW of new power in this round, you’re very unlikely to hit the 2030 target.”

A government spokesperson said: “The government is fully committed to delivering clean power by 2030 because it is how we deliver a system that can bring down bills for consumers.”

The Guardian

Energy Saving Environment glass tints Solar Buzz Featured sustainable living window film

Beyond Tint: Style, Security, and Savings from Every Glass

September 25, 2025 jrobinson

#PrivacyThatPaysEveryDay

At SolarBuzz, we transform ordinary glass into high-performance surfaces that cool your space, cut energy bills, and elevate style.

We pair industry-leading Solar Gard films with professional installation to deliver customized solutions for every client, so each window film we install is as functional as it is beautiful.

What You Gain with SolarBuzz

✅ Ultimate Privacy – keep families, guests, and patrons comfortable.

✅ Sun-Heat Rejection – block up to 84% of outside heat, easing A/C strain

✅ Anti-Glare Comfort – cut up to 95% glare to protect eyes and furnishings while maintaining natural light.

✅ Security & Safety – hold glass shards together during accidents, break-ins, or even explosions.

✅ Energy Savings – reduce cooling costs by up to 30%

✅ Ease A/c Strain – by stabilizing interior temperatures, there is less need for air conditioning while moderating peak usage and allowing your cooling system to operate more efficiently

✅ Reduced Carbon Footprint – lower A/C consumption means less electricity used and fewer CO₂ emissions over the building’s life, contributing to a more sustainable environment.

Privacy That Pays, Every Day

Solar Gard Stainless Steel 50 is our clients’ favourite for striking the balance between privacy and excellent heat rejection without altering the building’s look.

With 46% glare reduction and over 40% of the sun’s heat rejected, this film has helped businesses cut cooling costs of up to 30%, translating into measurable energy and emissions savings.

Ideal for businesses with steady customer traffic where both operational cost and client experience are high priorities.
Client feature: SolarBuzz installations at one of each client’s locations – Starbucks, Broadbent and KFC, as seen in the photo collage below:

Cut the Heat; Keep the View

For homeowners and businesses seeking deeper shading and stronger privacy, the Stainless Steel 10, 20 and 30 series deliver up to 90% glare reduction and 99% UV protection.

This series keeps your interiors cooler and greener, lowering a/c reliance and reducing electricity demand.

These films excel on sun-facing windows, garden or pool areas, and exposed façades
Client feature: SolarBuzz installations at our client – Texaco – Food Mart and one of our client’s guest villa, as seen in the photo collage below:

Discretion in Style

When discretion is non-negotiable, our frosted films are the answer. They provide complete privacy while allowing natural light to gently filter through.

Less tug-of-war between blinds and lights means improved energy efficiency and the added opportunity to showcase your brand identity with custom patterns or logos.

Ideal for spaces that demand discretion without sacrificing natural light such as office doors, boardrooms, and bathrooms.
Highlighted feature: SolarBuzz installation at one of our clients – Real Equity, and our own company’s entrance door as seen below:

See Everything. Reveal Nothing

For clients who want daytime privacy with clear outward views, our TrueVue 5 window film delivers.

This film rejects 84% of sun heat, blocks 99% UV, and reduces glare by 94% resulting in cooler rooms, reduced energy bills, and less strain on the power grid.

With its low interior reflectivity, our TrueVue 5 window film solution is ideal for hospitality spaces, executive offices, and beach homes/villas.
Client feature: SolarBuzz installation at a client’s home in Treasure Beach, St Elizabeth:

Holding Strong Under Pressure

Glass is often a building’s weakest link. Our Armorcoat® security film is engineered to protect against accidents, storms, vandalism and burglary.

This window film delays intrusion and holds shattered glass firmly in place, safeguarding people from injuries and buildings from further damage.

Depending on your needs, this film can block between 5% and 95% of daylight while adding an invisible layer of protection.

By extending glass life and preventing premature replacements, our security film also avoids the embodied carbon “cost” of new glazing, proof that resilience and sustainability can go hand-in-hand.

Our Armorcoat security film is ideal for retail stores, banks, high-traffic businesses, and public buildings.
Client feature: SolarBuzz installation at one of Texaco’s locations:

Satisfied Clients, Proven Results

From residential homeowners to brands like Starbucks, Texaco, KFC, Wendy’s, Barita Investments and Broadbent, our clients return for style, comfort, energy savings and a peace of mind with greener operations as a bonus.

“Since Solar Buzz installed their Solar Gard tint, the comfort in my office has significantly improved. The tint has greatly reduced the amount of heat and glare entering through the windows.

Darren Bouges – Concepts and Spaces

“I’m very impressed with the performance of the Solar Gard tint from SolarBuzz. It not only keeps our stores cooler but has reduced the strain on our A/C units, helping us to keep our energy costs as low as possible. The SolarBuzz team is always professional, punctual, and continues to make the experience seamless.”

Bruce Hosang – Starbucks

“The tint has cut the glare on my TV and keeps the rooms cooler without blocking the natural light. I’ve cut back significantly on AC usage, and my JPS bill is reduced by about 10%. Big thanks to the Solar Buzz crew – they showed up when they said they would, worked neatly, and did a very professional job.”

Jonathan Dabdoub Total Hardware & Supplies

Ready to Transform Your Space?

Your windows and glass doors should work for you every day, providing cooler rooms, lower bills, greater privacy, and a finish that enhances the look of your home or business.

With over 15 years of experience and the proven performance of Solar Gard, SolarBuzz provides style, comfort, energy savings, and security while also supporting sustainable living and building practices.

✨ Request your free consultation today and start saving with every sunrise.

Email us at info@solarbuzzjamaica.com or click here to book your consultation.

Deidre Wedderburn is the Client Relations Manager at SolarBuzz, dedicated to building long-term partnerships and delivering a top-tier client experience (deidre@solarbuzzjamaica.com).

News Renewable Energy Solar Energy

Hopes rise for green economy boom at Africa Climate Summit

September 24, 2025 jrobinson

Renewables are thriving, with Africa breaking solar energy records – but action is needed to plug financing gap

The first signs of a takeoff of Africa’s green economy are raising hopes that a transformation of the continent’s fortunes may be under way, driven by solar power and an increase in low-carbon investment.

African leaders are meeting this week in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, for the Africa Climate Summit, a precursor to the global UN Cop30 in November. They will call for an increase in support from rich countries for Africa’s green resurgence, without which they will warn it could be fragile and spread unevenly.

Richard Muyungi, the climate envoy and adviser to the president of Tanzania, said: “Africa is ready to be part of [the global fight to stave off climate breakdown] provided we are supported with finance, technology and capacity-building.

“There has been an increase of investments in some areas but Africa still needs a lot of financing to be able to be part of the global solution, and to address the challenges we are facing.”

Green energy is booming in Africa, with 20 countries breaking records for imports of solar panels in the 12 months to June. According to the thinktank Ember, imports of photovoltaic equipment from China rose by 60% over the past year, from 9GW in 2024 to 15GW of capacity, with a tripling of imports to countries outside South Africa.

Though the increase is impressive, it is from a low base. Africa, which boasts the greatest potential for solar power, has lagged far behind other countries in installations. Only 4% of global solar generation last year was in Africa, and in 2023, the International Energy Agency reported that Belgium had as many solar panels as the entire continent.

“There is a glimmer of light [in the increased investment] but this is still quite meagre compared to other continents in the global south,” Muyungi said.

Last year’s imported panels would add about 5% to current electricity generation capacity in 16 countries, according to Ember, but the need remains vast. About 600 million people in Africa lack access to electricity, and about a billion have only firewood or dirty fuels for cooking. Women and girls are worst affected.

Melaku Yirga, the regional director for Africa at Mercy Corps, a humanitarian organisation, said: “Renewable energy is not only Africa’s greatest opportunity, it is also an urgent necessity. Renewable power enables everything from irrigation and food storage to early-warning systems, healthcare and livelihoods.”

While recent increases in renewable energy investment were welcome, Yirga said the public sector and overseas aid were still vital.

“Africa has no shortage of ambition in renewable energy, but without stronger international finance and the right incentives, the private sector will remain on the sidelines and adaptation goals will go unmet,” he said.

“Private sector financing must be met with public commitments, and funding must also be long-term and reliable – short grants rarely achieve full impact, as meaningful engagement with governments and communities takes time and requires significant upfront investment.”

Reductions in overseas aid from rich countries are causing consternation among African governments, many of which are blighted by record debt burdens, exacerbated by the aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic and recent interest rate rises.

Macky Sall, the former president of Senegal, said: “The drop in official development assistance fundamentally changes the climate calculus. Where does that leave Africa, if we can no longer count on our partners’ promises?

“The costs of the climate crisis have fallen most heavily on Africa. We are not the cause. We are not only footing the largest bill – we are also seeing the cheques to stem the damage cancelled.”

Private sector companies will put cash into renewable energy, but few will help Africa adapt to the impacts of the climate crisis, which are already being felt in the form of droughts, floods and crop failures. Investment to build resilience – such as water storage systems, better infrastructure and new farming techniques – is lacking.

A report published at the summit on Monday showed that while Africa needed at least $70bn a year to adapt to the effects of the climate crisis, and possibly much more, only $15bn was provided in adaptation finance to the continent in 2023.

Without urgent action to address that vast financing gap, Africa’s future costs from climate impacts will balloon, wiping out a fifth of GDP by 2050.

Patrick Verkooijen, the chief executive of the Global Center on Adaptation thinktank, says rich countries must increase their finance for adaptation in Africa, which is responsible for only 4% of global greenhouse gas emissions while bearing the brunt of climate breakdown.

“Europe [and other countries] will shoot themselves in the foot if they defund ODA [official development assistance],” he said. “African leaders will see it as a stab in the back.”

While Africa is behind in climate adaptation, its riches are increasingly sought after by China and the rest of the rich world.

Africa has some of the biggest deposits of “critical minerals” – elements vital to building renewable energy components. Cobalt, lithium, copper, nickel, rare earths and other minerals are abundant in parts of Africa, which has spurred a global scramble for the resources.

Human rights abuses have soared in some mining areas, with child labour and the exploitation of adult workers, particularly women, in places such as the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Africa’s under-resourced public sector is struggling to contain the damage and ensure resource extraction is done responsibly, without causing environmental devastation and in a way that benefits local people.

Africa also abounds in gas, with reserves of the fossil fuel that have scarcely been tapped in some countries. Muyungi insisted they must be allowed to exploit those resources, despite the impact on the climate crisis. “We do not envisage anything to stop us using gas – we need it for our development,” he said.

For rich countries to tackle the climate crisis, Africa’s assistance will be essential. If global north governments fail to address the continent’s needs, they will feel the impact. Roughly 60% of Africa’s population is under 25, a “youthquake” that could spur development or, if poorly handled, will be felt around the world.

Abay Yimere, a scholar at the Climate Policy Lab at Tufts University in the US, said: “If the climate crisis is not tackled in Africa, that will be a problem for migration. If we do not provide them with jobs, and adapt to climate change, the impact will be huge and not controllable. The global north should look at this from their own national perspectives and see where their interest lies.”

This article was amended on 9 September 2025. An earlier version measured imports of solar panels from China in megawatts; this should have said gigawatts.

The Guardian

Energy Saving News Solar Energy solar panels sustainable development

Solar Panels that fit on your Balcony or Deck are Gaining Traction in the US

September 24, 2025 jrobinson

When Terrence Dwyer received a knock on his door and a flyer for a solar panel system small enough to fit on his deck, he was quickly sold. Solar systems that plug into regular wall outlets have been popular in Europe for years and are gaining traction in the U.S. for their affordability and simple installation.

“We thought absolutely, let’s do this right away,” said Dwyer, who lives in Oakland, California.

These small-scale solar systems could become attractive to more homeowners now that President Donald Trump’s sweeping budget-and-policy package will scrap residential rooftop solar tax credits and may shift interest to cheaper alternatives. Even before the GOP bill passed, manufacturers of the smaller systems known as plug-in or balcony solar were seeing increased demand and other positive signs such as a new Utah law streamlining regulations for homeowners to buy and install them. The systems about the size of a door haven’t been as widely adopted in the U.S. as in Europe because of lack of awareness, patchwork utility rules and limited availability.

The $2,000 plug-in solar system installed on Dwyer’s backyard deck in March consists of two 400 watt panels, an inverter, a smart meter and a circuit breaker. It saves him around $35 per month on his power bill because he is consuming less energy from the grid, but he said reducing his carbon footprint was his primary motivation.

“We like the environmental benefits of solar and wanted to engage with solar in some fashion,” Dwyer said.

Had Dwyer opted for rooftop solar, he would have paid $20,000 for the system and $30,000 to upgrade his roof to support the panels.

Installing a plug-in solar system requires some homework. What power companies let customers do with energy-generating equipment varies, which is why prospective purchasers should check their utility’s policies first. Building permits might be required depending on the municipality. Some systems can be self-installed, while others may require an electrician. For example, some kits have meters that must be wired into a home’s circuit breaker.

Removing hurdles for plug-in solar

Dwyer bought his system from Bright Saver, a nonprofit company in California that advocates for plug-in solar. In addition to the type Dwyer bought, the company also offers a smaller model costing $399 that recently sold out in six days.

“The interest and demand have been overwhelming,” said Cora Stryker, a founder of Bright Saver. “It is clear that we are hitting a nerve — many Americans have wanted solar for a long time but have not had an option that is feasible and affordable for them until now.”

Kevin Chou, another founder of Bright Saver, said wider adoption of the systems in the U.S. has been hindered by utility policies that create uncertainty about whether they’re allowed and a lack of state and local policies to make clear what rules apply.

Some utilities contacted by The Associated Press say plug-in solar systems require the same interconnection applications as rooftop panels that send electricity back to the wider network. But Steven Hegedus, an electrical engineering professor at University of Delaware, said he doesn’t understand why a utility would need to require an interconnection agreement for plug-in solar because, unlike rooftop systems, they are designed to prevent energy from flowing to the grid.

Still, if in doubt, a customer should follow their utility’s policy.

During the early days of plug-in solar’s growth, some opposition from utilities is likely since customers are buying less energy, said Robert Cudd, a research analyst at the California Center for Sustainable Communities at the University of California, Los Angeles.

“Utilities really prefer everyone being a predictable and generous consumer of the electricity they sell,” Cudd said.

This year, Utah enacted a novel law supporting plug-in solar by exempting certain small-scale systems from interconnection agreements and establishing safety requirements such as being certified by a nationally recognized testing organization such as Underwriters Laboratories. It appears to be the only state that’s passed legislation supporting plug-in solar, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures.

Republican state Rep. Raymond Ward, who sponsored the legislation, said the smaller systems allow people to better manage where their energy comes from and what they pay.

“Europe has these things. You can go buy them and they work and people want them. There is no reason why we shouldn’t have them here in the United States,” Ward said.

Bright Saver says they are lobbying other states for similar legislation.

Alexis Abramson, dean of the University of Columbia Climate School, also applauded Utah’s move.

“We actually need more localities, more states putting in allowances for this type of equipment,” she said.

Plug-in solar availability and savings potential

Some questions remain about how much customers could save. Severin Borenstein, a professor at the University of California, Berkeley’s Haas School of Business, said the cost of some portable solar systems in the U.S. would make it hard for customers to come out ahead on their utility bills over the time they own them. He estimates the price of a $2,000 system in the U.S. works out to paying about $0.20 a kilowatt-hour over a 25-year period, which only saves people money if they have high utility costs. By comparison, Borenstein said the cost of systems sold in Europe, typically around $600, is equivalent to paying about $0.05 or $0.06 per kilowatt-hour over 25 years.

Baltimore resident Craig Keenan said saving money was only part of why he installed one of the smaller Bright Saver models on his balcony in July.

“I’m interested in renewable energy because the amount of carbon emissions that we produce as a species is very, very unsustainable for our world,” he said.

He said he expects the system will save him about $40 per year on utility bills, so it would take him about 10 years to recoup the cost of the kit.

Keenan, a mechanical engineer, said installation took him 10 to 15 minutes.

“I think anyone can install this,” he said. “It’s not complicated. It doesn’t require a technical degree.”

Other companies selling plug-in solar kits include Texas-based Craftstrom. It has sold about 2,000 systems in the U.S. since 2021, mostly in California, Texas and Florida. The company’s basic kits contain a solar panel that can fit in a backyard or other sunny space, along with equipment to maintain and regulate the flow of energy including an inverter and smart meter.

Kenneth Hutchings, Craftstrom’s chief revenue officer, said their U.S. sales rose this year even before the passage of the GOP tax bill, and he expects demand for plug-in solar to increase further as federal rooftop solar credits expire.

The company advises customers to notify their power company before installation, but it has “never had any pushback from any utility,” said Michael Scherer, one of the founders of Craftstrom.

China-based EcoFlow plans to begin selling plug-in solar systems in Utah and expand to other states if supportive legislation is passed, said Ryan Oliver, a company spokesperson.

“This is an example of where technology is sort of ahead of the regulators,” Oliver said, adding: “As this rolls out to more of a nationwide product, we expect it will become more mainstream as people understand it better.”

The Associated Press

Alternative Energy News Solar Energy solar panels

Solar panels in space ‘could provide 80% of Europe’s renewable energy by 2050’

September 1, 2025 jrobinson

Researchers also suggest system could resolve problems with irregular and weather-dependent Earth-based supply.

Solar panels in space could cut Europe’s terrestrial renewable energy needs by 80% by 2050, a study has found.

Using a detailed computer model of the continent’s future power grid, the researchers found that a system of space-based panels designed by Nasa could reduce the cost of the whole European power system by as much as 15%. It could also cut battery use by more than two-thirds.

The study, led by researchers at King’s College London, is the first to assess the possible impact of space solar energy on Europe. The space-based solar power (SBSP) panels that yielded the positive results uses a heliostat design. The design, which the system imitates, uses mirror-like reflectors to collect sunlight in orbit. The sunlight is then transmitted to stations on Earth and converted to electricity before it is delivered to an energy grid.

The computer model of the continent’s power grid spans 33 countries, and simulates electricity demand, generation and storage to identify the lowest-cost option to meet Europe’s electricity needs.

When the researchers integrated the SBSP concept into the model based on Nasa’s predictions of its potential energy capacity, results showed that it could replace as much as 80% of Europe’s land-based renewable energy.

Land-based renewable energy is irregular and weather-dependent, complicating reliable supply, and comes at varying costs, the researchers point out. SBSPs could be an alternative centralised energy resource that operates above the atmosphere with continuous gigawatt-scale power.

The authors note that the modelling does not account for potential impacts from space-specific challenges such as orbital congestion, transmission interruptions or beaming variability, which could influence SBSP reliability and operational performance.

Nor could the potential cost-effectiveness of SBSP be realised until 2050 because building, launching and maintaining it would be too expensive unless technological growth reduces its costs.

Dr Wei He, a senior lecturer at KCL’s engineering department and lead author of the study, which is published in Joule, said: “There are some risks to consider, such as how the satellite in space could have too many solar panels. Could it cause collisions or be damaged by debris in space?”

Despite those risks, Wei believes the research shows that SBSP has the potential to help countries in achieving net zero. “Renewable energy to replace fossil fuels is the most important action we are taking as humans. Space-based solar power is a potential technology and can provide continuous solar power as a renewable energy source,” he said.

Japan is already developing SBSP and integrating it into its space and net-zero strategy, Wei said.

Europe could follow suit, the paper suggests, mentioning the continent’s longstanding tradition of multinational cooperation of cross-border electricity exchange and satellite ventures under the European Space Agency.

The authors believe Europe could leverage its multinational cooperation to develop and operate a centralised SBSP infrastructure. In doing so, it could create a continent-scale solution to provide stable, baseload-scale renewable supply, reducing the continent’s reliance on gas-fired power.

“Now is the time,” Wei said.

The Guardian

Case Study Energy Saving power resilience Solar Buzz Featured Solar Energy solar financing solar investment

Going Green Is Progressive When Done Right

September 1, 2025 jrobinson

In today’s environment, where electricity rates are increasingly vulnerable to global oil price swings, supply disruptions, grid upgrades, and the escalating effects of climate change – hotter days, stronger storms, and unpredictable weather – going solar is a responsible and bold step toward self-reliance and sustainability.

But going green is only truly progressive when it is done right.

Too often, homeowners and businesses are left with underperforming systems sold on vague promises based only on utility bills and assumptions; not on actual usage or site data.

Without designs grounded in factual analysis of energy usage and site conditions, solar risks becoming just another expense rather than a tool for energy independence.

At SolarBuzz, we believe progress should be measurable, not assumed.

Our solar solutions are engineered and tailored to actual consumption, unique site layouts, and long-term energy goals.

This approach ensures that every system we install delivers on performance, savings, and ROI as promised, while also reducing carbon emissions.

Progress That’s Measurable, Not Assumed

Progress is achieved when solar systems are built with high-quality, long-lasting equipment, designed through precise data analysis, and installed to maximize performance and measurable CO₂ reduction.

SolarBuzz has been entrusted by clients across Jamaica to install, upgrade, and optimize systems that allow them to adopt environmentally responsible practices while saving significantly on energy costs.

Case in Point: Fleetwood Jamaica Ltd.
In May 2022, Fleetwood Jamaica Ltd. partnered with us to reduce their reliance on fossil fuels and lower energy costs.

After a detailed load profile analysis, we designed and installed a 53.1kW grid-tie system projected to offset 54% of grid consumption and reduce CO₂ emissions by 57.49 tonnes annually.

The results spoke for themselves: 51% offset, annual savings of J$3,077,214, and CO₂ reduction of nearly 80 tonnes.

Encouraged by these measurable results, Fleetwood initiated a second phase in 2024, adding a 43.6kW system.

Today, they enjoy a 75%-80% energy offset from prior peak usage and total CO₂ reduction of 248.5 tonnes.

Their monthly electricity bills as seen in the graph below reflect over 7,000 kWh in savings, proof of how going green is progressive when done right.

Progress That Allows You to Do More With Less

Our systems are not only designed to deliver savings; they are equipped with real-time monitoring and performance tracking to maximize value.

Clients can see how their systems perform daily and adjust their energy use for even greater efficiency.

This capability allows businesses to scale production or homeowners to run appliances, charge EVs, and work from home during peak sunlight all while reducing grid dependency.

Case in Point: Gray’s Peppers
Gray’s Peppers sought to offset energy costs while boosting production. We installed a 38kW system projected to generate 4,307 kWh monthly and offset 35% of grid use.

Our online monitoring of the system shows consistent performance within design expectations.

With an average offset of 34%, Gray’s Peppers has been able to expand operations without compromising projected savings.

Progress That Supports Modern Lifestyles

Solar isn’t just about savings; it’s about enabling a sustainable lifestyle.

Case in Point: Residential Client with EV Charging Needs
One of our featured homeowners wanted to upgrade his system to meet new EV charging needs.

After analyzing his load profile via online monitoring data, we upgraded his existing grid tie system to 11.92kW with a 19.2kWh battery and a 15kW SolArk inverter, providing an output of 1,200 kWh per month.

The electricity bill graph below shows the system performing as designed, powering daily EV charging and household needs, and further proving that going green the right way enables seamless integration with modern living.

Case in Point: Client with Remote-Work Office and EV Charging Needs
Another of our residential clients sought resilience against power outages and the flexibility to work from home while charging his EV.

After analyzing his profile, we designed and installed a 14.72kW LFP battery system for his home.

Since April 2025, he has enjoyed free daytime EV charging, uninterrupted productivity, and an 87% energy offset, making sustainability both practical and progressive.

Smart Systems for Smart Green Financing

When solar systems are designed using full load profiles, projected savings align with real performance. This makes them not only reliable but also ideal for financing.

At SolarBuzz, our data-engineered approach guarantees systems that support loan repayment schedules, replacing electricity bills with predictable loan obligations thus giving clients peace of mind.

Case in Point: Smart Energy Financing
One of our clients came to SolarBuzz with a clear goal: to cut his electricity bills as much as possible while securing financing through one of our banking partners.

For this client, achieving maximum solar savings was essential to ensure that his monthly loan payments could be seamlessly covered by the energy cost reductions.

In May 2025, we designed and installed an 8.2kW lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery-based system, tailored to his energy profile and projected to offset 84% of his grid usage.

Already, our client is experiencing a drop in their bills from J$40,000 to J$630, exceeding our predictions!

Similarly, another client leveraged the NHT’s Smart Energy Loan to finance with us a 4.36kW LFP battery system, projected to offset 90% of her total energy usage.

Since installation in February 2025, her system has performed consistently, with savings covering her loan obligations and serving as a true demonstration of how going green can be progressive when done right.

Progress That Empowers a Greener Future

When solar is engineered with precision, installed with integrity, and supported with monitoring, it becomes not just a system but a tool for measurable progress.

Whether enabling businesses to scale, households to adopt EVs, or clients to finance sustainability with confidence, SolarBuzz ensures that going green is not just a choice but a smart, progressive investment.

At SolarBuzz, progress is always measurable, reliable, and empowering.

Solar progress, when done right, empowers you to save more, live better, and build a greener future.

If you wish to explore how we can design a data-engineered system tailored to your energy needs, please contact us today and start living your better, greener life!

Deidre Wedderburn is the Client Relations Manager at SolarBuzz, dedicated to building long-term partnerships and delivering a top-tier client experience (deidre@solarbuzzjamaica.com).

Government News Solar Energy

US will proceed with probe of solar imports from India, Laos and Indonesia

September 1, 2025 jrobinson

The U.S. International Trade Commission voted on Friday to proceed with an investigation into whether solar panels from India, Laos and Indonesia are stifling domestic manufacturing, a key procedural step that could result in tariffs on those imports.

WHY IT’S IMPORTANT

The unanimous decision by the three-member panel is a victory for domestic solar manufacturers who say Chinese companies with operations in those countries receive unfair government subsidies and are selling their products below the cost of production in the United States. U.S. producers are seeking to protect billions of dollars of investment in American factories.

KEY QUOTE

“Today’s ITC decision confirms what our petitions allege: U.S. solar manufacturers are being undercut and harmed by unfairly traded imports. Chinese-owned and other companies in Laos, Indonesia, and India are gaming the system with unfair practices that are gutting U.S. jobs and investment,” said Tim Brightbill, lead counsel to the Alliance for American Solar Manufacturing and Trade and partner at Wiley Rein LLP.

CONTEXT

The case was brought in July by the alliance, a coalition of U.S. solar manufacturers including First Solar (FSLR.O) and Hanwha’s (000880.KS) Qcells.

Imports from India, Indonesia, and Laos surged to $1.6 billion last year, up from $289 million in 2022, according to the group. Many of these imports are believed to have shifted from countries already subject to U.S. tariffs on Southeast Asian solar exports.

WHAT’S NEXT

The U.S. Department of Commerce will continue investigations into the imports, with preliminary determinations on countervailing, or anti-subsidy, duties expected around Oct. 10 and on antidumping duties around Dec. 24.

Reuters

Electric Vehicles Government News

UK government announces £63m funding for EV charging infrastructure

September 1, 2025 jrobinson

Transport secretary promises to make buying electric cars ‘easier and cheaper’ as £700m subsidy package prepared.

The transport secretary has promised to make it “easier and cheaper” to buy electric cars, as the government announces £63m worth of funding to help build charging infrastructure.

Heidi Alexander said on Sunday she wanted to make it more affordable to switch to electric vehicles as she announced new money for councils and other bodies to spend on facilities to charge cars.

She announced £63m worth of funding for EV charging, with officials also finalising plans for a £700m package of subsidies to bring down the cost of buying a new electric car.

The money still falls short of the £950m pledged by the Conservatives for motorway charging points, however, which the Labour government scrapped last month, accusing the previous government of having failed to set aside funding for it.

UK-made EVs are expected to receive the most generous subsidies under the scheme, which would probably benefit the Japanese carmaker Nissan, which is gearing up to produce a new version of its Leaf electric car in Sunderland.

Support is expected to be targeted at the buyers of more affordable cars, meaning that premium and luxury vehicles such as those made by the US manufacturer Tesla and the new UK-made electric Range Rover and other Land Rover models soon to be launched by JLR may not be eligible.

Alexander said on Sunday: “We do need to make it easier and cheaper for people to buy an electric vehicle. So today we’re announcing really big investment, £63m in charging infrastructure across the country – £25m for councils.”

She said some of the money would be spent on new charging points, but the money for local authorities was to enable them to dig gullies under paving slabs to allow car owners to run charging cables across residential streets. An additional £30m would go to vehicle depots such as those used by the NHS.

Rachel Reeves, the chancellor, pledged £400m for charging infrastructure over the next five years at last month’s spending review – part of a £1.4bn fund to support the uptake of all EVs.

Just over 20% of new cars sold this year were electric, according to the data company Zap Map. But while the number of electric car sales increased by about 240% from 2021 to 2024, they still account for less than 5% of all the cars on British roads.

Ministers have set a target that electric cars should account of 28% of all new sales this year, though have introduced “flexibilities” into those rules that bring the real target down to about 22%, according to the thinktank New Automotive.

The Conservative and Liberal Democrat coalition government introduced the first purchase subsidies for EVs in 2011, when sales and the number of models on offer were tiny. However, the Conservatives ended the subsidies in 2022 amid concerns that the policy was expensive and mainly benefited wealthier households, in a move that was heavily criticised by carmakers.

The government is also seeking to boost domestic manufacturing of zero-emission vehicles, and separately announced on Sunday it would invest £2bn over the next five years on a range of technologies to help the industry.

Jonathan Reynolds, the business secretary, said: “We’re helping British carmakers get to the front of the pack by working hand in hand with investors to build a globally competitive electric vehicle supply chain in the UK.”

The Guardian

Energy Saving Government News Renewable Energy Solar Energy

CARICOM Summit| Holness urges private sector to power regional shift to renewables

July 15, 2025 jrobinson

Prime Minister Dr Andrew Holness has called on Caribbean businesses to take the lead in transforming the region’s energy landscape, saying the time has come for bold investment in renewables to drive down costs and strengthen economic resilience.

His comments come amid confirmation that the Government of Jamaica will not renew the all-island licence of the Jamaica Public Service (JPS) when it expires in 2027, a move that signals a major shift in the country’s energy future.

Speaking at the CARICOM Private Sector Organisation (CPSO) breakfast at Sandals Montego Bay on Tuesday, Monday, Holness said the Caribbean is blessed with abundant renewable resources, from solar and wind to hydro and geothermal, and must leverage them to reduce the high cost of living.

“Every island is bathed with incredible solar energy,” he said. “Some of us have wind, some hydro, some geothermal. The question is, how can we cooperate to use it beneficially for all?”

He pointed to hydrogen as a potential game-changer, referencing discussions with European partners interested in sourcing clean hydrogen from the Caribbean, should the region be able to convert its renewable energy at scale.

“If we can convert our solar and wind into hydrogen, there is a huge market we could supply endlessly,” Holness said. “I am throwing that out to the business community. We need you to apply greater innovation in the energy sector.”

Jamaica’s own decision to end the JPS monopoly has reenergized the conversation on energy independence and competition. With the current agreement ending in 2027, the government now has an opportunity to open the energy sector to new players, including regional and international investors in renewable infrastructure.

Holness did not directly address the JPS decision in his speech, but his remarks on innovation, regional collaboration, and de-risking frameworks for green energy investment struck a clear tone of urgency.

“Most of us are struggling with the overarching cost of living. Energy is a big part of that,” he said. “Government must provide the regulatory and de-risking support, but the private sector must seize the economic opportunity.”

Energy costs remain among the highest operational burdens for Caribbean businesses and households, affecting everything from food prices to digital services.

He also framed energy security as part of a broader national security strategy, protecting not just electricity access, but economic and cyber infrastructure. “Security is not just violence. It is the security of our telecommunications, our shipping and logistics, our financial systems. Energy underpins all of it.”

Jamaica Gleaner

Government News Renewable Energy

Trump joins tech and energy executives amid AI push

July 15, 2025 jrobinson

PITTSBURGH, Pennsylvania, July 15 (Reuters) – President Donald Trump joined executives from some of the largest U.S. tech and energy companies for a summit in Pittsburgh on Tuesday as the administration prepares more measures to power the U.S. expansion of artificial intelligence.

Top economic rivals, the U.S. and China, are locked in a technological arms race over who can dominate AI as the technology takes on increasing importance everywhere from corporate boardrooms to the battlefield.

The Energy and Innovation Summit at Carnegie Mellon University brought tech executives and officials from top energy and tech firms, including Meta (META.O), Microsoft (MSFT.O), Alphabet (GOOGL.O) and Exxon Mobil (XOM.N), to discuss how to position the U.S. as a leader in AI.

Trump and the summit’s host, U.S. Senator Dave McCormick, a Republican ally from Pennsylvania, highlighted some $90 billion in artificial intelligence and energy investments in the state.

“This is a really triumphant day for the people of the Commonwealth and for the United States of America, we’re doing things that nobody ever thought possible,” Trump told the attendees.

Big Tech is scrambling to secure enough electricity to power the energy-guzzling data centers needed for its rapid expansion of artificial intelligence.

Companies began announcing their plans early on Tuesday, with Google inking a $3 billion electricity deal and CoreWeave (CRWV.O) touting a $6 billion AI data center.

Google said it secured as much as 3 gigawatts of U.S. hydropower in a deal between the tech firm and Brookfield Asset Management (BAM.TO) that includes initial 20-year power purchase agreements for electricity generated from two facilities in Pennsylvania.

Asset management firm Blackstone’s (BX.N) President Jon Gray also said they will announce on Tuesday a $25 billion investment in data centers and energy infrastructure in Pennsylvania.

The CEOs that attended included Khaldoon Al-Mubarak of Abu Dhabi investment company Mubadala, Rene Haas of Arm (O9Ty.F), Larry Fink of BlackRock (BLK.N), Darren Woods of Exxon Mobil, Brendan Bechtel of Bechtel and Dario Amodei of Anthropic.

The White House is considering executive actions in the coming weeks to make it easier for power-generating projects to connect to the grid and also provide federal land on which to build the data centers needed to expand AI technology, Reuters previously reported.

The administration is also weighing streamlining permitting for data centers by creating a nationwide Clean Water Act permit, rather than requiring companies to seek permits on a state-by-state basis.

Trump ordered his administration in January to produce an AI Action Plan that would make “America the world capital in artificial intelligence” and reduce regulatory barriers to its rapid expansion.

That report, which includes input from the National Security Council, is due by July 23.

Trump is set to mark that deadline with a major speech as part of an event titled “Winning the AI Race,” organized by White House AI and crypto czar David Sacks and his co-hosts on the All-In podcast, a White House official told Reuters.

U.S. power demand is hitting record highs this year after nearly two decades of stagnation as AI and cloud computing data centers balloon in numbers and size across the country.

The demand is also leading to unprecedented deals between the power industry and technology companies, including the attempted restart of the Three Mile Island nuclear power plant in Pennsylvania between Constellation Energy (CEG.O) and Microsoft.

The surge has led to concerns about power shortages that threaten to raise electricity bills and increase the risk of blackouts, while slowing Big Tech in its global race against countries like China to dominate AI.

Reuters

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