Change is driven from the top. Wouldn’t it be terrific if world leaders had knowledge and experience with solar energy in their own homes, to then drive change in their countries?
Solar Head of State is a non-profit association formed by a team of solar energy social entrepreneurs around the globe. By offering a solar system to every country for their executive residence, the country’s leadership gets first-hand experience with the proven benefits of renewable energy. By offering all Heads of State a free solar energy system, Solar Head of State aims to promote the benefits of energy sustainability around the world.
The Director, James Ellsmoor, shared with us that the organization began with asking President Obama to install solar on the White House. Although this was eventually accomplished, there was another president that made it happen first. President Mohamed Nasheed, had a solar-energy system installed on Muliaage, the Official Presidential Residence of the Maldives.
For the next world leader’s residence, Solar Island Energy partnered with Solar Head of State to engineer and install a solar energy system on the public residence of the Governor-General, Government House in Castries, Saint Lucia, in the eastern Caribbean. The 5.4 kW grid-tied system will save 100 tons of carbon in its lifetime, and save the government about $150,000 in energy costs.
The project in Saint Lucia was built in partnership with local company, Noah Energy and CEO, Jade Hutchinson. Solar Island Energy’s President, Marc Lopata, personally directed the project, check out the pictures here. This project also enjoyed a lot of buzz; not only locally, but also on Al-Jazeera, Huffington Post, Solar Today Magazine and more!
“These island nations are climate vulnerable,” shares James, “and the need for renewable energy is high. Even though they are small nations, they are mighty, and are leading the way for solar on a global stage.”
Solar Island Energy is excited to be a part of Solar Head of State’s upcoming project in Jamaica. We will be installing a solar-energy system on Jamaica House, the national executive office. The Jamaican government is committed to renewable energy and to leading the way finding solutions. This project is scheduled to begin in April 2017.
Solar Island is committed to utilizing local trades to create local jobs for the local economies of these island nations. We’ve created invaluable partnerships and have trained electricians, electrical engineers, structural engineers, and general contractors to deliver their services in their own communities, while also meeting our high standards of quality and workmanship.
We are proud that we have helped hundreds of motivated individuals and companies to forge new business in our industry and to provide sustainable energy for the island nations. As well, we are thankful for our collaboration with Solar Head of State in helping them to continue their mission to create an alliance of heads of state advocating for clean solar energy.
