Energy Resilience in Jamaica
What is PV and PV+?

Solar Photovoltaics (PV)

Solar photovoltaics (PV) convert the sun’s energy into electricity that can be consumed on site, stored for later use by batteries (PV+), or sold back to the grid (see JPS Net Billing).

PV panels can be located on your building or the grounds of your property. The best sites for PV are south facing and should be free of shading from trees or buildings. Roofs should be in good condition to withstand the weight of the system.

PV cells convert the sun’s energy into direct current (DC) electricity. DC electricity is sent to an inverter that converts it into alternating current (AC) electricity, which can be used on site or sent to the grid.

If you are not sure if your site is suitable for PV, JERA will help! After signing up, eligible businesses will receive initial site visits from JERA partners to assess whether your site is suitable for a PV system.

PV Plus Battery Storage (PV+)

PV+ refers to a PV system with a combined battery storage system (commonly lithium-ion batteries). Batteries can be charged both from electricity generated by your PV system and electricity from the grid.

Battery storage can add several benefits to your PV system including:

1. Resilient Backup.
   Batteries offer resilience benefits by providing backup power during outages, allowing you to continue operating critical equipment.
2. Demand Management.
   Batteries can be used during periods when electricity consumption is highest to reduce peak demand (and associated demand charges).
3. Increased PV Utilization.
   Because energy sold to the grid is compensated at a lower rate than energy consumed from the grid, customers in Jamaica benefit more by maximizing consumption of PV electricity generated.

The sizing of your battery will depend on your use and the benefits you hope to achieve

PV+ can offer your business a range of benefits, including:

Resilience Battery storage provides reliable and resilient backup electricity, allowing you to continue operating critical systems during grid outages.

Electric Bill Savings PV and PV+ can lower how much you pay for electricity, reducing your business’ operating costs even while paying back cost of the system.

Increased PV Utilization. Because energy sold to the grid is compensated at a lower rate than energy consumed from the grid, customers in Jamaica benefit more by maximizing consumption of PV electricity generated.

For more information about PV/PV+ and its benefits, visit our Informational Resources Page.