Business

Campaign to Transform St. Thomas Into Solar Energy Mecca in USVI Set for Launch January

An effort to increase the use of solar energy in St. Thomas for residential, commercial and nonprofit use is set to launch in January and will utilize a crowdfunding strategy that organizers say will lower the cost of the traditionally pricey components of solar to allow widespread participation. The effort, dubbed "Solarize St. Thomas", seeks to lower the cost of solar energy and battery storage installations through the power of bulk-purchasing, reducing contractor acquisition costs and transferring those savings to the residential and commercial residents of St. Thomas. The more St.Thomas property owners that participate, the greater the savings for all. “For the first time in the U.S. Virgin Islands, a local coalition has formed to help make solar energy more affordable to all,” said Doug White, a St. Thomas resident and local green architect. “Through this campaign, we have an opportunity to both significantly raise awareness of the benefits of this renewable source of power and...