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Renewable energy for every VI household a necessity- Troy E. Christopher

Mr Troy E. Christopher explained that solar panels allow for gradual expansion—people can start small by adding panels and batteries over time, providing greater flexibility in implementation. Photo: Internet Source
Mr Troy E. Christopher and Cromwell Smith aka ‘Edju En Ka,’ on ZBVI 780 AM on June 18, 2025. Photo: Facebook
Mr Troy E. Christopher and Cromwell Smith aka ‘Edju En Ka,’ on ZBVI 780 AM on June 18, 2025. Photo: Facebook
BAUGHERS BAY, Tortola, VI- Businessman and former political candidate Mr Troy E. Christopher has emphasised that renewable energy for every household in the Virgin Islands is not just an option; it is a necessity.

He expressed these views during the Umoja programme with Mr Cromwell Smith aka ‘Edju En Ka,’ on ZBVI 780 AM on June 18, 2025.

Mr Christopher highlighted that the Virgin Islands is closely tied to the United States in terms of food, tourism, and energy; however, given current global issues and the potential for conflict, there could be serious implications for food and energy supplies.

In 2015, the British Virgin Islands passed the Renewable Energy Act to facilitate independent power producers and net billing, and a 4 MW solar farm project on Anegada is currently under development. Additionally, there are ongoing policy initiatives to promote rooftop solar installations.

‘Start small’

Mr Christopher pointed out that solar energy, one of the alternative energy sources we have in abundance, can serve as a viable power solution for island residents.

He explained that solar panels allow for gradual expansion—people can start small by adding panels and batteries over time, providing greater flexibility in implementation.

The local businessman added that understanding solar energy production, which harnesses power from the sun, encourages positive change and involves technology that most people are familiar with.

Christopher believes that empowering individuals with the knowledge and capacity to harness solar energy independently is essential.

He encouraged people to embrace solar energy on a personal level, as this approach would enhance the overall efficiency of the energy system.

15 Responses to “Renewable energy for every VI household a necessity- Troy E. Christopher”

  • HMMM (26/06/2025, 14:26) Like (5) Dislike (2) Reply
    Is this the Guy encharge of festival entertainment...Seems like any Road the money train running he hopping on it. .He is just another B.S talker. We fed up of those.. Too much people just talk to stay relevant, to stay important, while Cindy and Cindy doing the real people's work, carrying the load, the burden of this country's sin..
  • 2024 (26/06/2025, 16:03) Like (4) Dislike (1) Reply
    The Solar Power is a novel idea but remember the Virgin Islands is in hurricane zone
    • Er, and...? (28/06/2025, 19:44) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      Hurricane panels and their fixings are available that are rated up to 180mph, so should be fine for most hurricanes
  • Shake my head (26/06/2025, 16:27) Like (3) Dislike (1) Reply
    He's just a hustler, check out the solar panels on his so called development in Hodge's Creek. Just a bull $hit talker.
  • legend (26/06/2025, 22:05) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
    Watch this YouTube video about solar systems in the United States. It might just open your eyes to the reality of a solar system for your home or business.

    https://youtu.be/QmveRwSriA8?si=KRc7baUxrHJdggU3

    Or search for: Solar’s a Total Rip Off in Florida!
    • NezRez (29/06/2025, 08:47) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      @ Legend. Please, everyone, watch this video before you sign any contract or pay any of your hard-earned money. This video will send shivers down your spine.
  • This (27/06/2025, 00:25) Like (2) Dislike (1) Reply
    This the kind of unseriousness people vote for. You only have to sound good and have the right last name. Nevermind if you're actually qualified at all. There's enough hot air talkers in the house contributing to the alleged global warming crisis. People need change and not a repeat of the same Ole foolishness. Check out the definition of insanity. Meanwhile. Newsflash. BVI has no money. They transferred it to all different bank accounts under Sowande's nose. We got 99 problems and solar panels ain't one.
    • Same blogger (27/06/2025, 08:20) Like (0) Dislike (1) Reply
      Dude why are you so bitter? Purge yourself from hate jealousy and envy and you will be rewarded what’s yours
  • So (27/06/2025, 07:03) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    where does the BVIEC stand on renewable energy? In the past BVIEC has not been very helpful or encouraging about business and house renewable energy sources.
    • Check out today's reality (28/06/2025, 19:46) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      They've just put a sh*tload of solar on their Tortola premises at Pockwood and in RT and are running an incrediblly generous intiative for hous eowners under the STEP programme.
  • Head in the sand (27/06/2025, 08:06) Like (2) Dislike (1) Reply
    So much negativity here. I guess you all like buying your power from BVIEC? Do some homework, solar works. In fact it works so well here BVIEC can be irrelevant for the right investment.
  • @So (27/06/2025, 08:20) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    I suspect BVIEC has always opposed solar/renewable energy. For one, every dwelling is supposed to be connected. Secondly, import tariffs for solar have always been very high. The widespread use of a/c has increased demand, but there have been few increases in generation capacity making BVIEC unable to provide power reliably, while at the same time raising bills though the so-called fuel surcharge. BVIEC’s perspective is that allowing renewables would mean fewer customers to foot the costs of operations, particularly when its largest customer, the government, has been in arrears for some time. If it was you or me, we’d have been cut off long ago.
  • solar all the way (27/06/2025, 12:19) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    Solar makes absolute sense. Panels can be secured to withstand storms. They’re likely to withstand storms better than the exposed timber telegraph poles we have with BVIEC . Considering we’re in the direct firing line of global warming, it’s high time the government does all it can to encourage this transition to green energy.
  • Solar (27/06/2025, 12:55) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    The government needs to make solar products duty free to encourage their purchase and use.
    BVIEC is struggling to supply the power needs of the BVI. The system can be configured so that excess solar power generated by consumers can be routed to BVIEC system for a credit there by creating a win/win situation.


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