MARRAKECH, Morocco (CMC) — The Government of Jamaica has announced its participation in the Solar Head of State coalition by installing solar panels at Jamaica House – home to the Office of Prime Minister Andrew Holness.

“This project is symbolic of the renewable future we see for Jamaica and the Caribbean. Islands like Jamaica are becoming leaders for demonstrating the deployment of solar technology, and I aim to lead by example, by installing solar PV on the Office of the Prime Minister, Jamaica House,” said Holness who is attending the COP22 Climate Conference here.

Solar Head of State partners with solar technology companies, local installers, major climate NGOs and foundations to offer well designed, professionally installed solar systems for the residences of heads of state or government around the world in order to showcase and promote the use of the technology.

With support from its partners, Solar Head of State will install a donated 15kW grid-connected solar photovoltaic system on Jamaica House, saving the government thousands of dollars in energy expenditures over its lifetime.

The installation work at Jamaica House will be undertaken by US firm – Solar Island Energy, working with the National Energy Solutions Limited (NESol) an agency of the Ministry of Science, Energy and Technology and Envisage Energy, a local Jamaican company focused on being part of the island’s sustainable future.

The project is supported by Elms Consulting, a London based strategic consulting firm working to accelerate sustainable development on islands.

The solar PV panels for the Jamaica House Solar Head of State project are donated by Trina Solar.

This project is being done in coordination with the Clinton Climate Initiative and Rocky Mountain Institute-Carbon War Room’s Islands Energy Programme.

Sir Richard Branson, Founder of the Virgin Group and nonprofit Carbon War Room which aims to accelerate the implementation of renewable energy in the Caribbean, said, “I’m so pleased to see Jamaica setting such a great example!”

Mohamed Nasheed, climate change activist and Former President of the Maldives said, “Now, more than ever, the presidents and prime ministers of island countries, which are so threatened by climate change, must show global leadership by cutting carbon emissions and embracing clean energy. Jamaica is showing such leadership with its commitment to renewable energy and the solar installation on Jamaica House”.

Delegations from 195 countries are here, discussing the implementation of the recently adopted Paris Agreement, which has been ratified by over 100 countries.