Gov’t to re-introduce duty-free imports for solar energy equipment

The government is preparing to reintroduce duty-free imports for solar energy equipment, as part of its broader push to promote renewable energy in the territory, Works Minister Kye Rymer announced.

Speaking on the government’s Virgin Islands Voice radio programme this week, Rymer said Cabinet is expected to soon decide on the reintroduction of the initiative, which would make items like solar panels, solar water heaters, and electric vehicles exempt from import duties.

“That is a programme that we had a couple of years back, and we’ll be reintroducing that shortly,” Rymer stated.

“You’ll be able to import whether it’s solar water heaters, solar electric cars, whatever within the renewable energy space, you’ll be able to import for free.”

The announcement comes amid a growing government drive to adopt more sustainable energy solutions and cut reliance on fossil fuels. The BVI Electricity Corporation (BVIEC) is currently rolling out a solar energy programme that will see panels installed on residential properties.

“We are full speed ahead in terms of the solar technology energy programme,” Rymer said. “We have quite a lot of contracts signed where we are going to be putting solar panels on residents’ homes.”

Local workers are being trained to carry out the installations, Rymer noted. “We just don’t want to send out a tender for someone to go and do the installation… we have local persons that were trained here locally that would be able to do that job,” he explained.

The government has already allocated funding to support residents in adopting solar. “The Premier was gracious and he granted us a million dollars last year to be able to assist with persons installing the solar panels on their homes,” Rymer said.

Officials view solar as key to tackling rising energy costs and climate change. “The sun is here, the sun is free. It’s getting hotter with climate change. So we want to be able to tap into that,” Rymer stated.

He added that public education efforts are also planned.

“Shortly, you will hear us through another energy conference where we want to do some education to the public and let them know the benefits and, you know, highlight what can be done with solar energy,” Rymer said.

The BVI spends about $50 million annually on fuel for electricity generation, according to the minister. By increasing renewable energy use, officials hope to reduce these costs and lessen the territory’s carbon footprint.

The duty-free incentive is expected to be rolled out once Cabinet approval is secured.