Guyana is ramping up its transition to renewable energy, with plans to equip 5,000 homes with solar panels under the initial phase of a national solar programme.

According to the Department of Public Information (DPI), the initiative is being led by the Guyana Energy Agency(GEA) as part of efforts to reduce reliance on heavy fuel oil and expand access to affordable electricity.

Speaking on the Starting Point podcast, GEA Chief Executive Officer Mahender Sharma said the grid-connected solar programme will allow households to generate their own electricity using rooftop solar systems.

Under the initiative, homes will use solar energy during the day, while additional electricity needs will be met by the Guyana Power and Light (GPL). Any excess power generated will be fed back into the national grid, allowing consumers to receive credits and, in some cases, payments.

The programme is designed to lower electricity bills while improving energy security and supporting the country’s broader push toward cleaner energy.

Officials said the GEA has put systems in place to guide homeowners through the process, including technical assessments, financing options and installation support. The agency will also assist with approvals from GPL and the Government Electrical Inspectorate.

To encourage participation, the programme includes a fast-tracked approval process and the installation of bidirectional meters at no additional cost, enabling electricity to flow both to and from the grid.

The GEA has also partnered with local financial institutions, including commercial banks and the New Building Society, to provide financing options. Monthly payments are estimated to range between $7,000 and $26,000, depending on the arrangement.

Sharma said a typical five-kilowatt system, costing about $1.2 million, could generate electricity valued at roughly $28,000 per month, significantly reducing household energy costs.

The solar initiative forms part of a wider national energy strategy that includes gas-to-energy projects, hydropower development and utility-scale solar farms.

In 2023, the government launched a 30,000 solar photovoltaic project to expand access to renewable energy in hinterland and riverine communities. Several solar farms have also been commissioned across the country, including facilities in Regions Two, Five and Six, as well as Lethem and Leguan.

Additionally, upgrades to solar mini-grids in Regions One, Two, Six and Nine are expected to benefit more than 12,000 residents, improving access to reliable, 24-hour electricity in remote communities.

The government is also advancing the Amaila Falls Hydropower Project, which is expected to add at least 165 megawatts of renewable energy to the national grid.

The Department of Public Information reported that interested homeowners can register through the Guyana Energy Agency’s website as the country continues its push toward a more sustainable energy future.