Jason Williams 
Hurricane Melissa was a brutal reminder of just how vulnerable we are. Seven months after the Category 5 monster battered our shores, hundreds of families are still without power. JPS data confirmed that as of March 27, 2026, 1% of customers were still without power. For them, life hasn’t gone back to normal.
Yet, amidst the widespread blackout, a fortunate group of Jamaicans experienced a completely different post-hurricane reality. Thanks to residential solar installations, they had power running almost immediately after the storm passed. While the country navigated a massive grid collapse, solar-powered homes were comfortably lit, keeping refrigerators running and ACs humming. In a country prone to increasingly severe tropical storms and hurricanes, solar is no longer just an eco-friendly trend; it is a must-have for every Jamaican household.
Interview with Andrew Gray
There’s a lot that still isn’t known about solar. To fill this knowledge gap, I interviewed local electrician and solar system installer, Andrew Gray. The interview follows a question-and-answer format. I decided to write out my questions, then have the full audio clips played. Enjoy!
Jason: Is a certain type of roof better suited to solar than others? Flat(Concrete), Slant, or Wooden roofs, for example?
Andrew:
Jason: On average, what kind of percentage drop in monthly costs can a typical Jamaican household expect after switching to solar?
Andrew:
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Jason: What size system do you have? Also, what size system do you recommend?
Andrew:
Jason: Let’s say I have 1 AC, 1 Fridge, and an Electric Vehicle(BYD Yuan Plus). What size system would you recommend in this case(with and without the EV)?
Andrew:
Jason: Once the battery/storage is full, how long can I run my household off solar? Let’s say, for example, there is no sun for a week, and I have a 12 kW system.
Andrew:
Jason: Let’s say I have a 10 kW capacity battery with my 12 kW Solar Panels. Can I infinitely add battery capacity?
Andrew:
Jason: Do you know of any local banking partnerships or green energy loans that make solar more accessible for the average Jamaican?
Andrew:
Note Well: You can find information about the Smart Energy Grant and Smart Energy Loan on the NHT website. Also, the GRANT is money provided to you by the NHT that you won’t have to repay. You have to be a homeowner to access the grant.
Jason: How soon after setup can I ‘stop paying’ JPS?
Andrew:
Jason: Why do you think solar hasn’t taken off in Jamaica?
Andrew:
Jason: Does the extreme Jamaican heat ever actually reduce panel efficiency, or is more sun always better?
Andrew:
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Jason: Between the dust and the salty sea air (especially for persons who live in coastal areas), how often do these panels actually need cleaning or servicing?
Andrew:
Jason: Given the recent damage from Hurricane Melissa, can modern solar systems withstand category 4 and 5 hurricanes?
Andrew:
Jason: In the event of a total grid collapse after a storm (like we’ve seen in the past), can a solar-ready home be fully functional the very next morning?
Andrew:
Jason: Does installing solar panels increase or decrease the risk of roof damage during high winds?
Andrew:
Jason: For those not ready to purchase a large solar system, what can be purchased to help reduce the light bill? For example, the Solar Box is sold by Island Eyewear.
Andrew:
Jason: Let’s say I want to buy a medium or large Power Bank; is there any brand you would recommend?
Andrew:
Jason: Aside from a Power Bank, are there any other solar items that you would recommend?
Andrew:
Jason: Can I just get any individual to hook up a solar system, or should I get a certified electrician? If I just get a regular guy to do the setup, what possible problems might occur?
Andrew:
Jason: Beyond the individual home, how does mass solar adoption help Jamaica’s overall national energy security?
Andrew:
Jason: What is the one myth about solar in Jamaica that you are most tired of hearing?
Andrew:
Jason: If a young couple is building their first home today, why is it a mistake not to include solar in the initial blueprints?
Andrew:
Jason: Did you have electricity post-Melissa thanks to your solar system?
Andrew:
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Jason: Given the rising gas prices, would you recommend that individuals buy an electric vehicle?
Andrew:
Jason: Could you tell me how your customers, who had solar systems installed, feel?
Andrew:
Jason: How can someone get in touch with you if they would like a solar system installed?
Andrew:
Note Well: You can reach Andrew at 876-571-3008.
Jason: Any Final Comments?
Andrew:
Get Started Today
The Interview with Andrew cleared up some questions and provided much-needed clarity. I’m sure many of you will be looking at Solar Systems soon. Hurricane season is right around the corner; as such, we need to prepare ourselves for the worst.
Powerful storms and hurricanes are happening much more frequently due to Climate Change. Last year, I wrote an article on How To Prepare For The Hurricane Season. That should help you to prepare for the upcoming season and beyond.
So, what are your views on solar? Do you have a solar system, lights, or a power bank? How have they held up over time? I look forward to hearing your views in the comments section.
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