Western Jamaican High Schools Explore Solar Power to Counter High Utility Costs

Two high schools in western Jamaica are looking into expanding solar power facilities to ensure long-term renewable energy for their operations. The institutions are Muschett High School in Trelawny and Herbert Morrison Technical High in Montego Bay. Both schools were impacted by Hurricane Melissa last October, which destroyed their previous solar infrastructure. The government currently withholds a portion of the tuition grants provided to the schools to help offset electricity and water expenses.

The need for new solar installations is driven by high operational costs, with Muschett High School noting that bills could reach $500,000 due to shift work. The leadership of the schools believes that the new solar power systems will lead to significant long-term savings.