Puerto Rico and the Caribbean

The Caribbean region is vulnerable to natural disasters fueled by climate change. In Puerto Rico, Hurricanes Maria and Irma made landfall in 2017 and left most of the island without power for months. Clean energy solutions like solar-plus-storage can provide a reliable source of electricity while supporting new industries and local job growth.

IREC is committed to helping Puerto Rico and the Caribbean islands move toward a clean energy future. Key initiatives include:

Puerto Rican Solar Business Accelerator

The Puerto Rican Solar Business Accelerator (PRSBA) supports solar workforce development, finance, and microgrid development in Puerto Rico. Led by IREC in partnership with Pathstone Corporation, Inc., the program will expand and strengthen the Puerto Rican solar industry and spur the development of a highly qualified workforce.

Solar Saves Lives

The Solar Foundation (now merged with IREC) launched Solar Saves Lives in the aftermath of the 2017 hurricanes. With the help of our partners and generous charitable donations, we installed solar and battery storage at community health clinics in Puerto Rico.

This initiative took place in partnership with the Asociación de Salud Primaria de Puerto Rico. Installation was by local solar installers, with project management from the Clinton Climate Initiative. Funding came from The Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust, Direct Relief, Hispanic Federation, and individual contributions from the public.

SolSmart

The U.S. Virgin Islands recently achieved designation through SolSmart, a national initiative led by IREC that has helped more than 400 communities nationwide open the door to solar energy growth. IREC is now working in Puerto Rico to support community engagement through SolSmart.