Recent efforts to reduce tariffs on solar imports in The Bahamas, and the recent introduction of the Small-Scale Renewable Generation (SSRG) Program, have resulted in an increased demand for RETS, specifically photovoltaic systems (PV). Though demand for RETS is a good thing, it comes with a downside which can easily be addressed.

Firstly, there are limited, if any, trained, qualified, installers or certified trainers in the country. To address this, One Eleuthera Foundation will partner with Centre for Training & Innovation and Cape Eleuthera Island School to provide a 100-hour PV course which will incorporate theoretical and practical learning in addition to the completion of an actual PV installation. Certifying PV installers will feed the demand, and alternatively increase the use and adoption of RETS, leading to a decrease in use of fossil fuels through time.

Secondly, although there is a demand for RETS, more education and awareness is still needed to help people understand the benefits of such systems not only for the environment, but also for themselves. Therefore, One Eleuthera Foundation and its partners of this project will produce material and advertisements and host a booth at OEF?s annual Earth Day festival to promote RETS and educated people about the benefits of using these systems.