In 2023, the solar PV installed capacity is 14.62 megawatts. ^{6 7}

Guyana solar projects is poised to witness significant growth in its solar energy capacity, with estimates suggesting that 100MW of Solar PV capacity will be operational by 2030. This capacity will be split between Distributed Generation solar rooftops and Utility-scale solar farms, marking a substantial step towards harnessing renewable energy sources in the country.⁹

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• Guyana’s electricity generation is almost entirely based on fossil fuels, primarily heavy fuel oil, and the country is about 97% dependent on imported fossil fuels.
• As of January 2024, Guyana’s electricity costs $0.32 per kilowatt hour (kWh) from fossil fuels, which is among the highest in the region.

Nearly all of the capacity was from fossil fuel sources, and a marginal amount was from solar power sources. Following are the percentages of different sources. ¹⁰

Unfortunately, specific data on the exact number of hours of power outages is not readily available, however, ⁸

• Guyana is currently experiencing an ease in power outages which represents a significant boost to the national energy infrastructure.
• The reduction in power service interruptions comes as the recently installed 36-megawatt power ship has reached its maximum operational capacity almost two weeks after being connected to the national grid.

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Current Installations

As of December 2023, significant progress has been made in the installation of Solar Home Energy Systems, with 26,398 units out of a total of 30,000 already deployed. Each system is equipped with a 160-watt capacity, enabling it to power essential appliances such as two 9-watt LED lamps, one 12-watt stand fan, and featuring a USB port for charging portable electronic devices. This initiative aims to provide reliable and sustainable energy access to rural and remote communities, improving their overall quality of life and promoting energy independence. With nearly 90% of the target installations complete, the project is nearing its successful completion.

Projected Installations

The Guyana Energy Agency (GEA) has announced that a significant number of energy projects are underway in hinterland and riverine communities. In 2024, the remaining 3,602 systems will be installed, which will contribute to a total additional capacity of 4.8 MW to Guyana’s energy infrastructure.

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Installed Solar Farms

The total number of solar farms is not directly provided, but the capacities of some of solar farms are given as follows:

• Lethem Solar PV Farm: 1 megawatt added in 2022
• Bartica Solar PV Farm: 1.5 megawatts added in 2023
• Healthcare Centre Solarization in Orealla Community: 0.009 MW in 2022

Projected Solar Farms ¹⁴

As of July 2024, Guyana is projected to have 14 solar farms.

Off grid demand in Guyana is met by two ways, isolated grids and completely off grid systems for unconnected communities, details are given as: ⁹

Current Demand

Guyana’s hinterland region comprises approximately 218 communities, home to around 98,500 people, who reside off-grid, outside of the 12 public grids. These villages are often inaccessible by road and can only be reached by boat, making them reliant on costly diesel fuel, which can be up to three times more expensive than in Georgetown. To address this, the government has implemented various initiatives since 2012 to provide renewable energy solutions. Notable projects include:

• The completion of 9 solar-powered mini-grids at various locations by the Hinterland Electrification Company of Guyana (HECI) in 2021.
• The installation of 9 solar photovoltaic systems in Region 1 during 2022, benefiting health centers and schools.
• A solar PV system was installed at the Quebenang Health Centre (Region 7) in 2022, with additional installations planned for Kamwatta Primary School (Region 1) and Sand Creek Primary School (Region 9) in 2022.

These initiatives aim to provide sustainable energy access to these remote communities, reducing their reliance on costly diesel fuel and promoting energy independence.

Future Demand

• Through the Guyana-Norway partnership and other funding sources, investments will be made in eight different sites by 2024.
• This will lead to an average of 30% of electricity consumption being generated by on-grid solar PV in the Essequibo Coast, Linden, Bartica, Lethem, Mabaruma, Mahdia, Leguan, and Wakenaam grids.
• Furthermore, the program for Isolated Grids has outlined ambitious targets for increasing the share of Renewable Energy in subsequent phases.
• By 2027, the aim is to reach an average of 50% Renewable Energy share, and by 2030, this target increases to 70%.

The on-grid market demand for solar panels in Guyana is robust and expanding. In 2023, there was a significant increase in installed capacity, complemented by the installation of  solar mini-grids.¹⁶¹⁷

Current Demand

• In 2023, Guyana witnessed a significant expansion of its solar energy capacity, with the installation of 6.661 megawatts of solar photovoltaic (PV) power. The Guyana Energy Agency played a crucial role in this development, installing 21 solar mini-grids that now provide renewable energy to thousands of people.
• Building on this momentum, Guyana had previously signed a grant agreement with the International Solar Alliance in 2021 for a solar demonstration project in Orealla (Region 6). This project features a 9kWp grid-tie solar photovoltaic system and a 37kWh battery energy storage system.
• Looking ahead, Guyana’s Public Utility (GPL) has launched a tender for three utility-scale solar PV and battery storage projects, totaling 15 MWp of solar capacity and 22 MWh of storage, as part of the Guyana Utility-Scale Solar Photovoltaic (GUYSOL) Programme, funded through the Guyana-Norway Partnership.

Future Market Demand

Future demand is projected to be even higher, with plans of solar power systems in various regions.

• Guyana is set to receive a significant boost in solar power capacity, with the installation of 18 megawatts of Solar Power Systems across two locations.
• The first location, comprising Trafalgar, Prospect, and Hampshire, will have a capacity of 10 megawatts, while the second location, comprising Onderneeming and Charity, will have a capacity of 8 megawatts.
• Furthermore, eight solar farms will be established, spread across Linden, Esso, Quibble, Barbies, and other sites, with a total capacity of 33 megawatts. In addition to these large-scale projects, 19 solar-powered mini-grids will be set up in hinterland communities, aiming to electrify 30,000 homes.
• The first batch of 1,830 solar units is expected to arrive in Guyana soon, marking a significant step towards achieving the country’s renewable energy goals.

A Solar Photovoltaic Installer working in Guyana typically earns around 5,745 USD per year. This can range from the lowest average salary of about 2,975 USD to the highest average salary of 8,811 USD. ​¹⁸

The current population of Guyana is 819,920. ¹⁹

Estimate for Factory Rent ²⁰

Average Warehouse Rental Cost

• As of March 16, 2024, rent of the warehouse in Craig of an area of 1,500 sq ft is approximately $1,900 USD.
• It features high ceilings, natural lighting, a secure entrance, ample parking space, and a flexible layout.

Business Electricity Price ²¹

As of April 11, 2021, the commercial tariff for Guyana Power and Light Incorporated (GPL) was $2,467.00 for a new fixed rate/demand charge and $66.33 for a current net energy rate.

Key Components of Administrative Costs

Salaries and Wages: ¹⁸

A Solar Photovoltaic Installer working in Guyana typically earns around 5,745 USD per year. This can range from the lowest average salary of about 2,975 USD to the highest average salary of 8,811 USD. ​

Rent for Office Space: ²²

The prime commercial space in Georgetown is well-suited for retail, offices, call centers, and distribution centers. The monthly rent for this space is $6,000 USD.

Electricity Generation ⁹

• Guyana’s electricity generation is primarily based on fossil fuels, such as heavy fuel oil, and diesel. Guyana’s electricity is generated from 97% fossil fuels.
• However, the country also has potential for hydroelectric and bagasse-fueled power generation

Transmission & Distribution ^{7 9}

• The electrical network interconnects the system to the public/community buildings via a 13.8 kilovolt (kV) medium voltage transmission, and a 120/240 volts alternating current (Vac) low voltage distribution network.

Energy Access ⁴

• As of 2020, 89.7% of the urban population and 80.3% of the rural population had access to electricity.
• The government is working to extend reliable power to the entire country through infrastructure upgrades and grid expansions.
• Power is often unstable, and rolling brownouts are common. Guyana’s electricity transmission lines and power grid are also in poor condition and need to be modernized

Energy Exports ¹⁰

• Guyana has become a net exporter of petroleum and other liquids since starting production of crude oil in 2019 from the Liza 1 field.
• In 2022, Guyana was the 21st largest exporter of crude petroleum in the world, exporting $15.9 billion worth of crude petroleum.
• In 2023, Guyana exported 135 million barrels of crude oil, which was an average increase of 82% annually between 2021 and 2023.
• The country’s top export destinations for crude petroleum in 2022 were Panama, the Netherlands, the United States, Italy, and Germany.

Along with investments in transformational infrastructure, government policy is to encourage individual consumers and businesses to invest in, and use, renewable energy through fiscal incentives and policies including:⁹

Self-Generation

• Self-generation is allowed as per Guyana’s legislation. Any consumer who wishes to interconnect their solar PV system into the public grids to eliminate the need for battery storage (solar PV on-grid) must submit an interconnection request and comply with the Interim Interconnection Requirements set by GPL.
• As part of the roof-top solar PV for Government buildings programme, about five megawatts were installed at 291 buildings across the ten Administrative Regions during the period 2012-2020.

Grid Feed-In Mechanism

• A grid feed-in mechanism is being advanced by GPL to establish the regulatory framework for consumers to supply excess energy to the grid from renewable energy sources.

Fiscal Incentives

• Machinery and equipment imported for the purposes of generating and utilizing renewable energy are eligible for Customs duty and Value-Added Tax Exemptions under existing laws.
• This includes solar panels, solar lamps, deep-cycle batteries, solar generators, solar water heaters, solar cookers, direct current (DC) solar refrigerators, direct current (DC) solar freezers, direct current (DC) solar air-conditioners, wind turbines, water turbines, and power inverters; and energy-efficient lighting, including compact fluorescent lamps and light-emitting diode (LED) lamps.
• There is also a one-off tax holiday of two years for corporation tax to importers of items for wind and solar energy investments.

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Energy Efficiency Measure Programs

• Since 2006, the Government has supported the replacement of incandescent bulbs with energy-saving bulbs, with special programs for hinterland households. Compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) and light-emitting diode (LED) lamps have been fully exempted from import duties, and the Value Added Tax (VAT) has been zero-rated to make energy-efficient lighting technologies more affordable and accessible.
• In 2013, a program was started to improve the efficiency of the streetlights, repairing defective photocells, and replacing inefficient bulbs with LEDs. Energy audits in public buildings have been carried out, which resulted in reduced energy bills by installing LED bulbs, occupancy sensors, and inverter-type A/C units.
• A Regional Energy Efficiency Building Code (REEBC) was adopted as a national standard to foster energy-efficient building designs to reduce energy consumption in the built environment. The codes focus on the building’s envelope, cooling system, ventilation, pumping, lighting, and the service water heating systems in buildings. Several other standards have been adopted, including energy labeling standards for CFLs and LEDs (GYS 577 – 2021) and Air Conditioners (GYS 578 – 2021) and a standard for energy management systems (GYS 503: 2019), all to promote energy efficiency and conservation of energy.

Guyana REDD+ Investment Fund (GRIF)

• The Guyana REDD+ Investment Fund (GRIF) funded project “ICT Access and E-Services For Hinterland, Poor and Remote Communities” aims to enhance digital connectivity and services in over 200 Hinterland villages.
• Scheduled for implementation between 2023 and 2024, the project includes the installation of ICT Hubs in each village, each hub powered by an average four-kilowatt peak (kWp) solar PV system.
• This initiative not only provides reliable energy but also supports educational and communication infrastructure in remote areas.

Grant agreement with the International Solar Alliance

• In 2021, Guyana signed a grant agreement with the International Solar Alliance for a solar demonstration project in Orealla (Region 6), which includes a 9kWp grid-tie solar photovoltaic system and a 37kWh battery energy storage system.

Guyana-Norway partnership Program

• The Government has secured US$97 million in funding – including US$85 million in payments for forest climate services earned under the Guyana-Norway partnership. This will see the implementation of a 33MWp capacity of solar PV farms at eight different locations.

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Installed Projects

Utility-scale solar farms

• In March 2023, the government commissioned a 1.5 MW solar PV plant in Bartica, and plans are underway for additional farms.

Mini solar installations

• In 2023, the Guyana Energy Agency (GEA) installed 45 kW mini solar installations in Orealla and Siparuta, along with battery energy storage systems.
• In 2021, capacity was again increased by 30 kilowatts, following the addition of a 0.4 MW PV system at the CARICOM secretariat in Turkeyen.
• In 2020, that capacity increased by 626 kilowatts (KW), with the addition of a 0.4 MW solar farm at Mabaruma.

Projected Projects ¹⁵

Some of the solar farms that are planned or under construction include:

• Leguan: A 0.6 MW solar farm is scheduled for construction in 2024
• Mahdia: A 0.65 MW solar farm is scheduled for completion in 2024
• Bartica, Lethem, Port Kaituma, Kwakwani, and Matthew’s Ridge: A series of solar PV farms totaling 5.2 MW are planned for construction within the next two years
• Trafalgar, Prospect, and Hampshire: 10 MW of solar power systems are scheduled for installation through a contract between GUYSOL and China’s SUMEC
• Onderneeming and Charity: 8 MW of solar power systems are scheduled for installation through a contract between GUYSOL and China’s SUMEC

Solar Power Solution Pvt Ltd.

Website: https://www.solarpspl.com/solar-company-in-guyana

Services

• Solar Power Solutions Pvt Ltd is the premier solar company in Guyana, offering comprehensive solar energy solutions for residential, commercial, and industrial clients.
• As a leading solar EPC company, they specialize in solar installation, system design, and solar power plant construction.
• They manufacture and supply high-quality solar panels, solar water heaters, solar pumps, solar lights, and solar EV charging stations, focusing on sustainability and reducing carbon footprints.
• Their expert team ensures seamless integration and optimal performance of solar systems, promoting clean and renewable energy in Guyana.

Solar Direct Guyana

Website: https://solardirect.gy/

Services

• Solar Direct was established in 2013 and has become a major supplier of quality residential and commercial solar and backup systems at the most affordable prices in Guyana.
• It provides:
• Solar Systems
• Backup Systems
• Solar Water Heaters

GUYANA INVERTERTEC

Website: http://www.invertertec.com/about-us/

Services:

• GUYANA INVERTERTEC is an emerging local green energy company specializing in the distribution of automatic UPS inverter-chargers, solar inverters, and deep cycle batteries.
• They provide equipment and advice for green energy solutions at fair prices, aiming to enhance energy security.
• The company also trains local technical school graduates in the assembly, calibration, and repair of inverters, and serves markets in northeast Brazil, Venezuela, Suriname, and Guyana.