A Solar PV Farm in Region Six
CONNECTING communities, one solar photovoltaic (PV) system at a time, the Government of Guyana through the Guyana Energy Agency (GEA) is providing power to communities across Guyana that needs it most.
The GEA had previously said that with each solar panel installed, Guyana is proving that renewable energy is transforming lives.
The community of Plegt Anker, a rural community on the East Bank of the Berbice River, Region Six, benefitted from the installation of a 10.4 kWp solar PV system in 2023, by the Government of Guyana through the GEA, enabling improved service delivery and enhanced healthcare for residents of the community.
Such upgrades in communities like Plegt Anker mean more than access to electricity. It also means empowerment, and a lifeline that strengthens communities, fuels opportunity and lights the way to a sustainable, low-carbon future.
A Nursery Level Two trainee teacher at the Cyril Potter College of Education (CPCE) that is attached to the Plegt Anker Nursery School, Shauntay Bacchus had said that with the solar PV system in place, they are reaping several benefits at the school. This includes the ability to charge their phones and laptops, and allows pupils in higher levels, and their parents to go online and conduct research for their various assignments or homework.
At the Nursery School, there are fans, air conditioning units, and laptops that allow students and teachers to be comfortable in their environment.
“I am really grateful for having the solar at Plegt Anker school; it’s really helpful for us and the kids,” Bacchus said.
A part-time government worker at the Plegt Anker Health Centre, Prenwatie Bachu shared that they are all thankful for the additional service in the community. She noted that, previously, it was not possible for them to properly store the medication and vaccines at the Health Centre.
She explained, “Without this here, we have to go to New Amsterdam, which is very hard by transportation, so we have to be thankful for everything done here so we don’t have to go nowhere. We have the solar, we have the fridge, we have the storage of the medication, everything, we thankful for it.”
Continuing, Bachu said the internet service benefits lots of persons within the community, especially school-age children.
Adding to this, Loyda Bethune, a Nursing Assistant at the Plegt Anker Health Centre said that without the solar system, electricity would not be what it is today. With this system in place, not only can they properly store medication and vaccines, but lighting around the building has also improved and medical equipment can be secured.
