Rooftop Solar Surge In Puerto Rico: Resilience Amidst Grid Challenges, Says Report

In Puerto Rico, the push towards renewable energy gains momentum as residents and businesses increasingly turn to rooftop solar and storage solutions to combat an unreliable power grid. A recent report from the Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis (IEEFA) underscores this trend, highlighting the resilience benefits of decentralized energy generation in a system plagued by frequent blackouts.

“Nearly seven years after Hurricane Maria, Puerto Rico’s grid remains antiquated and unreliable,” stated Tom Sanzillo, IEEFA’s director of financial analysis and author of the report. “The widespread adoption of rooftop solar with battery backup reflects residents’ distrust in traditional grid management.”

Currently, renewable energy constitutes 9% of Puerto Rico’s energy mix, a significant increase from pre-Hurricane Maria levels of 2% to 3%. This growth is predominantly driven by individual initiatives rather than systemic changes supported by subsidies.

Despite broad stakeholder consensus on the necessity of transitioning to renewable energy, challenges persist. The Puerto Rico Energy Bureau’s approved long-term plan advocates for substantial expansion of solar and energy storage, emphasizing concerns over energy affordability and reliability.

However, conflicts of interest threaten this transition. New Fortress Energy’s subsidiary, Genera PR, holds a contract to operate most of Puerto Rico’s power plants and advocates for natural gas expansion, contrary to Puerto Rico’s goal of achieving 100% renewable energy.

The Puerto Rico Legislature has been proactive in supporting renewable energy expansion through legislation such as Act 17-2019, yet faces opposition. The Joint Solar Access Foundation (JSAF) has contested laws extending net metering, crucial for solar adoption, complicating Puerto Rico’s renewable energy trajectory.

Critics argue that canceling Genera PR’s contract would signal a stronger commitment to Puerto Rico’s renewable energy goals. As the island navigates these challenges, the debate over its energy future remains pivotal to its economic and environmental sustainability.