Puerto Rico Community Foundation completes solar project in Culebra
The Puerto Rico Community Foundation has completed the installation phase of its Empowering Culebra Economic Ecosystem project, delivering solar energy with battery storage to 20 essential service businesses in the island-municipality of Culebra.
The $2.5 million initiative was funded through the U.S. Economic Development Administration and private donors.
“This resilient energy project is a pivotal model in Puerto Rico and the Caribbean region,” said Nelson Colón-Tarrats, president of the foundation, during a closing ceremony at Flamenco Beach. He emphasized the goal of achieving a “solarized Culebra” and long-term energy self-sufficiency.
The installed systems provide a combined capacity of 283.5 kilowatts and are expected to generate about 480 megawatt-hours annually — an estimated $135,000 in savings for participating businesses. The project was developed in response to the energy vulnerabilities exposed by Hurricane Maria and faced obstacles, including the lack of formal property titles for some business locations.
“It was a project developed with great effort, dedication and close collaboration with the federal government,” said Ramón Luis Nieves, who served as the project’s legal adviser. He called for continued support of renewable energy amid opposition from some sectors.
The businesses benefiting from the new solar infrastructure include restaurants, inns, gas stations and retail shops in the Flamenco Beach area.
The project now moves into its second phase, during which the businesses will begin paying for their energy consumption. The Foundation plans to launch a local microenterprise in August to manage and maintain the system.
