US$8.14M Charity solar farm brings reliable electricity to 3,500 households

The solar farm at Charity that was commissioned today

More than 3,500 households on the Essequibo Coast are set to benefit from more reliable electricity following the commissioning of the US$8.14 million, 3 MWp Charity Solar Farm at Onderneeming, Region Two.
The facility, officially opened by Prime Minister Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips, forms part of the government’s strategy to strengthen energy security and reduce electricity generation costs. The farm is expected to supply consistent power to homes, businesses, schools, health facilities and other public services across the region.

Speaking at the commissioning, Phillips said the project would increase the share of solar energy in Region Two, providing residents with a dependable electricity source as the area develops. He noted that improved access to electricity is critical for economic growth, job creation and quality of life, especially in rural and remote communities, and highlighted these as some of the project’s immediate benefits.

The Charity Solar Farm is supported by battery energy storage, enabling power supply during periods of low sunlight or peak demand. Combined with the Onderneeming Solar Farm, commissioned in 2025, the region now has 8 MWp of solar capacity and 12 MWh of battery storage. This is expected to generate more than 12,300 MWh annually, meeting over 20 per cent of Region Two’s projected energy needs in 2026.
Minister of Public Utilities and Aviation Deodat Indar said the project benefits approximately 3,500 households and creates new opportunities for businesses and institutions. “Reliable power supports small enterprises, enhances service delivery and reduces the burden of high fuel costs,” he said.

Guyana Power and Light Inc. (GPL) Chief Executive Officer Kesh Nandlall said the Charity Solar Farm is part of the Guyana Utility-Scale Solar Photovoltaic Programme (GUYSOL), which aims to deliver clean, affordable energy nationwide. He noted that the facility is expected to generate 4,600 MWh annually, cut fossil fuel costs by approximately $267 million, and reduce nearly 3,500 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions each year.
Nandlall added that GUYSOL also provides local employment, training and skills development, with women and young professionals from Region Two participating in installation and technical roles.

Ivan Gaviria, Chief of Operations at the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), which helped administer the project’s financing, described the initiative as a direct investment in local communities that will lower energy costs and improve living standards.
The solar farm will support households, schools, health centres and other essential services, while also fostering opportunities for agro-processing, tourism and small business development. It occupies 10.8 acres and includes 4,928 solar modules, eight inverters and a battery storage system to ensure grid stability. The project was built by SUMEC Complete Equipment and Engineering Company Limited and XJ Group Corporation, and financed through a Guyana–Norway partnership administered by the IDB.