Lawmaker pushes solar energy for NMI needs

A possible partnership with a Texas-based solar company won’t cost the CNMI a single penny, that’s why local officials are looking into bringing the program to the Commonwealth.

Solar Host San Antonio provides homeowners or businesses with equipment to become a private solar host with free installation and maintenance. The solar power collected would then go to utility company CPS Energy with the homeowner or business establishment earning credits from their billing.

Rep. Francisco Dela Cruz (R-Saipan) joined Gov. Ralph DLG Torres in the San Antonio trip last month where they checked the solar power-generating facility and learned more about the program.

“This is a program where a private company would set up solar panels on the rooftop of residential and commercial establishments. In return the energy generated by the panels will go directly to the utilities power grid,” Dela Cruz said.

He said the program is a perfect fit for the CNMI since it would not take up a huge area of land, which the islands lack instead, solar panels will be installed on the rooftop of houses and other establishments.

“The creative thing about the project is that most houses in the CNMI have concrete rooftops and we’re blessed with [sunlight] the whole year-round. So, this is a program that we could explore and maybe someday see in the CNMI,” said Dela Cruz.

“It is very feasible in the CNMI since the government and even the residents would not be spending a single penny. It will be the private company that will be funding the project, but this would still go to a bidding process because there are procurement regulations that have to meet certain standards.”

Solar as an alternative source of energy would lessen the CNMI’s dependency on diesel-fueled generators.

Dela Cruz said it would be up to CUC to look into the program. “CUC could do a study on the viability of the program in the CNMI. They could look into its benefits, one of which is creating jobs since the company would need people to install the panels.”

“We’re talking about alternative energy. What better way to lessen the carbon footprint than to no longer be dependent on diesel generating power sources?”

Torres said he and Dela Cruz’s meeting with the representatives of the San Antonio solar industry were fruitful. “I discussed with them my support for renewable energy technologies for the CNMI. After the various meetings, I am encouraged with the information shared with me on the implementation of a solar host program, which was successful in helping that city to increase energy production and lower costs to its residents.”

“It remains a goal to find viable solutions to increase the affordability of utilities for our residents and to do so with an energy mixture that maximizes the efficiency for our islands,” added Torres.