The use of solar energy is surging worldwide as individuals embrace its potential as a sustainable and renewable power source. At the forefront of this movement is the integration of rooftop solar energy. Unlike traditional centralised power plants, this innovative approach taps into solar power from an array of small-scale systems, often perched on rooftops or nestled within our communities.

What’s the change?

This shift towards rooftop solar marks a profound change in how we envision and utilise sustainable power sources in the Cayman Islands. It’s a departure from the conventional model, offering a decentralised and community-driven approach to energy generation. This transformation is reshaping the way we power homes, schools and businesses, making it more accessible, efficient and eco-friendly.

What are the benefits?

The benefits of rooftop solar integration are numerous, including sustainability, energy independence, reduced dependency on fossil fuels and cost savings. At CUC we understand why it is so important to properly manage our power grid to ensure that this new capacity is easily managed and added to the grid bit by bit. By doing this, we are able to facilitate additional capacity onto the grid without compromising our reliability and ensuring that there is less disruption to your service.

What does CUC offer?

CUC has made strides in integrating rooftop solar energy, aligning with the recommendations from our Integrated Resource Plan (IRP). Through programmes like the Consumer Owned Renewable Energy (CORE) and Distributed Energy Resources (DER) programmes, we are putting the power in your hands.

The CORE programme allows you to connect your renewable energy generation to CUC’s grid, earning credits for the power you produce. With the DER programme, you can self-consume electricity generated by your own renewable energy system, avoiding equivalent consumption-related charges from the grid through net-metering. If you generate more electricity than you use, you can sell it back to the grid at a special credit rate. Currently, 29 megawatts (MW) is allocated to these programmes and we expect more allocations to come next year.

CUC issued an additional 6 MW of capacity for CORE and DER programmes on July 5, 2023 and this tranche remains open and applications can be found on CUC’s website.

Why is CUC doing this?

We believe that the integration of rooftop solar resources has the power to revolutionise how we produce and use electricity. It offers significant advantages for the economy, society, and the environment. Achieving a seamless transition to a more sustainable energy future depends on addressing issues related to grid integration, regulation and financing. Together, we can unlock the full potential of rooftop solar resources, moving closer to a cleaner, more reliable energy landscape by embracing cutting-edge technologies, regulations, and community-based solutions.

Know that CUC is dedicated to finding solutions that ensure a greener grid and pave the way for a better future for you, our valued customers and the people of the Cayman Islands.

in 2019, The Utility Regulation and Competition Office announced that for large scale solar to be offered on Grand Cayman, there would be a competitive bid process for utility scale solar. CUC anxiously awaits the bid process with OfReg. This bid process will allow CUC to openly provide details on the plans that the Company has for renewable energy and demonstrate to the public its commitment to finding affordable, reliable and environmentally friendly energy for the people of Grand Cayman.

To learn more, click on the “Integrated Resource Plan (IRP)” page under the “Renewables” tab on our website at www.cuc-cayman.com.