The Willowdene Group of School (WGS) is Jamaica's first fully solar energy-efficient Seventh-day Adventist school. The 11.5M Jamaican dollar solar energy solution gift was officially handed over to the school from the WGS Alumni Association on Friday, February 2, 2024.
Mr. Donmayne Gyles, President of the Willowdene Group of Schools (WGS) Almuni Association speaking at the Handing Over Ceremony of solar energy solution to WGS on Friday, February 2, 2024. :: Photo credit:
“We are excited to provide a sustainable energy solution that will contribute to Willowdene's growth and benefit both current and future students," said Donmayne Gyles, WGS Alumni Association President. “The partnership between the WGS Alumni Association and the Central Jamaica Conference of Seventh-day Adventists exemplifies the spirit of collaboration, vision, and innovation.”
Mr Donmayne Gyles, President of the Willowdene Group of School Alumni Association, is pinned with an Honours Pin by WGS Head boy Steven Menzie at the Handing Over Ceremony of the solar system to the school on Friday, February 4, 2024. :: Photo credit:
Mr Gyles also thanked Mr Cecil Foster, Managing Director of FosRich Group of Companies, and his team for partnering with them in this venture. “Without FosRich, this project would not be the success it has turned out to be.”
The WGS Alumni President explained that implementing a solar system will bring numerous benefits to the community. As it embraces sustainability by harnessing clean and renewable energy sources, reducing the school's carbon footprint, and promoting environmental consciousness among students and staff.
“Furthermore,” said Gyles, “the solar system will ensure a reliable power supply, allowing for an improved teaching and learning experience.”
The Solar PV Installation boasts of a grid-tie system comprising a total generating capacity of 64.36 kilowatts of DC power and a total inverter capacity of 55 kilowatts, which is expected to yield multiple benefits for the school, explained Jodie Ann Graham, Sales Manager at FosRich.
Jodie Ann Graham, Sales Manager at FosRich, explained the solar energy system handed over to the Willowdene Group of Schools by its Alumni Association on Friday, February 2, 2024. :: Photo credit:
Additionally, “the average consumption for the Willowdene Group of Schools was approximately 6073kWh; with the solar PV system installed, the units will cover 75-85% of the full load."
Graham expressed that the system has a Return on Investment (ROI) of 3 years and a warranty package on the panels of 12 years; the inverter is for five years, and other equipment is for two to three years.
Best of all, a grateful Principal Peter Williams said the cost savings will significantly benefit the WGS's approximately 700 student population plus staff.
The WGS Principal, Mr. Peter Williams, thanks the WGS Alumni Association for the tangible solar energy solution gift during the Handing Over Ceremony on Friday, February 2, 2024. :: Photo credit:
“Our electricity bill alone for the past few months has climbed to over 800,000.00 Jamaican dollars monthly. Therefore, the cost savings generated by the transition to solar energy will free up resources that can be allocated to other areas, enhancing the overall educational experience for students,” explained Mr. Williams.
Jodie Ann Graham also divulged that the solar system is grid-tied and synchronizes with the JPS (Jamaica Public Service) grid. This type of system allows for an automatic supply changeover to JPS, which acts as a backup supply when there is a low solar supply (overcast day) than the school's energy demand. Also, during the holiday seasons, when school is closed, the excess production from the solar system can be sold to JPS under a standard offer contract net billing system arrangement between the Willowdene Group of Schools and JPS.
Mr. Donmyne Gyles (centre), president of the WGS Alumni Association, symbolically hands over the solar energy solution poster to Mr. Peter Williams (standing right), Principal of Willowdene Group of Schools during the Handing Over Ceremony held on Friday, February 2, 2024, on the school grounds. The two men are flanked by, from L-R: Jodie Ann Graham, Sales Manager at FosRich; Heather Hyatt- Gayle, Staff Representative, WGS Alumni Association; Andita Gordon, Treasurer WGS Alumni Association; (back row are), Stefan Holness, Solar Commercial Lead, FosRich and Morris Taylor, Vice- President of the WGS. R-L are: Roxwel Lawrence, CJC Treasurer; Pastor Howard Grant-Langley, CJC Executive Secretary; Pastor Everett Brown, President, JAMU and Pastor Nevail Barett, CJC President :: Photo credit:
Adding his praise for the solar energy efficient gift, Chairman of the School Board, Pastor Nevail Barrett, said, “This gesture not only exemplifies WGS Alumni enduring commitment to the school but also empowers us to embrace environmentally responsible practices that align with our educational mission."
Pastor Everett Brown, President of Jamaica Union Conference, gave the main address during the Handing Over Ceremony of the solar energy solution to the Willowdene Group of School (WGS) from its Alumni Association. The programme was held in the school hall on Friday, February 2, 2024. :: Photo credit:
“Therefore, by spearheading this initiative,” said Pastor Everett Brown, President of Jamaica Union Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, in his main address, “Willowdene Alumni Association has not only demonstrated its altruism but has also set an inspiring example for others to follow…This gift is a testament to the power of collective action in investing in education, and I pledge my continued commitment and support from the Jamaica Union Conference.”
Jaden Lewis, President of the United Student Association at the Willowdene Group of Schools, says thanks to the WGS Alumni Association for the tangible gift during the Handing Over Ceremony on Friday, February 2, 2024. :: Photo credit:
Inspired by the gift, grade 11 student Jaden Lewis, President of Willowdene High School United Students Association, expressed her deepest thanks on behalf of the student body.
“In the face of global challenges, it is reassuring to witness our alumni taking proactive steps to impact our school and the environment positively. The installation of the solar panels provides us with a sustainable energy source and sets a powerful example for us all,” said Lewis.
The Willowdene Group of Schools is owned and operated by the Central Jamaica Conference of Seventh-day Adventists and has been accredited by the Ministry of Education in Jamaica and the accrediting body of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. Today, the Institution stands proud as a group of schools with three divisions: the Early Childhood Division, the Preparatory School, and a High School.
Arial view of the installed solar panels atop the Willowdene Group of Schools roof located at 58 Brunswick Avenue, Spanish Town, Saint Catherine. (876) 527-4459 wgs@wgs.edu :: Photo credit:
The Willowdene Group of Schools (WGS) Alumni Association poses with the poster board representing the installed Solar Energy Solution donated to their alma mater after the Handing Over Ceremony on the school grounds on Friday, February 2, 2024. :: Photo credit: