The Jamaica Renewable Energy Association (JREA) acknowledges the recent letter from the Ministry of Science, Energy, Telecommunications & Transport (MSETT) dated March 25 and the subsequent article in the Jamaica Gleaner the following day.

The JREA said that “unfortunately”, rather than clarifying matters, MSETT’s release has amplified confusion among homeowners eager to access the Residential Solar Photovoltaic Systems Tax Credit.

“The core issue remains the unnecessary requirement that homeowners obtain a net billing license to qualify for a tax credit—even if they have no intention of selling energy back to the Jamaica Public Service Company (JPS). The JREA categorically rejects MSETT’s interpretation of the Electricity Act (2015) and sees this requirement as illogical, burdensome, and unjust,” JREA said.

Key Questions MSETT Must Urgently Answer:

• Can homeowners who already filed taxes by March 18, 2025, amend their returns to claim the solar tax credit?
• Is there a streamlined process or special form for amendments before April 1, 2025?
• Why restrict the retroactive application of tax credits, penalizing early adopters of solar energy? Stand with Consumers, Not the Monopoly: Mandating net billing licenses for those who don’t export power unfairly penalizes homeowners already burdened by JPS’s monopoly. This requirement increases solar system costs unnecessarily, limiting adoption and contradicting Jamaica’s renewable energy goals. Consumer Choice Must Prevail: Homeowners deserve the freedom to manage their own energy production without licenses from the government. Most residential solar system owners have no desire to sell excess energy to JPS due to cumbersome procedures, high fees, and poor compensation. The choice to join net billing should remain voluntary—not enforced through bureaucratic requirements designed to appease the JPS.

No Consultation, No Collaboration: MSETT continues to ignore repeated attempts by the JREA to collaboratively address net billing barriers, instead choosing to unilaterally implement policies favouring JPS’ interests over consumer freedom and transparency.

Clear Action Needed Now:

• Immediately remove the net billing license requirement for solar tax credit eligibility. The requirement for the system to be inspected and certified by a licensed electrical inspector will ensure that the solar power systems are installed to code and are safe.
• Open transparent dialogue with JREA and stakeholders to truly advance Jamaica’s renewable energy vision with a focus on distributed generation systems urges immediate corrective action from MSETT. Jamaicans have had only one single energy provider from which they could legally buy their energy for over 100 years. The time has come when technology and costs have allowed them to invest in their own energy independence using battery-based renewable energy systems. The MSETT should not penalise them for exercising this choice.