Lloyd Carney, a Wolmerian engineer and technology entrepreneur based in Silicon Valley, has spearheaded a groundbreaking solar energy project across all three Wolmer’s School campuses.
The initiative, in collaboration with Wolmer’s Trust, has been successfully commissioned at a total cost of US$445,000, with Carney making a generous personal donation of US$323,000 to fund the project.
The newly installed solar system is expected to generate electricity savings of approximately J$16,000,000 annually. The savings will be reinvested into the school’s development, with Carney’s stated goal of transforming Wolmer’s into one of the premier science and technology institutions in the world. These funds will be used to enhance Wi-Fi and internet access, upgrade science labs, and introduce advanced teaching methods to further elevate the educational experience for students.
The system consists of 654 solar panels installed on the rooftops of the Boys, Girls, and Prep Schools. The panels are expected to significantly reduce the school’s electricity dependency on the Jamaica Public Service (JPS). Additionally, the excess solar energy generated will be sold back to JPS, creating an additional source of income for the institution.
In a further move to reduce energy costs, the project also involved the installation of 607 energy-efficient LED lights and 60 variable-speed air conditioning units, replacing older, less efficient systems across the campuses.
The Wolmer’s community extends its heartfelt gratitude to Lloyd Carney for his visionary investment in the future of the school’s 3,400 students. His generous contribution serves as an outstanding example of how Wolmerians and friends of the institution can make a lasting impact on the school’s development.