The Editor, Sir:

Jamaica receives an average of 177 MJ/M2/yr (milli-joule per square metre) of direct solar radiation. This is enough to supply five to 10 times our annual requirements. The major methods of harnessing this energy that are currently being practised in Jamaica are: conversion to electricity through the use of photovoltaic cells, solar water heating and solar crop drying (which our new Agriculture Minister in his 21st century thrust needs to revisit).

Photovoltaic (PV) power has been installed in Jamaica by companies and private individuals. Solar-powered street lamps have also been installed by the state, at least one in each parish.

Why is it then that for years now the National Housing Trust, ignorantly, only permits funding for solar water heaters and not PV power panels in home improvement loans qualification?

Perhaps the new board led by Mr. Howard Mitchell could seriously look in to this matter and address this important issue of energy-saving funding.

I am, etc.,

Dr. CHARLES

DEMONTAQUE, Ph.D.

Stafford University

c/o 101 Weybrige Road

Addlestone Road, Surrey

United Kingdom

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