The University of the Virgin Islands Research and Technology Park (UVI RTPark) and The University of the Virgin Islands (UVI) celebrated a major milestone on May 5, 2025, breaking ground on the UVI RTPark Solar Farm and Teaching Array — a SPARK Project.
Hosted at UVI RTPark’s 64 West Center headquarters on the University’s Albert A. Sheen Campus, the ceremony marked the launch of an ambitious and collaborative effort to strengthen energy resilience, build a future-ready workforce, and promote sustainable economic growth across the U.S. Virgin Islands. The solar farm is a flagship project under the S.P.A.R.K. Initiative (Strategic Projects for Advanced Resilience and Knowledge) — a broader effort aimed at preparing Virgin Islanders for careers of the future by integrating clean energy infrastructure with education and workforce development.
The solar farm replaces a previous rooftop array that was damaged during Hurricanes Irma and Maria in 2017. Funded through a FEMA 406 Hazard Mitigation Grant (Disaster #4340DR | Damage #311893) and supported by the Office of Disaster Recovery, the new ground-mounted system is designed to reduce reliance on fossil fuels while also minimizing risk from future storms. The project directly aligns with UVI’s broader Energy Management Strategy, which targets a 60% reduction in fossil fuel use across the institution. Estimated completion for the solar farm is August 2026.
As part of this transformative project, UVI RTPark is spearheading the development of a one-acre, 423kW, state-of-the-art, ground-mounted, WAPA-interactive solar farm on the west side of the 64 West Center—a shared facility that houses both the UVI RTPark headquarters and the laboratories for UVI’s College of Science and Mathematics. This collaborative space reflects the powerful intersection of innovation, research, and education. The new solar installation is designed to serve as a regional model—demonstrating not only the practical and profitable potential of solar energy, but also the territory’s capacity to lead in sustainable development and climate resilience.
“This project demonstrates how strategic partnerships between the RTPark and UVI can drive meaningful change by integrating renewable energy solutions with workforce development,” said Eric Sonnier, Executive Director of the UVI RTPark. “We are not only reducing our carbon footprint but also creating hands-on learning opportunities that will equip UVI students with the skills needed to thrive in the green economy. Ultimately, it is about empowering the next generation of innovators and ensuring a resilient future for the Virgin Islands.”
As part of the project’s educational component, and in partnership with UVI’s Caribbean
Green Technology Center (CGTC), local contractor VOLT Energy, LLC will also construct
a 2kW modular teaching array for student use. The full installation process will be
integrated into the curriculum of UVI’s new Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree in Renewable Energy Technology (RET) creating a dynamic “living lab” experience where students can gain in-demand technical
skills in system monitoring, installation, and clean energy innovation.
“The solar farm will serve as a critical hands-on lab for our students in the Renewable
Energy Technology program,” said Dr. Gregory Guannel, Director of the CGTC. “This
kind of immersive learning is essential—not only to prepare students for careers in
the green energy sector, but to ensure that the territory has the skilled professionals
needed to build a more sustainable and resilient future.”
“At UVI, student success is at the heart of our mission, and projects like the UVI RTPark Solar Farm are integral to our GRAND Momentum strategic vision,” added Dr. Safiya George, President of the University of the Virgin Islands. “By investing in innovative STEM-based learning opportunities, we are preparing our students to lead in industries that are vital to our region’s resilience and sustainability. We are proud to collaborate with the Research and Technology Park in creating a talent pipeline that will power the future of the Virgin Islands and beyond.”
The UVI RTPark Solar Farm and Teaching Array is one of three core components of the SPARK Initiative:
This milestone marks just the beginning of a bold vision for collaborative development. As the UVI RTPark and UVI continue to align academic innovation with infrastructure investment, the territory moves one step closer to becoming a regional leader in sustainability, workforce readiness, and economic resilience.
Project Partners:
Contractor: VOLT Energy, LLC
Funding Source: FEMA 406 Hazard Mitigation Grant, supported by the Office of Disaster Recovery
About the UVI RTPark
The University of the Virgin Islands Research and Technology Park (UVI RTPark) is a specialized economic development organization committed to attracting
and supporting technology and knowledge-based businesses in the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Through incentive programs, strategic partnerships, and workforce initiatives, RTPark
strengthens the region’s innovation economy and creates sustainable community impact.
About the University of the Virgin Islands
The University of the Virgin Islands (UVI) is a public, historically Black university (HBCU) that has served the U.S. Virgin
Islands and the Caribbean since 1962. With campuses on St. Croix and St. Thomas, UVI
offers high-quality academic programs and cutting-edge research opportunities while
remaining deeply committed to student success, innovation, and community engagement.
UVI is advancing a bold strategic vision to become a premier destination university
focused on sustainability, data science, public health, and economic development.
About the Caribbean Green Technology Center
The Caribbean Green Technology Center (CGTC) at UVI is a hub for research, education, and community engagement focused on advancing
sustainable technologies and climate resilience in the U.S. Virgin Islands and the
wider Caribbean. CGTC provides technical expertise, conducts applied research, and
supports initiatives that promote renewable energy, natural resource conservation,
and green workforce development.
For media inquiries, contact:
Sydney Paul
Director of Marketing
UVI Research and Technology Park
Email: sydney.paul@uvirtpark.net
Phone: (340) 474-0922
University of the Virgin Islands
Email: pr@uvi.edu
