The Department of Environment has approximately 150 to 200 solar panels available for distribution across Antigua and Barbuda, Prime Minister Gaston Browne has said.

Browne made the disclosure Saturday on the Browne and Browne Show on Pointe FM while responding to a question about assistance for households facing high electricity bills.

“I know they have a few solar panels that they give out. It’s not a lot,” Browne said.

The prime minister initially estimated that about 150 panels were available. He said he had received nine or 10 for distribution within his constituency and believed other constituencies may have received similar allocations.

Based on those figures, Browne suggested that the total number could be closer to 200.

He acknowledged that the quantity was limited and did not provide details about eligibility requirements, the application process or when distribution would begin.

Browne was also questioned about a related plan to provide energy-efficient air-conditioning units.

He said a new director was now in place at the Department of Environment but acknowledged that he did not know what had happened to the original air-conditioning initiative.

The prime minister said he suspected there may have been difficulties with the programme but stressed that he could not speak definitively without obtaining further information.

Browne promised to investigate the matter and provide an update to the public.

This article was originally published by Antigua News Room. Read the original article here: Up to 200 Solar Panels Available for Distribution, Browne Says.