My name is Jeff Smith, -Solar Jeff- they call me.

I have been a promoter of alternative energy systems, particularly solar systems, for twenty-five years.

I started my career, here on St. John, with Solergy, Inc. in 1984 and took my passion, knowledge and experience around the world.

I have designed and installed solar energy systems in California, Hawaii, Florida, Guam and the Mariana Islands, as well as the Caribbean.

At present, the Virgin Islands are weathering a -perfect storm- of energy woes.

The public utility, WAPA (Water and Power Authority) produces all the electricity for our three islands, using out-dated diesel-fired generators.

You are well aware of the rising costs of fuel oil.

Additionally, WAPA is saddled with a huge debt load, which they pass on to their customers through the LEAC fee on the electric bill, which is intended to cover fluctuations in fuel costs.

Add to this terrible trio an ever-increasing demand and you get a pretty good picture of WAPA state of affairs.

We pay the highest utility rate under a U.S. flag.

What can you do about this?

Alternative sources of energy are available, such as solar, wind, bio-fuels and geo-thermal.

Presently, only solar power offers an achievable goal within an attractive payback period. In fact, I intend to show you how solar powers return on investment trumps anything on Wall Street.

All the parts of a house or building require a capital outlay. Solar thermal and power systems are unique in that they pay for themselves in the form of savings.

Properly maintained, they pay-back many times over.