SANTO DOMINGO.– With the aim of offering advice and legal representation to solar panel users in cases of disputes and regulatory challenges, the creation of the Association of Solar Panel Users of the Dominican Republic (ADUPAS) was announced.
“Until now there was no institution that defended the interests of users; it was always the solar energy companies that did it, and that wasn't fair,” said its president, Juan Carlos González, at the launch event held yesterday, Wednesday, at the Intercontinental Hotel in Santo Domingo.
A press release highlights that ADUPAS' mission is to protect and promote the rights of solar panel users through legal advocacy, education, and community support, ensuring equitable access to renewable and sustainable energy.
Furthermore, to promote the widespread installation of solar panels in the country, with the aim of helping to diversify the energy matrix, save foreign exchange, promote the democratization of energy, continue the energy transition and be able to reach 2030 with more than 30% of generation produced by renewable energy in the Dominican Republic.
This association has the vision—the press document highlights—of being the leading voice and defender of the rights of solar panel users, fostering a future in which solar energy is accessible, fair and beneficial for all citizens and the environment.
Education and awareness are a determining factor in ADUPAS, as they have on their agenda the development of educational programs and awareness campaigns to inform the public about the benefits and rights associated with solar energy, the information adds.
“We aspire to create equitable access, ensuring that all communities, especially low-income ones, have access to solar energy technologies,” González said.
He added that one of ADUPAS's primary objectives is to strengthen collaborative ties with legislators, organizations, and regulators with initiatives to promote policies and laws that favor the use and protection of solar energy, as well as the creation of a support network among solar panel users to share experiences, knowledge, and resources.
Through the Association, practices will be promoted that not only protect the rights of solar panel users, but also contribute to environmental sustainability and the fight against climate change.
In recent years, renewable energy has been gaining momentum due to the effects of climate change and is presented as an alternative to ensure a nation's productive, commercial and personal activities, as well as to reduce dependence on and import of fossil fuels.
The ADUPAS board is made up of its president Juan Carlos González, vice president Antonio José Giráldez, secretary David Henríquez, treasurer Carlos Martínez, and the members Francisco Javier Caro, Manuel Mota, Noel Giraldi, Pierre Nahas, Miguel Logroño, Jackelin Serulle, Maria Isabel Serulle, Omar Chahin, José Ramón de la Altagracia Martínez, Ernesto de la Cruz and Federico Pagés.
In addition, ADUPAS has more than a dozen advisors with extensive experience in regulation and photovoltaic technology.
