ST. CROIX, U.S. Virgin Islands (July 9, 2025) — The Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority (“WAPA” or “the Authority”) hosted a tour of the Hogensborg Solar Farm—St. Croix’s largest solar facility—on July
8, 2025, welcoming more than 25 students from the Caribbean Center for Boys and Girls of the Virgin Islands (CCBGVI) summer camp for an immersive, engaging introduction to renewable energy.
Shanell Petersen, WAPA Communications Director, speaks with campers about the power of the sun and how it’s harnessed to generate clean energy using the solar panels visible on-site at the Hogensborg Solar Farm. Photo by Nicole Davis, Deputy Director of Communications, WAPA.
Campers, ranging in age from 5 to 12, learned how the sun’s energy is harnessed through 48,210 panels to generate electricity for homes and businesses on St. Croix. They also discovered what happens when the sun isn’t shining — exploring
how Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) helps store and supply power during low sunlight or at night. The tour introduced CCBGVI campers to the growing importance of renewable energy in the territory, careers in the Science Technology, Engineering
and Mathematics (STEM) fields, and highlighted why solar power is a more sustainable and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional fuel-based generation.
As part of the hands-on STEM experience, students built their own personal solar ovens using pizza boxes, with support from several WAPA engineers and engineering interns. The activity reinforced key concepts of solar energy and heat transfer, showing
how sunlight can be harnessed not just to power homes — but even to cook food — sparking curiosity and a deeper understanding of renewable energy in action.
“Our goal is to introduce our campers to renewable energy and sustainability practices, while helping them understand the importance of innovation in meeting our territory’s energy needs,” said Takesia Martinez-Ortiz, Teacher, CCBGVI.
The Authority was pleased to lead the tour, provide educational insights, and foster curiosity about the role of renewable technologies in shaping the territory’s energy future. The students departed with a renewed sense of excitement and inspiration
about the possibilities of clean energy and exciting careers at WAPA.
This solar farm tour is part of WAPA’s ongoing community engagement efforts to promote energy education, career exploration and sustainability awareness among the territory’s youth.
The Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority Communication’s department is committed to reaching, informing, and connecting with the youngest members of the community to the eldest, through meaningful, transparent and effective communication.
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