As the holiday season approaches Bermuda begins to glow, not just with lights and decorations, but with generosity and community spirit. It’s the time of year when we reflect on what truly matters and how we can give back to the island we call home.

At BE Solar, we believe one of the most meaningful gifts we can give is lasting impact. Since 2010, we’ve proudly supported Bermuda’s charities in their missions to uplift, educate and care for our people, not through short-term gestures, but by helping them save money and operate sustainably for years to come.

Our commitment extends well beyond installations. We’ve helped organisations secure funding, offered flexible payment plans and contributed more than $200,000 of in-kind support. To date, BE Solar has completed over 20 charitable solar projects across Bermuda, each one designed to help local non-profit to reduce costs, lower carbon emissions and reinvest those savings back into the community.

These partnerships have touched nearly every corner of island life, from health and education to sports, culture and environmental protection. We’ve been privileged to deliver projects for the National Museum of Bermuda, Family Centre, Pals Cancer Care, WindReach, Bermuda College Foundation, the Bermuda Red Cross, The Reading Clinic, Focus Counselling and many more.

Behind every project is a story of tangible change.

• At WindReach, their solar system has offset more than 57 tonnes of CO₂ since 2021 and saves over $10,000 every year, money that now supports programmes improving the lives of people with special needs

• Pals Cancer Care is projected to save $175,000 over 30 years, allowing more resources to go directly towards patient support

• Since 2024, The Reading Clinic has realised over $6,500 in savings, cutting utility costs by more than half, the equivalent of covering a full year’s tuition for a child in its Core Reading Programme

• At Family Centre, energy costs have dropped by approximately 45 per cent, even as electricity rates have risen, freeing more funds for critical mental health and outreach programmes for children and families

These are just a few examples of how clean energy creates a ripple effect and helps charities do more of what they do best.

As Pals executive director Colleen English DeGrilla put it: “This investment has proven to be worthwhile, allowing us to redirect valuable funds towards supporting cancer patients across the island.”

This kind of impact doesn’t happen alone. Many of these initiatives have been made possible through the generosity of local and international corporate partners such as Aeolus Capital Management, Oakley Capital Investments and the QBE Foundation. Their commitment to clean energy philanthropy has proven that when businesses align purpose with progress, the results are powerful and enduring.

This holiday season, as we navigate a world of overconsumption and imported goods, perhaps it’s time to look closer to home. Every dollar spent locally strengthens Bermuda’s economy, supports Bermudian jobs, and keeps our collective resources circulating right here where they’re needed most.

By supporting local businesses, charities and clean energy initiatives, we can all play a part in building a Bermuda that’s not only brighter during the holidays, but more resilient all year round.

At BE Solar, our purpose is simple: to empower a sustainable Bermuda. We believe that by working together, businesses, non-profits and individuals alike, we can make generosity renewable.

As our chief executive, Robbie Godfrey, said: “By helping charities save on energy, we’re giving them more resources to focus on their missions, whether that’s caring for patients, educating young people, or preserving Bermuda’s heritage. That’s the kind of ripple effect that makes our work so meaningful.”

This season, let’s give gifts that last. Support local. Support clean energy. And help power the change we all want to see in Bermuda.

• Jo Frith is the chief sales officer at BE Solar