The Ministry of Industry and Commerce says it will invest RD$200 million this year in the installation of solar panels to reduce the dependency on petroleum imports. According to a report in Diario Libre, the department has already installed solar panel electrification systems in 41 military posts along the border and 29 computer labs in public schools. There are plans to open another 49 solar-powered computer labs this month and promises from the department to bring solar energy to 100 rural communities. The ministry says it will inaugurate solar installations to run potable water facilities in other rural communities. The solar program is being financed through a 2-percent tax on the sale of petroleum products.
