MONROVIA, Liberia — The Liberia Electricity Regulatory Commission (LERC) has issued the country’s first Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Installer License, a move officials say marks a major step toward strengthening safety, professionalism, and quality in the nation’s fast-growing solar energy sector.
At a ceremony held on November 14 at LERC headquarters, Board Chairman Claude J. Katta described the initiative as a strategic intervention to safeguard consumers and professionalize the solar installation industry.
“As demand for solar PV systems accelerates, so does the need for a standardized, high-quality installation workforce,” Katta said. “This licensing program shifts us from a reactive model to a proactive one—establishing a standard of excellence from the start.”
Katta noted that while Liberia’s solar market continues to expand, inconsistent installation quality has posed risks ranging from electrical fires to underperforming systems, undermining public confidence in renewable energy.
He emphasized that the licensing framework should be seen as an investment in Liberia’s energy future, ensuring safety, sustainability, and long-term growth.
Deputy Minister for Energy Charles Umehai urged the inaugural license holder to uphold the professionalism the certification demands. “This installer’s license should be a living license,” he said. “It carries a huge obligation because you have the full backing of the regulator and the Ministry of Mines and Energy.”
The Executive Director of the Rural and Renewable Energy Agency (RREA), Mr. Samuel Nagbe, welcomed the milestone, highlighting its role in addressing capacity gaps within Liberia’s solar sector. “When installation is not done by professionals, solar systems become hazardous. People lose their investments and properties, and this is a major concern,” he said, calling for stronger collaboration among sector stakeholders.
The first license was awarded to Mr. Mark McCauley, who praised LERC for establishing a transparent and efficient certification process. “With my years of experience setting up solar plants across Liberia, I know safety remains a challenge in the field. This license will be used for its intended purpose,” McCauley said.
The issuance of the license underscores Liberia’s commitment to raising industry standards and anchoring its transition to renewable energy in quality, safety, and professionalism.
