Lighting the Way Toward a Sustainable Future

Get Storm-Ready with
IRIE Solar

I.R.I.E. Solar (Island Renewable & Independent Energy) delivers reliable, storm-ready solar power systems, helping homes and businesses in our USVI community stay energized, independent, and protected with clean, cost-effective energy solutions.
our story

Energy Efficiency That Saves You More

Our systems reduce energy waste and lower your electricity bills.

Built for the Caribbean

Designed to handle the region’s heat, humidity, and preparing you for the next storm!

Custom Solar Solutions

We create solar setups tailored to your home, business, or farm.

Sustainable & Community-Driven

Helping protect the environment while supporting local energy independence.

Flexible Products

From solar kits, to backup systems, to EV chargers, we offer easy options to fit your needs.

Powering Paradise

Powering the US Virgin Islands with Clean, Reliable Solar Energy

With years of real-world experience and a deep understanding of the Caribbean’s unique energy challenges, our team delivers high-performance solar systems designed to endure both time and tropical storms.
Small Business Innovation Grantee (2021)
Solar Energy Industries Association Member (SEIA)
PV/Solar Installation Training (NABCEP)
Caribbean Centre for Renewable Energy & Efficiency (CCREEE)
We empower the U.S. Virgin Islands with flexible, locally-owned, and customer-centric solar energy solutions that combine: Expert consultation, precision engineering, accessible financing, and a commitment to community resilience and sustainability.
More About Us
Solar System Expertise

We Deliver Proven Results in Every Project

System Design & Integration
95%
Battery Storage & Backup Power
90%
Install Quality & Project Execution
98%

Our team blends technical precision with real-world experience to deliver solar solutions built for the Caribbean. Whether you're powering a home, business, or off-grid retreat, we bring unmatched skill and dedication to every install.

Meet Our Team

Meet Our Team of Experts

Rob Tutton
President & Solar Battery System Designer

A seasoned engineer, Rob began designing solar-battery systems as part of LCCN’s post hurricane efforts before starting IRIE Solar.

MS Ocean Engineering, Virginia Tech​

Tate Rutherford
Solar Battery System Designer & Project Manager

Driven by a passion to make St. John a greener island through a deep knowledge of energy saving technologies that push the limits of off-grid living.

BS Environmental Engineering, ​Penn State University​ 

Rusty Tutton
Operations Manager

From inquiries to inventory & order fulfillment, Rusty is on top of all IRIE Solar’s product management and billing.

BS Political Science​, Virginia Commonwealth University​

Vince Ferrara
Install Technician and Infrastructure Manager

His career began in the marine industry, where Vince spent five years before transitioning to solar energy. Starting as a roof installer, Vince quickly advanced to Crew Lead at Solar Energy World.

Certified in Mercury Outboard, ABYC Electrical Code, and OSHA 10.

AA degree, St. Pete College

WORKING PROCESS

Learn About Our Process

Discover how we bring solar to life in 3 simple steps. Click each phase below to explore the full details of our process.

1

Phase 1: Consultation & Site Assessment

We start by learning about your energy needs and goals. Our team conducts a personalized site assessment—either virtually or on-site—to evaluate your roof, property layout, and power usage.

2

Phase 2: Custom System Design & Proposal

Our team goes beyond a simple quote—we engineer a solar or battery system tailored to your home, business, and lifestyle. Every design includes a detailed survey of your electrical loads, 3D modeling of your rooftop PV and solar room, and advanced solar irradiance and shading analysis to ensure accurate production estimates.

3

Phase 3: Installation, Activation & Ongoing Support

Once approved, we handle everything—from permits to wiring and activation. Most systems are installed in just a few days. We’ll walk you through operation and provide long-term support beyond installation.
25 Years of Experience
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Got Questions About Going Solar? We've Got Answers.

Explore common questions from homeowners and business owners ready to take control of their energy.

Every property is different, but we offer customized systems and flexible pricing options to fit your needs and budget. Contact us for a free quote.

Yes, with a battery backup system, you'll have reliable power even when the grid goes down or a storm passes. We specialize in hurricane-ready solutions for the USVI.

Very little! Our systems are built for durability in the Caribbean climate. We also offer ongoing monitoring and maintenance plans for extra peace of mind.

PROJECTS SPOTLIGHT

Recent Solar Achievements
Across the USVI

We are powering homes, businesses, and communities—one system at a time.
30+ Solar–Battery Systems Installed
Custom Systems

Since 2017, Irie Solar has designed and installed over 30 custom solar–battery systems on St. John, St. Thomas, and St. Croix. These include residential homes, small businesses, and off-grid systems—all built and supported locally.

HUPS Development & Local Assembly
Development

Our Home Uninterruptible Power Supply (HUPS) is designed, assembled, and 3D‑printed entirely in the USVI. Built by local engineers and community partners, it combines Victron components, HEPA cooling, and island-specific safety features.

Innovative Engineering Grant Recipient
Innovation

In 2021, Irie Solar received the Small Business Innovation Grant, backing the development of the HUPS system – a major step toward island-engineered solutions for hurricanes.

WHAT OUR CUSTOMERS SAY

Read Our Reviews

New Day Workshop and Cafe
""After 4 months of working off a generator… We’ve got POWER. We are completely off the grid thanks to Rob Tutton of Vital Solar (now IRIE Solar) technology. Not only did Rob design the program he instructed our trainees how to install it and run it.""
New Day Workshop and Cafe
St. John, U.S.V.I
Nelson Uzzell
""Irie Solar installed two systems on my house in Fish Bay. The first one I wanted to help put together and create. Rob was very knowledgeable and made me a great diagram to follow to assemble the parts. It was all so different from my first system in 1994. Victron equipment is light years ahead of the old Trace inverters and controllers.

It was a great learning experience, and Rob looked over my shoulder the whole time. After some tweaks by Irie Solar, it has been working flawlessly for about five years now. Another system, the HUPS Unit, was made and installed by Irie Solar on a different part of the house (a separate cabana). I now have almost 80% solar on the property, both systems have been working great. I used to monitor it all the time, now don’t even pay attention to it and have no idea when WAPA is out. I feel it’s a great investment, it gives my renters and me peace of mind to know we have reliable power.""
Nelson Uzzell
Fish Bay, St. John
Chris Shoupe
""Irie Solar helped me integrate a perfect solar system for my home. It fits my power needs, budget and home perfectly. I am a DIY type of person. I prefer doing most projects myself. Rob and his team were able to accommodate me and worked with me supporting me the entire way.

They handled the technical installation aspects and allowed me to do the more labor intensive and simple parts of the install. This not only allowed me to understand my system but also saved me a lot of money. I love my system! Their support post install has been stellar. My batteries are at 880 cycles and are still in perfect health thanks to the way Rob set my system parameters. 10/10"
Chris Shoupe
Owner, Voodoo Charters LLC