Solar Cells Info

Jan 11 2007
source: Barbadosadvocate.com
http://www.barbadosadvocate.com/NewViewNewsleft.cfm?Record=29456

BARBADOS’ largest solar energy provider, Solar Dynamics Ltd., is firmly behind the decision by Government to promote the use of renewable energy. Minister of Energy and the Environment, Elizabeth Thompson, recently unveiled the draft Barbados National Energy Policy, which seeks to preserve this country’s environment by focusing on reducing the dependence on fossil fuels and facilitating the creation of a renewable energy society and economy. Specifically, the document outlines the target of generating 25 per cent of national energy through renewable energy by 2026. This goal will be achieved in part by allowing independent power producers, utilising renewable energy technology, to sell electricity to the national grid, Thompson said.

Managing Director of Solar Dynamic Ltd., James Husbands, who has been at the forefront of the development of solar energy in Barbados, says this policy will allow consumers to provide as much as 90 per cent of their household needs through solar energy. He explained that the policy would allow consumers to convert sunlight into electricity and feed it into the Barbados Light & Power (BL&P) network. The energy can be used wherever it is needed during the day while industrial use is at its peak. The consumer can then purchase electricity at night, as is presently the case from the grid. The net difference between what is produced by the system during the day and what one uses at night is captured by the meter and billing takes place accordingly.

Husbands added, ‘Barbadians now have the opportunity to have hot water by solar energy, which saves an average of 4 000 kph per family per year. This represents usually 30 per cent of a family’s electricity bill. With the opportunity to feed electricity into the national grid and be paid for it, represents an opportunity for consumers to have solar energy provide 90 per cent of their household need. He believed that this move was essential to the growth of solar energy, and would give Barbados the opportunity to continue its leadership in the development of renewable energy systems in the hemisphere. ‘ Solar Dynamics is very pleased with the implementation of this policy change and looks forward to its implementation, Husbands said. He noted that BL&P had recently attributed a delay in the expansion of capacity to the conservation of energy by consumers. ‘The generation of solar electricity will significantly alter the need for generation expansion in the years ahead. With photovoltaics and wind energy playing a major role, most of the country’s increased demand can be fuelled by these sources.