If you’re like many Jamaicans, you may dread the end of the month because of three simple words- your light bill. It may seem that no matter how much you try to conserve – plug out appliances and electronics when not in use – your light bill just keeps climbing. You may be resigned to the ‘reality’ that electricity from the power company is a necessary evil you’ll have to live with for life. But if you’re like an increasing number of Jamaicans, you’ll realize that this doesn’t have to be the case. You do live in the tropics after all. Why not plug into
the sun?
Renewable energy resources, such as wind and solar energy, have become a viable, more affordable option in recent times. Of course, the most touted benefit of installing a solar energy system in your residential or commercial space is the significant reduction in your utility bill; however, the benefits go further than this. For the environmentally aware among us, the chance to reduce carbon footprints may be too good to pass up. Who wouldn’t want to contribute to cleaner air and a reduction in the country’s energy and oil bill? After all, if less money is spent on non-renewable sources of energy, more money can be channelled to other areas, such as education and health.
The number of companies that offer renewable sources of energy has increased in recent times. Solar Direk, which has its origins in Montego Bay, is one such company, and its General Manager, Omar Steer, is thrilled at the phenomenal response to solar energy among Jamaicans. “The market has definitely grown in the past few years. Persons are realizing that it makes sense to switch to solar energy, and get off the grid completely.” The “grid” refers to the traditional source of electricity from the power company. Mr. Steer also pointed out another benefit of solar energy- ownership. Once you purchase a solar panel system for your home or office, it’s yours.
Mr. Steer likens the situation to renting a property versus paying a mortgage. You may pay rent for twenty years and you still won’t own the place. However, after twenty years of paying a mortgage, you can proudly call yourself a homeowner. The same principle applies with your energy source: you can pay JPS for the rest of your life (and never even own shares in the company) or, after you finish paying for your solar panel system, it’s yours to truly enjoy because of reduced costs and reliable power generation. Imagine this- you’re in the middle of watching the season finale of Scandal or Game of Thrones when you’re suddenly plunged into darkness.
You know you paid your light bill yesterday so what gives? You look outside into a sea of darkness and realize you’re in the middle of a blackout. Then think about this – were your home solar powered, you wouldn’t have realized there was a blackout until you checked Facebook or Twitter. This is another significant benefit of utilizing solar power- a constantly reliable power supply – no need to worry about JPS cutting off your light at the most inconvenient time. And if you live in an area that tends to get a bit chilly (Portmore residents, this won’t apply to you), solar water heaters are also a viable alternative to nearly freezing every time you take a shower. Solar water heaters are practical, affordable, need very little maintenance, and you’ll never have to worry about putting a pot of water on the stove to boil when you need hot water.
The beauty about plugging into the sun is that you have a wide variety of options. You can install three solar panels to power your fans and bulbs, or you can install twenty panels and power your major appliances and electronics.
Investing in a solar panel system is exactly that- an investment, and the initial cost to set up may cause some persons to shy away. However, it is important to think long term in a situation such as this. It is also important to assess your needs, and choose a system that is tailored to your needs. You can start small, and expand as time goes on and needs arise.
Now there are number of notable companies that are harnessing the power of the sun to significantly reduce electricity costs. The new headquarters of Digicel Jamaica, for example, has “gone green”; it is fully solar and wind powered, with four wind turbines on the roof of the 11-storey building.
The Mona Campus of the University of the West Indies has also joined the solar energy movement as the new medical sciences building has solar-powered lighting and water. The Faculty of Science and Technology also has solar-powered systems for some of its lighting. Additionally, because of the many students living on campus, UWI has ensured that all halls of residence have solar powered water systems.
Another company that provides alternative energy solutions is aptly named Alternative Power Sources. Marketing representative Tanique Thompson also highlighted the benefits to be had from solar powered systems. “Separate and apart from monetary savings, customers will see the returns on their investment. You’re investing in your future savings as well as a cleaner, more sustainable environment”.
The company has been in the solar industry for over ten years and “offers products in LED Lighting, solar pool heating, solar water heating, solar DC Pool and water pressure pumps and solar power systems,” Tanique added. It also provides energy management consultancy, renewable energy system designs, wind velocity testing and
energy audits, at both the residential and commercial levels.
The folks at Alternative Power Sources are cognizant of the fact that the initial cost is the biggest hindrance to switching to solar power. As Thompson put it, “Cost is the main concern for persons wanting to switch to renewable energy.
The startup cost of installing solar systems has been the major drawback over the years, however, we have
been able to offer customers specially packaged system designs to offset some of that cost. We are authorized distributors and the service centre for the products we offer, which allows us to give reduced prices and extended warranties to our customers.” A look at their Facebook page revealed that for under $700,000, customers can install a system system that can power basic household appliances – refrigerator, fans, televisions and light bulbs.
The work of the Government in pushing for renewable sources of energy cannot be left out. After years of discussion, moves are being made for more emphasis to be placed on renewable sources of energy. Thompson weighed in on this issue. “The strides by the Government are to be commended, such as the proposals for the 115MW from renewable energy and an additional 360MW of power to be added to the grid.
Unfortunately, discussions about them have been dragging on and I think there needs to be greater urgency regarding implementing the use of renewable energy in Jamaica. The longer these proposals sit on the table, the more we will be paying for the country’s oil importation bill.”
Thompson believes that a greater push by the Government to increase awareness among the population increase awareness among the population is needed. “The Government can increase education drives through the use of workshops, community projects that focus on conservation, , self-sufficiency training and
recycling. Subsidies and incentives can also benefit the country greatly as they would encourage local manufacturing of renewable energy products such as solar water heaters and solar panels, and also encourage home owners to invest in technology to assist the utility grid in the production of power for the country.”
So now that you know about the basics of solar energy, Steer of Solar Direk cautions against purchasing a system from just anybody. There are a number of cases where persons have had bad experiences because the company they dealt with did not take the required time or care to perform professionally.
As mentioned, because there is an increasing number of companies offering such services, it is imperative that you take the time to do your own research.
See what previous work the company has done, investigate their reputation in the market is like and who their previous clients were. As with any major decision, investment in a solar powered system should not be taken lightly; but because the benefits are significant, in the long run, plugging into the sun will be
a choice you won’t regret.