U.S. Consulate Has Solar System Installed
The U.S. Consulate has gone solar. Last week Bermuda Engineering installed a 3.12kW solar photovoltaic system at the Consulate. The system will generate electricity at a cost of $0.22 per kWh compared to the current overall commercial rate of $0.42 per kWh.
A spokesperson said, “The Consulate hopes to feed excess energy into the electricity network at the full retail price of $0.42. The system is expected to save the Consulate more than $1,400 in electricity costs in its first year of operation and more than $32,000 over the next 25 years, assuming prices continue to increase at current rates.
Consul General Bob Settje remarked, “We at the Consulate are excited about switching to solar energy, reducing our reliance on imported oil, lessening greenhouse gas emissions, and, of course, saving on our electricity bill. We congratulate Bermuda Engineering for its excellent work at the Consulate and for the role it plays in promoting the use of sustainable resources like solar energy.”
Travis Burland of Bermuda Engineering commented, “Bermuda Engineering was honored to be selected by the American Consulate General to design, install and commission this BenQ Solar electricity generation system, supplied by SunWize Technologies. We participated in a rigorous tendering process, which has ensured the Consulate received an excellent product and high quality of service at a very competitive price.
“Bermuda Engineering commends the Consulate for installing this solar electricity generation system which, over the first 25 years, will reduce their carbon footprint by more than 57 tons of carbon dioxide, avoiding the need to import over 110 barrels of foreign oil. This is a positive step towards energy independence.”
The Consulate said that “protection of our planet is a shared responsibility, and it is up to all of us to pursue sustainable policies and practices every day.”
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Category: All, Environment
oh I hope that has pissed off belco fat a$$ layabouts.
Congratulations to BE for yet ANOTHER successful install and reduction in our Carbon Footprint. You guys are BOSSS!
According to the figures stated, this system has over a 13 year payback, and that is the best case scenario (not allowing for panel degradation).
And this roof is facing outside of the general design window of 90-270degrees as well. I wonder (actually I do know) how much efficiency and production is lost due to this. Remember that for half of the year the sun rises after Due East, so the system will not be reaching anywhere near its peak output for that time.
This is great news, with solar energy being so cheap is anyone else wondering why our government isn’t installing panels to save money as well?! COME ON BERMUDA, get with de times!!!
because it is expensive to install!
This installation will NEVER pay for its self, I note they left out the facts on savings, investment and projected re investment that will be required to keep this system in operation because for sure it’s not going to last for 25 years while this may be great news for the tree huggers we Bermudians need to be aware of all the costs we are likely to face during the expected life cycle of any system or equipment don’t be fooled by the hype
I installed a system on my roof 3 years ago and it has nearly paid for itself. With the increase in Belco bills year on year, at the current rate of inflating energy costs I should be fully paid off in less than a year with a good many more to run on my system. I also am extremely happy that I am helping to contribute to the environment and reduce Bermuda’s reliance on overpriced fossil fuel and Belco’s monopoly. We have had energy costs go up over 40% in the last 5 years. What makes you think that they are going to get any cheaper next year!? The answer is, THEY ARE NOT! but I will be laughing because I paid a large portion of my bills off.
If you get a qualified professional engineer, like these guys above are. They will tailor and install a system that will not only save you money in the long run, it will help Bermuda move away from it’s reliance on BELCO.
Or you can continue to harp on about things you know nothing about.
@Y-gurl Don’t show your ignorance. Speak to someone who has had a system installed. Depending on the size of the system, and how much electricity you use, a system can pay for itself in 5 to 6 yrs. After that you are on the gravy train.
Thats the hype