We also spoke with the Department of Planning before launching this product and they confirmed that homeowners can install their own systems so long as Planning’s requirements are met. Anyone with a high school education can prepare an application for permitted development. The installation manuals supplied with these kits come with a stamped diagram of the roof mount system and electrical single line diagram, for submission to planning.

The Department of Energy ‘approved installers list’ was for the solar rebates, which ended earlier this year. That list has no legal basis whatsoever and was purely for rebate eligibility.

Several homeowner-installed systems across the island have already been interconnected to BELCO and there is no wording in the interconnection agreement stating that you have to use an ‘approved installer’, for which there is no legal definition in any case. BELCO do require a certificate of occupancy from the Department of Planning, which ensures that the installation has met the requirements of the Bermuda Residential Building Code.

Anyone can do their own planning application and interconnection paperwork, it just takes some time and effort.

Bermuda Engineering did a great solar installation at my parents house, and I had the same question about the panels on the roof. All of the materials used are inert and totally potable grade for drinking water. It’s looking to be a great investment, plus all of the environmental benefits, I find it hard to believe that more of BDA hasn’t gone solar already!

I also called belco and the customer service representative said that they will only allow interconnection if the system was installed by a company on the “approved installers list” at the department of energy.

So if I had laid out the money for this solar kit I would have had to go back to Bermuda Engineering to get, and pay for, all the other services that are required by law. You guys should be honest with you offerings up front. I have been considering solar for a while but I don’t like to be mislead and this has put me off.

I would like to know what the extra cost is for either a) some sort of switching gear/meters if one’s intention is to sell surplus back to Belco, or b) the bank of batteries and additional inverter/switch to store and then later utilize any surplus. (on a system this size, surplus is likely to be negligible unless the house is unoccupied during the day, but still). Just round figures if anyone know?

Also, I’m guessing most people would want to install these on the roof, as probably that is the best collection point in most cases. Given Bermuda’s hostile salt air environment even the best constructed materials may begin to corrode/break down over the suggested 25 year lifetime. So the question is, is there anything in these panels that if they were to become exposed, could leak any toxic residue at all into the rain water we collect for consumption? Presumably they are made entirely of materials that are 100% inert and safe? I believe Silicon is the major component but not sure of anything else that may go into their manufacture so if anyone is knowledgeable please share ..