Minister On Balcony Solar Pilot Programme
The Government’s Balcony Solar Pilot Programme will test compact units that supply electricity for use within the participating home, Minister of Home Affairs Alexa Lightbourne said, adding that the concept is to make “renewable energy accessible to more Bermudians, including renters, seniors and residents in apartment-style housing.”
Speaking in the House of Assembly today [Oct 2] the Minister said, “A fairer energy future must include the people who cannot afford rooftop solar, do not own their home or have nowhere suitable to install it. That is the purpose of the Government’s Balcony Solar Pilot Programme.
“The Government committed $50,000 for this Balcony Solar Pilot.
“This investment serves to demonstrate the benefits of renewable energy accessible to more Bermudians, including renters, seniors and residents in apartment-style housing.
“A total of thirteen applications were received,” the Minister said. “Site assessments are now underway with each proposed location being evaluated for adequate sunlight, suitable electrical infrastructure, sufficient installation space and safe operating conditions. Tenants must also obtain written permission from their landlord or property owner before a unit can be installed. Every installation must be technically appropriate, compatible with the property and safe to operate.
“The Balcony Solar Pilot will test compact units that supply electricity for use within the participating home. They will not feed electricity back into the grid and will automatically reduce output when that power is not needed.
“For a resident who has always considered solar beyond their reach, this pilot tests whether that opportunity can become a reality. For the Government, it provides evidence to guide the next investment in household energy savings. The measure of progress will be practical: whether this technology works safely in Bermuda, reduces costs and opens access to people previously left out.”
The Minister’s full statement follows below:
Mr. Speaker,
A fairer energy future must include the people who cannot afford rooftop solar, do not own their home or have nowhere suitable to install it. That is the purpose of the Government’s Balcony Solar Pilot Programme.
Mr. Speaker,
As signaled in the Affordable Bermuda Agenda, this Government is working to ease the pressure of essential household costs. Electricity is central to that work. Alongside reforms to electricity legislation, pricing and national energy policy, we are testing practical ways to help more residents generate some of their own power and reduce what they buy from the grid.
The Government committed $50,000 for this Balcony Solar Pilot.
This investment serves to demonstrate the benefits of renewable energy accessible to more Bermudians, including renters, seniors and residents in apartment-style housing.
Mr. Speaker,
A total of thirteen [13] applications were received. As the Pilot can accommodate a maximum of twelve [12] participants, the applications will be assessed to select the most suitable candidates. The assessment will include consideration of site suitability.
Site assessments are now underway with each proposed location being evaluated for adequate sunlight, suitable electrical infrastructure, sufficient installation space and safe operating conditions. Tenants must also obtain written permission from their landlord or property owner before a unit can be installed. Every installation must be technically appropriate, compatible with the property and safe to operate.
The Balcony Solar Pilot will test compact units that supply electricity for use within the participating home. They will not feed electricity back into the grid and will automatically reduce output when that power is not needed.
Mr. Speaker,
We accept that a compact solar unit will not eliminate an electricity bill. What this pilot will establish is how much electricity it can produce, how much a household can use and what savings may result under Bermuda’s conditions.
Throughout the pilot, the Department of Energy will monitor performance, safety and participants’ experiences. The findings will guide whether the programme should be expanded, modified or continued. I will report those findings to this Honourable House.
Mr. Speaker,
Our commitment to a fairer, more affordable Bermuda must be reflected in who benefits from the decisions we make.
For a resident who has always considered solar beyond their reach, this pilot tests whether that opportunity can become a reality. For the Government, it provides evidence to guide the next investment in household energy savings. The measure of progress will be practical: whether this technology works safely in Bermuda, reduces costs and opens access to people previously left out.
That is how we intend to turn our energy agenda into value for the public.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
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I hope their production offsets their new Facilities Charge.
“For a resident who has always considered solar beyond their reach”
For most who had solar within their reach it is now costing them because their PV output cannot cover the cost of the arbitrary RA approved Facilities Charge.
It is time for Government to overturn this exorbitant charge by BELCO.