When we bought our home in Barbados on December 6, 2021, we knew the roof had reached the end of its life. As part of our refurbishment plans, it seemed like a good time to consider installing a solar photovoltaic system. Why? Even before the energy crisis fully unloaded, we believed it made sense to invest in something that would reduce our future costs – even if it bumped up our budget. Beyond the financial aspect, the environmental benefits of cutting energy consumption were clear. If you can afford it, reducing your energy usage and carbon footprint is a no-brainer.

Choosing the Right Solar Setup

Having made the decision to go solar, the next step was figuring out the best system for our needs. We had two main options:

1. Grid-tied feed-in solar scheme – This setup lets you sell excess energy back to Barbados Light and Power through a feed-in tariff. In this arrangement you might have solar panels without batteries. These would generate electricity during the daytime but not at night where you would have to rely on the grid. It works well if you can shift most of your energy usage – like running pool pumps and washing machines – to daytime hours, which is when it is generated from the sun.
2. Solar with battery storage – This option allows you to store energy generated during the day, by charging the batteries, and use it at night, reducing dependence on the grid. The way it works is that power from the solar panels will go to an ‘inverter’, a box that then powers your house directly from the sunlight. If there is any power left over it can then charge your batteries. If, for any reason, your batteries get low due to clouds blocking out the sun, you can charge the batteries from the grid.

We chose the second option, which included battery storage. One of the biggest consumers of power in a home is the air conditioning systems, and you are more likely to use this at night, together with lights and cooking appliances. With battery storage, we could run the air conditioning and lights at night without worrying about outages or energy bills. While it’s still possible to sell excess power to the grid, we chose not to.

Building an Energy-Efficient Home

Working with a fantastic local company, Solar Watt, that specializes in the installation of photovoltaic systems, we installed 16 solar panels and paired them with a 22 kWh battery system. Most days, the batteries charge by early afternoon, and we rarely use more than half the stored energy overnight. Only on very wet and cloudy days do we need a little backup power from the grid. On those occasions, the system automatically pulls what’s needed.

Of course, we couldn’t look at the solar system in isolation – we also upgraded the house to be more energy-efficient:

●      A variable-speed pool pump replaced the old model, reducing energy consumption by over 75%.

●      Inverter air conditioners were installed, offering a 50% improvement in efficiency while being quieter and more flexible to use.

●      New LED lighting and more efficient refrigeration further cut down our energy use.

The result? Our electricity bill is now nearly zero most months, and we enjoy the peace of mind that comes with knowing we are mostly self-sufficient.

Navigating Installation Challenges

Installing solar panels came with a few challenges. The residential community where we live has strict rules about modifications, and many homes there don’t have roofs ideally suited for solar installations. Luckily, our roof’s orientation worked in our favour, and the panels are practically invisible from neighbouring properties.

We also wanted the panels to blend into the roof aesthetically. Instead of mounting them on top of the shingles—where they might look uneven and jagged—we chose an integrated installation, with the panels set flush with the roof. This gave a sleek finish but required raising the roof to ensure airflow beneath the panels, adding to the expense.

Another hurdle was increasing the electrical capacity of the house. The battery system needed a 200-amp supply, but the house was wired for only 100 amps. We had to upgrade the meter and install a new cable, which wasn’t a major issue since we were already rewiring the house as part of the renovation.

Tips for Going Solar

For anyone thinking about installing solar panels and battery storage, here are a few things to keep in mind:

1. Get permissions early: Some homeowners’ associations or planning authorities have strict rules about solar installations.
2. Position your panels carefully: South-facing roofs are ideal, but even our west-facing setup works well, generating power from 9 a.m. each day.
3. Calculate your energy needs: Track your energy use over time or ask a solar provider to log it for you. This will help determine how many panels and how much battery storage you need.
4. Plan for electrical upgrades: If your batteries require more power than your current setup can handle, you may need to upgrade your electrical system.
5. Invest in energy-efficient appliances: Inverter air conditioners and variable-speed pool pumps can drastically reduce energy consumption, complementing your solar system.

Cost and Return on Investment

Our system, including the solar panels and batteries, cost about BDS $60,000. This doesn’t include additional costs like upgrading the electrical supply or raising the roof for ventilation.

The estimated payback period for us is around 15 years. However, the average usage in our residential community is three times ours and so the payback period for typical users would be just five years. For us, the investment wasn’t just about financial returns. Our goal was to future-proof the home and contribute to a more sustainable way of living.

A Smarter Way Forward

Reflecting on this journey that we’ve been on, I’m pleased that our energy bills are practically nonexistent, and we rarely worry about power outages. Knowing that we’ve reduced our carbon footprint is equally rewarding.

For other homeowners or businesses in Barbados, I highly recommend considering solar power. The combination of lower utility bills, increased energy independence, and environmental benefits makes it a smart investment. With the right planning and setup, solar isn’t just a short-term upgrade – it’s a long-term solution for a more sustainable future.

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