Does solar make sense in island conditions?

Solar just makes sense in island conditions. Dependence on imported fuels, high electricity costs, increasingly devastating storms, and an urgent need for improved grid resiliency makes solar a clear choice for island nations and territories over the world. Solar just makes sense in island conditions.

Why is solar power important in the USVI?

The USVI's abundant solar resource, with a global horizontal irradiation of nearly 6 kWh/square meter-day, makes solar power economically attractive in the USVI.

Can solar power be used in the Bahamas?

The experience was a substantial help for installing the Bahamas’ largest solar array at Chub Cay. Caribbean businesses on the island contend with exorbitant electricity prices, poor reliability and poor air quality from diesel-powered generators. Solar is a viable alternative at less than half the cost of conventional sources in the Caribbean.

How does oil affect the cost of electricity in the USVI?

The USVI, like many island nations, is heavily reliant on fossil fuels for electricity generation. This reliance leaves the USVI vulnerable to global oil price fluctuations, which directly impact the cost of electricity. Assumes an average electricity price of $0.50/kWh and consumption of 767.4 gigawatt-hours (GWh).

What is the cost of electricity in the USVI?

The electricity rates in the USVI are $0.47 per kilowatt-hour (kWh). This is higher than the Caribbean regional average of $0.33/kWh.

Is solar a viable alternative to conventional energy in the Caribbean?

Solar is a viable alternative at less than half the cost of conventional sources in the Caribbean. For the private resort on Chub Cay, installing a self-sustaining microgrid combining solar and battery storage made perfect sense.