Solar Part 1

We have been talking about installing solar power on the house for long time.  The other night the power went off and we used a battery operated fan in the bedroom to keep cool.  It was this moment that we decided unequivocally to get solar installed.

The island has had difficulty keeping up with power demands.  They have not embraced solar as an energy source. They keeping talking about it, studying it and trying to get the Netherlands to pay for it.

We have studied the solar idea ourselves. We talked to others who have installed it, got bids from solar companies, and calculated our savings on utility costs when solar is working.  Our biggest issue was where to put the equipment...which incudes two large batteries that need a maximum temperature of less than 90 degrees.  We considered several locations on the property.  We settled on building an equipment building next to our main electrical panel under the famous mango tree.

"In for a penny in for a pound"  

We decided to go all in with batteries so we could essentially be off grid. This week demolition and construction started for the equipment building.  This building will be 5 feet square, have a full size door and a tiny air conditioner to keep the tiny equipment building cool. This tiny building will house the two super heavy batteries and the inverter. Building this tiny building will be 1/5th of the total cost of the project. 

The order for solar panels and the equipment has been made.  It will take two to three months to get everything to the island.  China is the originating manufacturer and shipper.

Once activated, all of our electrical needs will be covered.  When we need additional power we will draw on the island power grid, but it won't be set up to put excess power back into the power grid.  The utility company only pays a minimal amount for power into the grid, and their other requirements just didn't make it a sensible option.  

The concrete top (roof) and all the walls are up.  Next week it will be plastered and the door will be installed. Rick and I will seal and paint the tiny equipment building. Then we are all set for equipment. 

Stay tuned for reports on our progress.