Comments on: Barbados Solar Industry In Flux

By: David

David — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 12:50:04 +0000

@Noni

Are you in a position to provide more details on the issues which affected the business transaction with the Africans?

By: Noni

Noni — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 11:30:03 +0000

For a long time it has puzzled me as to why Barbados, which is one of the leaders in solar water systems in the Caribbean, restricts itself only to that especially for a country with limited natural resources?

Many thanks to Keith, David and others for this. My “mission” is slightly more complex, yet just as simple, I plan on coming to Barbados and speaking to a few people as part of my research.

As for Barbadian involvement in solar energy in Nigeria, I don’t think the Bajans involved realised what they were getting into was politicking and personality clashing Nigerian style which really is a distraction from the work they intended to do. Too much in-fighting in that situation, which the Bajan presence simply provoked (albeit unknowingly).

The whole affair has painted Bajans and their efforts in an unfair and negative light, so I am looking for an alternative minus the politics and drama. Having visited Nigeria and seen the potential, I believe it is very possible to sell some of the Bajan knowledge there on a more practical (and less highly political) scale.

By: Edward Parris

Edward Parris — Sun, 18 Oct 2009 01:59:12 +0000

Sorry that the you all did not consider the environmental factors, such as the possible shortage of fossil fuel, the carbon monoxide, and the additional cost, base of these factors, to produce electricity. Please contact me, I will be in Barbados the week of November 6th 2009, and I will be looking for partners to manufactures Solar Panels.

e.p.parris@worldnet.att.net

By: Keith Headley

Keith Headley — Wed, 21 May 2008 12:13:21 +0000

Maybe not iWatchya,

but there come a point where you have to make to hard decisions.
I really worry about our food and energy security should a category five hurricane hit Barbados. I have personally seen what happens when people get desperate for food and water – and you can’t pump water on a large scale in Barbados without electricity . . .

By: iWatchya

iWatchya — Mon, 19 May 2008 18:24:04 +0000

Note: The GOB owns shares in BL & P and would not want to lose that revenue.

By: Solar Energy In Barbados, Barbadians Being Short Cheated « Barbados Underground - bringing the news to the people

Sat, 17 May 2008 22:57:49 +0000

[...] PV system now mailed to you is similar to that in the Israeli video clip in your earlier blog on solar, but not as bulky; please see ’slide 6′… it doesn’t take up much room; can [...]

By: Keith Headley

Keith Headley — Fri, 16 May 2008 12:48:54 +0000

To Eastern Son and those who are thinking like him; you can contact me at my day job at CXC, Nemwil building: 434 2008. Just ask for me.

By: Eastern Son

Eastern Son — Thu, 15 May 2008 17:26:01 +0000

To Keith Headley. Super thanks for all the info. I am considering a system for my home, but without the deep discharge batteries because of the cost, the room needed for their installation, and their ultimate disposal (not very environmentally friendly) A friend has let on to me that BL&P intend to go to net metering and TOU rate billing in the very near future, so hopefully while I’m at work and home comsumption is low I can be racking up credits. You know, I have looked at the costs and I agree that under current legislation with no tax breaks or duty concessions the cost of the outlay will not be easily recoverable, or maybe unrecoverable. However, in light of the fuel crisis I believe that has to save some fuel. I feel that if you can afford it, you should do your part as an investment in all of our childrens’ future.
I would welcome an opportunity to have a discussion on the subject with you.

By: Keith Headley

Keith Headley — Wed, 14 May 2008 14:31:44 +0000

Quick note to satisfy the technical. Peak is really a function of current and not kWh. So you are trying to find out your peak current (in amps).
Here’s a link on how (so much easier than typing all that).
http://michaelbluejay.com/electricity/measure.html

By: Keith Headley

Keith Headley — Wed, 14 May 2008 14:17:07 +0000

OK I have a lot to say and not a lot of time to say it. There is a lot of stuff I would ask myself, and there are questions that I would then ask you. For example – how many panels do you buy? To which I ask: What kind of appliances do you have? I’m trying to find out how much electricity you are using. Cheapest way; get all your old light bills. See how may kilowatt hours (kWh) you are using each month. How much money you are charged is NOT a good indicator. It depends too much on the fuel adjustment clause. What can change your bill the most? Anything with a compressor. Huh? Freezer, large A/C, Fridge, small A/C, workshop air compressor in that order, most electricity to least. Remember it’s not just how much power they use, it’s also how long they are on for.
Now you have your AVERAGE kWh. Next you need your PEAK. Get the peak wrong and you destroy your batteries. Again compressors are the problem. When they turn on they use far more than they use on average. Example. Your microwave is on, you’re toasting bread, you open the fridge for a minute and the breaker trips – peak power; your fridge came on and overloaded things.
So here’s your dilemma – do you pay more and cover every possibility or do you teach everyone at home not to use certain things at the same time? Another example. Most people use Solar, but if you use an electric shower head heater, that’s a major peak user and a significant ( but lower than those on the list above) addition to your average kWh use. Depending on how many people shower and how often.
More to follow

By: Keith Headley

Keith Headley — Wed, 14 May 2008 13:28:49 +0000

You know, there are so many things I’d like to reply to I almost don’t know where to start.
OK let me start with reality check. There is no successful PV program we have seen anywhere that didn’t have serious government help and a large initial investment. This includes here where all large PV projects save the Solar House are in limbo. Next, amazingly no that is not a duty free figure. And yes Bush Tea makes some valid technical points along with Gabriel’s wildly optimistic (but surprisingly valid from personal experience) analysis.
Here’s what you do if you want to build a PV system. Long list of instructions to follow.
First, buy single crystal silicon cells. They are the only ones that last 20-25 years (have some here in Barbados pushing 32 years – still working).
Second do not let the cells be shaded. This is the only known way to destroy solar cells during normal operation. Shading causes massive overheating of the cells. By shading I mean, for example, a tree covers half of the panel in shade – at any time. Keep them completely uncovered.
Third face them toward the sun. This is a really technical area, but anyone who knows how to put up hot water panel understands this. Same principles on angles, azimuth, direction, etc.
Fourth make a decision. Grid connect or Grid independent. GC – cheaper, little to maintain. GI – say goodbye to BL&P. Surges, blackouts, brownouts are SEPs – Someone Else’s Problem(s).
Fifth. Buy a Trace Inverter. No they are not the best. They are the best value for money and very resistant to stupidity. Some high efficiency ones will literally blow up if you connect a house powering amount of PV panels to them the wrong way. Trace are now Xantrex by the way.
Side note: my father never charged for expertise and neither do I. If it costs me money then I ask for money. Simple. Note you usually may have to pay a consultant lots to get this type of info.
More to follow.

By: Straight talk

Straight talk — Wed, 14 May 2008 12:52:00 +0000

There is a team having encouraging results with infra-red Photo-voltaic cells.

Very much in the research phase, but if successful they will produce electricity day and night, obviating the need for battery backup (and BL&P).

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Wed, 14 May 2008 11:35:23 +0000

There is no evidence in posts above that Light and Power will ever buy energy from a consumer, and that batteries will then not be necessary. It looks as if Barbados is not the progressive society it is advertised to be. My prediction is that there will be no moves towards empowering the public in these energy areas. It is a damn shame, Bajans are ignored and the Bajan wallet will always be led to the slaughter by insider trading. Just like the DLP ignored integrity, it will allow Light and Power to write our future energy strategy. Damn shame I say. What a waste.

Nudge nudge wink wink to all of you above.

By: David

David — Wed, 14 May 2008 09:48:28 +0000

Banned Again form VOB~we assume that the cost being introduced by some people on people who seem to be well versed in these matters maybe based on that part of the distribution chain retailer to consumer. We are saying if the government is interested why not go to the source i.e.manufacturer and cut=out the middle players.

Bush tea et al seem to think it maybe too late to go this route but maybe they are wrong? The maintenance of mini-solar systems can be outsourced for a reasonable fee. Now would be a good time to build a cadre of young technicians produced from our Samuel Jackman Prescod Polyclinic.

By: Banned

Banned — Wed, 14 May 2008 05:33:25 +0000

Petro-Caribe and Cuban technology, cheap cheap, cheap

By: Gabriel the Horn Blower

Gabriel the Horn Blower — Wed, 14 May 2008 04:54:43 +0000

Off to the Elysian Fields.

“I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I

By: Bush tea

Bush tea — Wed, 14 May 2008 03:59:19 +0000

Gabriel,

You are obviously well read. Many are unaware of Lowell’s research on Nibiru, or of the scientific debate on the existence or otherwise of planet X – and therefore of possible implications for us.

…I would not be surprised to learn that you are also well versed in the relevant quatrains of Michel de Nostredame…

…while vaguely aware of these and other literature, Bush tea’s theory of ‘Project life on Earth’ is independently derived….

….must admit that the merging of dates around 2003 -2112 is particularly interesting…

Have a good night Magnus Gabe

By: Bush tea

Bush tea — Wed, 14 May 2008 03:38:31 +0000

David,

…no one wants to hear Bush tea go on and on bragging about details of alternative energy.

It goes without saying that someone who is convinced that this world is in for a most stressful time would be well versed in alternative energy systems….

In any case, my experience is that information is most valued and valuable when there is a degree of ‘tooth pulling’ involved.

JR, the reality is that what you are proposing is about 10 years too late. When we had excellent credit ratings and people like OSA and your boss Hillary were spending millions like it was free money – would have been an excellent opportunity to encourage investment in long term alternative energy systems.

In addition to PV, there is actually excellent potential for wind and also for wave power generation here in Barbados – but with our traditional lack of vision we just continued to build around more and more oil….

…study the parable of the ten virgins carefully…

…running around now, looking to buy Alt. energy AFTER the oil bubble has burst is exactly like the five foolish virgins….

…but what does a Bush tea know?…. my friend Micro Mock Engineer probably expects that one of his key engineering firms will come up with a world-saving technology by year-end…. maybe the much heralded hydrogen fuel cell?

….don’t hold your breath MME.

By: Gabriel the Horn Blower

Gabriel the Horn Blower — Wed, 14 May 2008 03:36:28 +0000

Micro-Mock Engineer, I figured you would be nearby.. LOL… first off contrary to some medieval representations of myself, I’m a he not a she and secondly “Walrasian delusions?” Is this being dismissive of the hypothesis that the value of goods is determined by setting scarcity relative to human wants? Oh to live in a Keynesian fantasy. As to Bush Tea, the plot as they say thickens with the Magi (cubes?)

By: Banned Again form VOB

Banned Again form VOB — Wed, 14 May 2008 03:18:00 +0000

Sorry, I am lost with David’s last comment. The estimate given for the PV is US 20000, I am sure Mr Headley meant duty free. The comparison was done on this estimate. Of course it may fall as world wide popularity improves but it appears that there are no gains to be had at present and for the foreseeable future. How could you expect any economies of scale by attempting a value added campaign or anything? I believe you may be referring to buying the parts in bulk (tax free) and assembling them here or something, I don’t know, I am not reading you.