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Why be Optimistic about Clean Energy in 2022?

The energy sector, dominated by fossil fuels, is one of the largest contributors to greenhouse gas. We know nations need reliable energy sources to power homes, workplaces, hospitals, and other areas. Even after years of emphasizing sustainable energy, we have a long way to go for meeting climate goals and achieving universal access to affordable, clean, and reliable energy.

Here are five reasons to look forward to clean and renewable energy:

1) Increasing Use of Renewable Energy

2) Clean Energy is a Smart Investment

3) Solar Champions New Heights

4) There is Growing Momentum for Carbon Neutrality

5) Sustainable Development in the Renewable Energy Industry

1 Clean Energy is a Smart Investment

As mentioned above, cleaner energy is comparatively less expensive than fossil fuels; they are also changing the bigger picture of sustainability. The fall in price, plus the introduction of innovative business models and technological advancements, give hope of good times. On top of that, energy-efficient technologies deliver exceptional climate advantages. The ideal efficiency policies can enable the world to achieve more than 40% of the emissions reduction.

2 There is Growing Momentum for Carbon Neutrality

115 countries have committed to building greener, better, and more sustainable surroundings throughout the year. Moreover, high-emitting economies like China, Japan, the UK, South Korea, and the EU have made net-zero commitments. In 2019, US$500 billion was spent on subsidies of fossil fuel. These climate prevention commitments and renewable energy programs are a dominant signal and a necessary step towards reaching net-zero emissions or carbon neutrality.

3 Solar Champions New Heights

After an 85% cost decline over the years, solar photovoltaic (PV) systems are among the most cost-competitive energy resources in the world. In 2022, you can witness solar-plus-buildouts, solar PV modules and enhanced solar communities thriving. Aligning storage with solar offers operational efficiencies, cost synergies, and the opportunity to reduce storage capital costs with the solar investment tax credit.

Click here to read more: https://caribbeanlife.medium.com/why-be-optimistic-about-clean-energy-in-2022-1dda8881a4d0

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Roof Mounted Vs. Ground Mounted Solar System - The Ultimate Guide

Modern studies reveal that overdependence on fossil fuels could lead to the depletion of fossil fuel reserves by 2060. This is because 84% of the world’s energy needs are being met by fossil fuels, coal, oil, and natural gas, to be precise. Yes, we know that, but what are we doing to change it?

Developing renewable energy programs is a complex process that requires planning, implementation & constant follow-up. At the same time, the average cost of a solar energy system is between $10,000 & $30,000.

For solar panel installation, the most popular options are the ones below.

Roof Mounted Racks

Ground Mounted Racks

Top-of-pole Mounted Racks

Side-of-pole Mounted Racks

Tracking System Mounted Racks

Which of the above is the best for your property? A non-specialist or a layperson (without technical knowledge) would have zero knowledge about it. This blog will explain the difference between roof-mounted solar panels & ground-mounted solar panels.

Roof Mounted Vs. Ground Mounted Solar Panels - Which one is better for you?

Whether it’s the installation of solar panels in residential, commercial, or industrial establishments, there are two methods - ground-mounted installation & roof installation.

Apart from the roof and ground-mounted solar panels, other options are available, like pole-mounting and wall-mounting, but those are less preferred. However, let’s leave this discussion for another time.

Most people know about the advantages and disadvantages of solar energy, but not everyone knows about the best solar panel installation method for their property. Between the ground and roof-mounted panels, there is no opinion that one can say is the best.

Roof-Mounted Solar Panels

Most business owners and homeowners prefer roof-mounted solar panels over ground-mounted solar panels because roof space is unused for the most part. In contrast, ground space is usually reserved for parking, children’s play areas, storage, community centres, etc.

Apart from the open area on the roof and zero obstructions, roof-mounted solar panels are secure and easier to install. The possibilities of vehicles, animals, or anything else hitting & damaging your solar panels are next to none.

Cost-wise, the commercial metal trapezoidal roof is less expensive than the residential roof tiles. This is because the time and labour required to install solar panels for homes are more than commercial solar panels. Roof access is also a vital factor.

Advantages of roof-mounted solar panels

More economical compared to ground-mounted installation

Needs less racking & installation

Optimal utilisation of unused roof space

No need to procure planning permission

More aesthetically pleasing

Works with limited space too

Increased security

Ground space can be used for other purposes

Ground-mounted solar panels

With ground-mounted solar panels, you can have more control over the angle & orientation of the panels to enable optimal power generation. Solar panels are typically installed in a way that they face south or west. If your property’s roof is not located in that direction, opting for ground-mounted solar panels makes more sense.

Also, there is no need to install extra solar panels, as in the case of rooftop solar panels. (not facing south or west) It is relatively easier to harness solar energy in the Caribbean or other places that receive abundant sunlight all around the year.

When solar panels are installed on the roof, allowing no space between the rooftop and the panel, it leads to a considerable rise in panel temperature. (35 degrees celsius). Therefore, leaving a distance of approximately 150mm between the roof surface and the panel will result in optimal power generation.

Panels can get as hot as 65 degrees celsius in places with hot summers, which could reduce the power output by nearly 26%. Nonetheless, the equation is not simple because many variables affect the power output other than the coherent value.

Advantages of ground-mounted solar panels

Easy access & maintenance

Robust racking & support

Directional flexibility

Greater options for placement

Options for bifacial panels

No need to repair or install a new roof

No chances of obstructions due to trees/shadows

Customised sizes

Facilitates easy cleaning

Final Thoughts

Now that we have compared both ground-mounted and roof-top solar systems, we can safely say that no option is better than the other. Considering the pros and cons of each option and assessing your circumstances, you need to select an alternative that meets your specific needs.

If your roof receives plenty of sunshine and faces no obstructions, a roof-mounted solar system is the best for you. Property owners or occupants unable to access their roof or face space constraints can opt for the ground-installation option. In this way, they will be able to enjoy excellent financial and environmental benefits.

Click here to read more: https://caribbeanlife.medium.com/roof-mounted-vs-ground-mounted-solar-system-the-ultimate-guide-a8991231a15

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Beginners Guide to Solar Energy & Panels

The use of solar energy in the Caribbean is at the pinnacle as an initiative to lower energy consumption. It also works as resilience against climate change and severe storms. The Caribbean’s sunny weather, tropical climate, and proximity to the equator lead to long sunny days.

The rising cost of fuel and other resources heightens the price of traditional sources of electricity not just in the Caribbean but across the world. Thus, continuous attempts are made by businesses and authorities to focus on photovoltaics to lower their energy costs.

Are you keen to know the basics of solar energy and its benefits? Read below how solar energy has the potential to transform our lives to a full extent with sustainable living.

Meaning & History of Solar Energy

Solar cells capture the sun’s light (photons) and convert it to electricity (voltage). This process is known as photovoltaic. It can be used to power businesses, cars, homes, calculators, and other appliances.

Traversing the history of solar energy, solar cell technology got pioneered during the industrial revolution. In 1839, Alexandre Edmond Becquerellar explained the concept of the photovoltaic effect and its ability to convert solar energy into electricity.

Types of Solar Power Plant

Solar Power (energy) Plant can be classified into three different types that are:

Utility-Scale

Commercial

Residential

What are the Advantages of Solar Energy?

The benefits of solar energy are endless;

Eco-friendly

Cost-effective

Profitable

Domestic Energy

Sustainable

Click here to read more: https://caribbeanlife.medium.com/beginners-guide-to-solar-energy-panels-5f7b750d6f12

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Approximately 50 billion tons of greenhouse gases are emitted every year. You would be surprised to hear that 4 to 7 million deaths occur due to air pollution each year. All this could be prevented just by making the transition to renewable energy.

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14 Most Vital Benefits of Energy Conservation, Despite all the global warming, air pollution, and enormous electricity bills, we still need to educate people and provide them with energy conservation...

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14 Most Vital Benefits of Energy Conservation

Despite all the global warming, air pollution, and enormous electricity bills, we still need to educate people and provide them with energy conservation tips. Life is funny, isn’t it?

Approximately 50 billion tons of greenhouse gases are emitted every year. You would be surprised to hear that 4 to 7 million deaths occur due to air pollution each year. All this could be prevented just by making the transition to renewable energy.

Energy consumption decreased 4% worldwide during the pandemic, but we have returned to our old ways in the past few months. Sadly, 84% of the world’s energy needs are met by fossil fuels.

We need to understand that apart from the financial and environmental aspects, cutting down on energy usage, using them judiciously & implementing renewable energy programs can potentially result in mental & physical health improvements.

There is a growing awareness among people worldwide about energy conservation, but many don’t understand its significance. When more and more people understand the gravity of the situation and implement energy-saving measures, it will bring about substantial changes. In this blog, we will discuss the innumerable benefits of energy conservation.

14 Advantages Of Energy Conservation

Prevents depletion of fossil fuels

Reduced electricity bills

Increased ROI

Boost in property value

Refined quality of life

Environmental conservation

Continuous return on energy-efficient investments

Shield yourself from soaring electricity prices

Fewer power plants

Reduce habitat destruction

Stabilising energy prices

More time for research and development

Bright future for the younger generation

Get more out of life

Increased ROI

Every 112 hours, 37 zeta joules of the Sun’s energy reach Mother Earth, which is almost equivalent to the combined energy of natural gas, oil, and coal reserves. Imagine what we could accomplish if we could tap even half of that energy to meet our energy needs. This is why we should not shy away from investing in energy-efficient appliances.

Don’t be scared by the initial cost of investing in energy-efficient appliances or technology. You can recover the initial investment in a few years while enjoying long-term savings.

Boost in property value Energy-efficient homes have considerable demand in the real estate market. An energy-efficient home will command a higher price in the real estate market than a home with similar features minus energy-efficient features, every small detail matters. Moreover, homes with green certifications enjoy a higher selling price versus non-energy-efficient homes.

While house hunting, many homebuyers look for houses with energy efficiency features. Renewable energy usage shot up by 45% in 2020, but we still have a long way to go.

People think long-term. They know that energy-efficient homes mean lower electricity bills and fewer repair costs. Energy efficiency is a desirable feature, no matter what kind of residential property you purchase.

Refined quality of life Through reasonable and proper energy use, you can improve your home’s comfort and experience remarkable health benefits. Implementing energy-efficient measures means your home will be warmer during winters and cooler during summers while ensuring optimal ventilation.

Smart, energy-efficient measures like these reduce the chances of illnesses, mould growth and prevent the build-up of indoor pollutants, especially in high radon emission areas. As per the research conducted by the World Watch Institute, buildings accounted for over 40% of the world’s energy. Through energy-efficient measures, you can enjoy enormous financial and health benefits.

When we talk about the financial benefits of energy-efficient buildings, they provide an impressive 4:1 cost-benefit ratio, and a significant proportion of these are health-related benefits.

Click here to read more: https://caribbeanlife.medium.com/energy-conservation-tips14-most-vital-benefits-of-energy-conservation-74ca5556b32c

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Caribbean renewable energy solution is ideal, where low-lying islands are surrounded by ocean.

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How Renewable Energy from the Ocean Could Transform the Caribbean islands surrounded by deep water are perfect candidates for technologies that can produce renewable energy from temperature...

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Caribbean renewable energy solution is ideal, where low-lying islands are surrounded by a coral reef and a deep drop-off to the ocean floor close to shore.

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How Renewable Energy from the Ocean Could Transform the Caribbean

Caribbean islands surrounded by deep water are perfect candidates for technologies that can produce renewable energy from temperature differences in the ocean layers.

The problem with the two most widely implemented types of renewable energy is that they are intermittent: a solar power system doesn’t work at night, and wind turbines don’t work if there’s no wind. To address these problems, you need to have a method of storing surplus energy in some sort of battery that can be discharged when the generating source is not available.

Other renewable sources, such as hydroelectric dams, geothermal energy or energy from biomass, rely on specific local resources, such as rivers, volcanic vents or readily available and cheap material for burning to create steam to spin a turbine or decomposition for gas production.

There is one potential solution that could overcome at least some of the problems in finding an energy generation model that is clean, green, sustainable and cheap. Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC), a technology conceptualised in the 1880s, has proven promising in laboratory conditions since the 1970s but is only recently proving itself as having large-scale commercial possibilities.

Some of us are already familiar with a form of OTEC technology called Seawater Air Conditioning (SWAC), used by commercial developers and governments for district cooling and heating of buildings, offices, hotels and apartments. These systems extract deep, cold water from a nearby ocean or lake to produce air-conditioning using just 10% of the electricity used by traditional air conditioning systems.

Three things are needed in order to make a renewable energy OTEC system attractive – warm surface water, easy access to deep, cold water, and high energy costs due to importing diesel for electricity generation. On the face of it, OTEC is the ideal Caribbean renewable energy solution, where low-lying islands are surrounded by a coral reef and a deep drop-off to the ocean floor close to shore. They also have to import a lot of expensive diesel to run the generators for their electricity.

The current development of OTEC renewable energy programs is mostly concentrated in the Far East and Pacific, with a half dozen operational and at least eight more proposed systems on the drawing board, most with a modest output. In the Caribbean, there are proposals for operating OTEC power plants in Barbados, the Bahamas, the US Virgin Islands and Martinique, some with an output capacity between 10 and 15 - megawatts.

Click here to read more: https://fortistci.mystrikingly.com/blog/how-renewable-energy-from-the-ocean-could-transform-the-caribbean

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Why is Renewable Energy Important for the Caribbean?

Four years ago, disastrous hurricanes that hit the Caribbean caused irreversible damage to its power grids to such an extent that the electricity supply remains limited to date in many regions. The Caribbean islands continue to look for a permanent solution by utilizing renewable energy sources to tackle the hurricane season.  Renewable energy programs will help diversify the island's power supply and increase resilience.

Another challenge that the Caribbean faces is climate change. The hazards that result in warm temperatures cause sea levels to rise, increasing extreme weather episodes that make the Caribbean susceptible to grave dangers.

The implementation of the renewable energy program will sustain the islands when it faces the wrath of natural calamities. More than 200 hundred days of pure sun is beneficial to produce Solar energy. The solar panels will generate electricity at similar or less expensive costs compared to conventional power plants. Along with Solar Power, wind, geothermal energy, and hydropower, there lies a vast potential to free the islands from fossil fuels entirely.

The Advantages of Renewable Energy Resources

1. Unlock the access to inexhaustible fuel supply

Renewable sources naturally replenish themselves, unlike the mining of coal, crude oil, and natural gas. Over the decades of unstoppable usage of fossil fuels, they are becoming strenuous and expensive to source that results in the irreversible destruction of natural habitats resulting in significant financial loss. On the other hand, renewable energy will never run out.

2. Zero Carbon Emissions

One of the most remarkable benefits of Caribbean renewable energy programs is that it leads to zero-emission of greenhouse gases or other pollutants. Embracing renewable sources such as solar power will no longer contribute to global warming. Many renewable energy sources are already powering cars and air travel, providing us with emission-free energy and heat.

3. Cleaner Air and Water

The burning of fossil fuels to generate electricity adversely impacts and contaminates the air we breathe and the water we consume. For example, coal power stations releases high volumes of carbon dioxide and nitrous oxide immediately into the atmosphere that are few of the most notoriously potent greenhouse gases.

In contrast to fossil fuels, renewable energy produces no pollution, waste, or doesn’t contaminate air or water, and in fact, it has the potential to clean the air.

The Caribbean Investing in Renewables Energy

MPC Caribbean Clean Energy Ltd., a Caribbean-based investment company, recently announced this week that it had made a “Commitment to Action” to escalate the implementation of renewable energy in the Caribbean by making it straightforward for US impact investors to enter the Caribbean market. 

In the coming two years, the company aims to raise USD 90 million from US-based impact investors, institutional investors, and foundations. This money will be distributed amongst the 15 renewable infrastructure projects in the Caribbean.

Click here to read more: https://fortistci.mystrikingly.com/blog/why-is-renewable-energy-important-for-the-caribbean