A New Flavor of GRID-TIE offered by BPL  

SSRG allows Grid-Tie with 5kW PV Capacity using  Micro or String Inverters

Effective Immediately!. A framework for Grid-Tie interconnection is here! Bahamas Power & Light (BPL) recenty announced provisions for renewable energy grid tie-ins for residential customers. Commercial customers will need to wait a bit longer for the privilege. Sorry about that! Download the Residential application here.

Residential customers, subject to current provisions and acceptance of their application on a "first come first served" basis, will be allowed to connect to the utility grid. The first phase of the BPL Grid-Tie program has rolled out, not as RESG, but as "Small Scale Renewable Generation" (SSRG). Emphasis on the word "small". If the homeowner supplies more energy to BPL than they consume, a credit will be applied to their account and carried forward into the next month. Credits will roll forward until October of each year, when they will be reset to zero.

Under the new plan, New Providence's total installed capacity can not exceed 10MW. Homeowners are limited to a maximum capacity of 5kW, with the additional caveat that "no system can supply greater than BPL’s estimate of the customer’s average peak demand or 50 kW, whichever is the lesser, to the grid unless otherwise approved by BPL”.

Assuming a 5kW residential cap, and phase one's 10MW total installed limit, there are 2,000 lucky New Providence households that can apply for Grid-Tie under the SSRG program. Family islands are included in the SSRG program, where BPL operates,  but with lower limits, and  lower caps. 

"BPL also reminds its customers that in compliance with its regulatory mandate, it reserves the right to deny grid integration of any system it evaluates as non-compliant, unsafe or unfit for purpose.”

More than likely, Line and Riser diagrams would be required, along with compliance and confirmation that the customer is using approved equipment.  The SSRG announcement stated the interconnection agreement would be available on the  BPL’s website, www.bplco.com, The SSRG Application can be downloaded here:  http://www.bahamaselectricity.com/ssrg.html  Here are other SSRG documents available for download:

SSRG Facts
Interconnection Agreement
Grid Requirements

GridTie Solar in the Bahamas for 2017

The waiting is just about over!  Bahamas Power & Light’s (BPL) residential consumers should be able to install grid-tied renewable energy systems by the end of January 2017, according to a recent statement by the Utilities Regulation & Competition Authority’s (URCA) top executive. 

According to recently published information, the Bahamas National Energy Policy 2013-2033 aims to have 30 per cent of the Bahamas’ energy needs generated from renewable sources by 2030.

There's more good news! Prices for GridTie and Battery Backup systems have fallen dramatically. So if you're a fan of Schneider, Outback, SMA, Enphase, Magnum Energy and Solectrica inverters, Solarworld, Suniva, Canadian Solar, and other major brands of Solar Modules, you'll garner huge discounts on your new renewable energy system. The savings are  well worth the wait.

Lets stay tuned . . .

Over the years I've seen  great strides in the renewable energy sector, yet more can be done. Island Nations are particularly fertile ground for advancement of renewable energy technologies. One obvious reason is to maintain the pristine environmental ecosystem that attracts millions of visitors to such awesome natural wonders.

Having enjoyed the beautiful beaches and crystal clear waters of the Bahamas for over ten years, I have always had on my wish list to spend more time there in my retirement years. After 25+ years in the electronics, eco-construction and alternative energy industry, retirement is now, more than ever, an inevitable destination. So with retirement  knocking on the door, I've turned my sights back to that endearing island known for its "Sand, Sea and Sun".

Non-Profit Solar Training
Recently I have volunteered as a technical Trainer with a NonProfit organization serving the Metro-Atlanta area of Georgia.  The group known as Ambient , provides renewable energy training and subsidized renewable energy installations as part of their mission and outreach to  the local and international community.

My experience so far is encouraging. To see our youth learn new skills, and apply those skills in the renewable energy industry is nothing short of humbling. One of our first successful groups of trainees, completed their initial "on-the-job" training, and installed a Rooftop 8,000 Watt GridTie solar system in just under a 1-1/2 Days. Similar sized Off-Grid  and Hybrid systems progressed just as efficiently.

So it's not a question of, "if" it can it be done. It's more a challenge of,  "who" will help make it happen.I'm sure there are hundreds, if not thousands of young men and women that would be interested in learning a new skill in the renewable energy sector. But, having the knowledge and ambition is not the only required ingredient. Opportunity, must be created.

A Question and a Simple Challenge
Is there opportunity in your local community for youth to launch a career in the renewable energy sector? If, not, what can you do to become an agent of change in your community? In partnership with www.Ambientinc.org, we provide "no cost" renewable energy training to communities that host events to empower their youth in this viable industry. Additionally,  in partnership with sponsors, volunteers and donors, we contribute time, equipment and installation services to provide subsidized solar systems to elderly citizens, Veterans and families on fixed incomes. Do you know someone that would like to learn a new skill in the renewable energy sector? Would you would like to host a training event or volunteer your time, or co-sponsor an essential Off-Grid solar system for a family in need? Visit www.AMBIENTINC.org , become and "Agent of Change" and learn more about our international solar training initiatives. We would  be happy to assist.

"MADE IN THE BAHAMAS" OPPORTUNITY
Maybe, volunteering isn't your thing, So for entrepreneurs, and others that might take a keen interest in advancing renewable energy technologies and manufacturing opportunities in the Bahamas, consider reaching out to our affiliate Power 3 Technologies, Inc.  They are considering establishment of a modest assembly facility to produce Portable Solar Generators, LED Solar Lighting, and  also Public Solar Charging Stations for the Family Islands as as a way to generate jobs and create a new "Made In The Bahamas"  renewable energy industry. This opportunity is also open to other regions that have an interest in expanding Micro-Business opportunities in the renewable energy industry.

The PreLaunch campaign was initiated to gauge the level of interest.  These are very small steps, of course, but progress in the right direction with the right intention and heart. Knowledge is empowering, and we believe that working together should always build success for" everyone"  involved.

If you would like to become part of the Power 3 Technologies team, and help promote and participate in the Pre-Launch event, you can play a part in bringing renewable energy manufacturing to the Bahamas by visiting the Solar Generator Campaign at https://www.thunderclap.it/projects/45409-refueling-for-free-with-solar?locale=en

Does it feel warm to you?

I woke up this morning to this photo and headline in the Boston Globe, "South Pole crosses ‘unfortunate’ global warming milestone." Normally, I would just glance at a headline like this and pass right over to the sports section, however, this time I noticed something very different, and it prompted me to read further. I'm glad I did. Don't get me wrong, I do believe that we're experiencing the effects of global warming worldwide.  But I've been bombarded with hyped headlines about rising ocean levels for years. But this time, something was different, so I read on.

The story goes on to state that, . . . "The world is getting warmer, and now scientists say that carbon dioxide levels at the South Pole are the highest they have been in 4 million years."

Ok, now you've got my attention. Did I read that right? 4 Million Years? So I read even deeper. "In a statement released by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, levels detected on May 23 showed carbon dioxide levels at more than 400 parts per million. Greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide are blamed for contributing to global warming." When I read this portion of the article I really took close notice, because NOAA is far from being a crackpot, media mill organization.

The article reiterated something I knew to be 100% true when it stated,  . . ."Because fossil fuel emissions are the primary source of carbon dioxide, the South Pole’s remote location made it the last place on Earth to show signs of increasing carbon, according to Pieter Tans, with the NOAA Global Greenhouse Gas Reference Network."

This is serious folks, cause the punch line that shocked me was this zinger right here, . . . “Global (carbon dioxide) levels will not return to values below 400 ppm in our lifetimes, and almost certainly for much longer,” Tans said in an NOAA statement.

Time Out! You may be asking, why did I post this content in my SmartPower Blog? Well, when I look at Power 3 Technologies, Inc. for example, nicknamed P3PowerTech, an affiliate that has been actively been promoting renewables in the Caribbean and the Bahamas, I see the importance of everyone migrating to renewable energy. More so in the Island nations of the Caribbean. If everyone adopted even modest acceptance of renewable energy usage, it may not make a significant change in the global levels of carbon dioxide , but it will make a statement. Island nations have the most to lose, literally, from rising water tables. If there was anyone that should be at the forefront of renewable energy, it should be the Island nations of the Caribbean.

The cost of renewable energy solutions have dropped so low that it's less than $3,600 to install a 1,200 Watt 100% Offgrid  MicroGrid including energy storage in the Bahamas. Prices have dropped so low in the USA that's less than $2,800 for a basic 1,200 Watt Grid-Tie System, and the above systems are all using USA Made "UL Listed" Solar Modules and Inverters.

The rising water levels, are meeting lowered worldwide renewable energy prices. So what's stopping us from making a concerted effort to adopt renewable energy? PACE  programs in the USA promote  longterm solar system financing, and the 30% Federal Tax Credit is an extra sweetener that makes Solar an excellent environmental and financial investment.

Internationally, as an example, homeowners and business owners in the Bahamas can affordably finance their Off-Grid renewable energy system purchases through Power 3 Technologies, Inc., with good credit. Affiliates are already on the ground ready to assist, and answer questions to help transition from fossil fuel generators to solar powered generators. Portable Solar Generators,  "Made in the USA" are designed to power Lights, Fans, USB Devices, and Tablets start at less than $499 with Free Shipping through our preferred shipper, MailBoat. The system come complete with a 50 Watt Solar Panel, 20A Solar Charger, Inverter and "worry-free" sealed AGM batteries.  It may not power an entire home, but it's a start.

Folks, "The world is getting warmer". One way to make an impact is to make a bold statement. We call can all do something. Transitioning to Solar, for our small electronics and portable devices doesn't sound like a lot, but it's all about the power of numbers. Power to the People. Solar Power!

SUMMER SOLAR SOLUTIONS to SAVE MONEY!
Is your Air Conditioning System your worst enemy in the Summer Months? Why so?  Please don't tell me  your system is not equipped with a Variable Speed DC-Inverter. And please don't tell me your system is still using a dual-speed or even worse, a single speed compressor or one of those leaky window units !!  Really? You have one of those?!! 

Ok, enough of the soapbox speech. It isn't my intent to make you feel bad about your HVAC system, or your impending high electric bills, well sorta, but that's not the point. I do want you to  know you have options. So I really don't want you to feel any worse than you already are.(Especially since you haven't seen your June Electric Bill yet.)  So here's some advice to make sure you understand what's happening, and give you motivation to change the way you think about Solar Power and Air Conditioning. Changes  that will really save you Big this summer.





Think DC-Inverter , Variable Speed Compressor and Air Handler!
There, now you know, and you can't say you never knew. Knowledge is power, and now you're empowered to search online for suppliers of Ducted or Mini-Split Variable Speed Compressors and Air Handlers, which are extremely energy efficient and extremely compatible with Solar Power Systems. Some are even designed for direct Solar Input from Micro-Inverters into the outdoor Condenser Unit  AC Breaker.

I know what you're thinking? Why didn't I just list some examples here!  I could have, but I don't want to influence your decision making process, since I'm a Solar Air Conditioning Dealer. (You know, conflict of interest!) And, I don't want to do all the work for you for the simple reason, when you complete the research yourself, you'll appreciate it more, ....right?


Ok, Ok,..... I guess I could give you just a  sneek peak at one of the systems that I personally feel is one of the best on the market. It ties in directly to your Solar Power System and is a "true" Solar Air Conditioning System. (Not one of those suspect systems with the refrigerant running through an absorption panel on the roof??? Huh?)

So check this out!

And if you're interested, send me a note at tech@sensor3.com and I will be more than happy to help you design your very own high performance, energy saving, solar air conditioning system, at the best price possible.


It will not only keep you cool during the summer, but it'll cool off those HIGH SUMMER ENERGY BILLS instantly. Besides, It's Summer! Blast your Air Conditioning as much as you want. Stay Coooool! You've got SOLAR POWER and a Solar Air Conditioning System!

For All of My Cold Weather Friends!

Here's a really good read straight from ITEK Energy's Website.  If you still have a hard time wrapping your mind around the merits of solar electric, this is a must read. Solar works in places you'd least expect, like Seattle, Washington!  According to Itek, . . . "Washington is blessed with cool long summer days which results in more efficient solar production. The cooler temperatures we experience allow solar panels to perform at higher efficiencies than they do under hot desert sun.  With Washington State’s adoption of a net metering program in 1998, solar system owners are able to bank their summer production and pull upon the credits during the winter months. The rain for which Washington is so famous also plays a role in keeping solar systems free of dust throughout the year.

In addition to the ability to net meter your annual solar production, Washington State’s incentive program for locally built products is one of the most robust in the nation.  With current state incentives, system owners can make $0.54 for every Kilowatt hour they produce with solar.  It is this ability to make money on your energy rather than continuously spending money that allows system owners within Washington State to pay off their solar systems in as little as 6 years!

One of those most convincing pieces of evidence supporting solar energy’s potential within Washington State is the case study comparison between Washington and Germany’s annual solar potential.  Hamburg Germany has an average yearly solar potential of 2.96 kWh/meter^2/day whereas Seattle has 3.64 kWh/meter^2/day. Despite having less of a solar conducive climate than Washington Germany has been the world leader in installed solar capacity between 2000 and 2011.  Proving for those folks who ask about “How Solar Works in Washington” that there is a positive and informed answer."

Winter Solar

Did you know that "sunny and cold" environments provide optimal operating conditions for photovoltaic (PV) solar panels? Unfortunately, you won't experience daily averages of  5+ sun-hours in such locations. However, the point is, solar works even in places like Fairbanks Alaska. Taking it a step further, solar even works in the Pacific Northwest. It may come as a surprise, but Seattle, Washington and the surrounding areas have a growing community of PV supporters. My home-town, is no stranger to pushing the limits when it comes to being green. Besides, we are the "Evergreen State".

Not So Sunny Seattle and the Seahawks are Solar
It's football season, so I can't pass up the opportunity to promote my team and highlight their "green" factor at the same time. Snuggled up alongside I-5 sits Century Link Stadium, home to the Seattle Seahawks and 3750  rooftop solar panels. The panels cover 2.5 acres and generate over 830,000 kWh of electricity. While it's true, Seattle isn't the most ambient of cities, especially when compared to places like the Bahamas, we do know that solar electric systems can  operate with reflected and diffused sunlight as well. 

In an article published August 4, 2014 by John Roach at www.nbcnews.com,  it was noted in the comments by Brian Palmer that . . .
"Seattle is one of the most overcast cities in America. It is infamous for how rainy it is," the software engineer said. Yet, he added, it is just as cloudy in Germany, which leads the world in the number of solar-powered homes. If it works there –- and it does –- it will work in Seattle. Palmer's neighbor has had a solar system on his home for several years. Palmer's 6.48 kilowatt system cost $30,380 fully installed. 

Fortunately, "grid-tie" solar prices have come down dramatically, and on average, a 6.48 kilowatt PV system installed today would round out at about $21,000 installed before federal tax credits and utility incentives. In the Caribbean, a grid-tie PV system, featuring industry leading Enphase Micro-Inverters, after freight and duty, can still be installed as low as $3Watt, www.P3Powertech.com

Making Money On Solar?
In the case of Palmer, from Seattle, Washington, "The federal government will give him an income tax credit for 30 percent of that bill. As a resident of Washington with Washington-made equipment, he'll also receive $0.54 for every kilowatt-hour of solar energy his system produces up to $5,000 a year. What's more, the local utility will purchase his excess electricity at the retail rate, which in Seattle is currently $0.11 per kilowatt hour at peak demand. With all of the incentives factored in, Palmer reckons it'll take ten years to pay off the home equity loan he used to pay for the solar system and about $40,000 for a new energy-efficient home heating system, insulation, and to seal leaky windows and doors. "I would rather be paying that money toward paying off this investment," he said, "than just having it pour down the sink." 

Sink Factor
Palmer's observation brings up a very good question. What is the long-term utility expense of property owners that decide not to utilize alternative energy? We'll call it the "sink factor". A well thought out investment will hopefully pay dividends over time, however, an electric bill is, well, . . . money down the drain. The path to owning your own power generation system is quite easy these days. Subject to credit scores, you'll find $0-Down financing is readily available to "purchase" your PV system. Leasing is an entirely different topic, that we'll leave for another day.  Most experienced, Licensed PV installers and Contractors will provide a site survey and installation estimate at no cost. For peace of mind, 5-Year Labor and 20+ Year PV Module production warranties are typical offerings by reliable installation professionals.  But, here's the rub. Do nothing, and and average monthly electric bill of $150 turns into a "sink factor" of $18,000 over 10 Years. Fortunately, when energy reduction measures are put into place, such as LED Lighting, Solar Heatpumps, Solar Air Conditioning, Solar Thermal or Heatpump Water Heating, the value of your property increases, electric consumption takes a nosedive, and so does the size of your renewable energy system. Higher efficiency=Smaller PV System=Reduced Initial PV Investment. Even the cost of going 100% off-grid has been reduced in recent years. Renewable Energy Self Generation (RESG) is no longer a luxury, it's essential and pays big dividends.

                                                                                    RESG Starting Small

Renewable Energy Self Generation: It's not a bad idea to start small. Instead of expending 100% of your "energy dollars" to your local utility company, even a small investment in a renewable energy system that you "own" will pay big dividends. Did you know just two 280 Watt PV modules, for a total of 560Watts, can power all the LED lighting and Ceiling Fans of an average 3-bedroom home? And just one 245AH Battery and 1,000 Watt inverter will power those fans throughout the night? The cost? Too low to mention here, but to learn more about RESG and Starting Small, and perhaps installing your very own PV system, register for RESG - Starting Small, a Free Webinar scheduled for Saturday, December 5th, 2015 from 2:00 - 3:00PM EST . Register at  https://www.fuzemeeting.com/fuze/42bfe75d/31153278


So What Can I do with 1,000 Watts?
A system of 1,000 Watts doesn't sound like a lot. However, if you offset a portion of your  "essential" loads and power them off-grid with a renewable energy system, those circuits  become independent of the Grid. The key point with this solution is that your essential loads are now isolated from the negative impacts of power outages! With a 1KW hybrid renewable energy system using MicroInverters and a secondary "battery-based" inverter, you could operate your essential  LED Lighting Loads, Flat-screen TV, Cell Phone Chargers, Tablet and even an electric blanket 100% off-grid. It's certainly not a large system, by an measure, but "you own it!". You can always add to it, expand it and increase PV and Battery capacity.  For example, pictured at right are Enphases Micro-Inverters secured to a roof-top racking system with flashings (1). Electrically the system is tied into the Main Distribution Panel or SubPanel. Each Micro-Inverter also seamlessly communicates through an internet monitoring system (2), allowing viewing of your solar system status and production on your computer (3), tablet or smart phone. The complete system with racking, batteries, inverters and wiring is much less than you can imagine. We'll review this system in detail during our Free Webinar, RESG - Starting Small, on Saturday, December 5th. The idea behind starting small is that you don't have to be held back because of the high initial cost of a traditional PV system. You can start with a few PV modules, and add additional modules, up to a total of 17 per string. The point is,  . . . start small, and grow your system as your finances allow.

Sponsored by http://www.p3powertech.com
"Power Your World" 
Making Solar Power solutions available for everyone.

Solar Air Conditioning & Heat Pumps
With sizzling summer heat blazing from coast to coast, staying cool is a serious concern for comfort and safety. Maintaining comfortable indoor air temperatures at home and office comes at a price. Using a traditional air conditioning system  with a single-stage or 2-stage compressor throughout the summer will create a sizeable electric bill. Variable speed air conditioners and Mini-Splits with variable speed "DC-Inverter" technology will reduce your summer cooling expenses dramatically compared to traditional systems.

With lower "start-up" amps, which we refer to as "Locked Rotor Amps" (LRA), air conditioning systems with variable speed compressors are highly compatible with renewable energy solutions. Solar power is the Kryptonite to high energy bills. Renewable energy increases your property value, isolates you from electric rate hikes, allows you to own and generate your own electricity,  provides optional back-up power and is capable to power your  variable speed air conditioning system 100% !

Energy Efficiency Rating
The selection of  variable speed air conditioning systems in the market can be overwhelming. Fortunately there are resources that will help guide you in making a wise selection. The Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI) is one such source.  It's 300+ member companies produce more than 90 percent of the residential and commercial air conditioning, heating, water heating, and commercial refrigeration equipment made in North America. Homeowners can read valuable information online about the efficiency of the HVAC systems they are considering.The efficiency of central air conditioning systems is rated by a Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER). In general, the higher the SEER, the less electricity the system needs to do its job.  Read more about SEER ratings here at AHRI.   For information on Heat Pumps and Variable Speed Air Conditioning click the links below:

• Air Source Heat Pumps
• Heat Pump Mini-Splits
• Lennox Variable Speed Air Conditioning System
• Trane Variable Speed Air Conditioning System

SOLAR ELECTRIC AIR CONDITIONING
Unlike "solar thermal" air conditioning systems that operate under the theory that heating refrigerant under the sizzling summer heat before it is cycled through the condenser increases efficiency, Solar Electric Air Conditioning utilize renewable energy to generate electricity for cooling or heating of your home. A properly sized solar electric system can even provide enough electricity to power your lights and appliances up to 100% of your electrical needs. 

ENERGY STAR® qualified—SunSource® condensing units meet or exceed EPA guidelines for energy efficiency. When combined with solar modules in a properly sized solar power system, this solution can reduce your heating and cooling bills up to 100%.

Watch the Lennox Solar Air Conditioning Video!

An added bonus is the Enphase  Performance-Monitoring Website – Gives you 24/7 access to real-time data showing system status, energy production, and environmental benefits, including carbon offsets. Monitoring service is provided free for the life of the system.

For more information on optimum solar system design  and installation of Grid-Tie or Off-Grid solar power systems and solar air conditioning, visit http://www.P3Powertech.com.

Next Up! Solar Water Heating and "Plug-n-Play" Solar Power Generators. No Gas, No LP, No Propane, No Noise!   Isolate your home and office from power outages!
 
 

InterSolar North America Exhibition Ticket

Intersolar North America, North America’s most attended solar event and premier networking platform, takes place July 14-16, 2015 in San Francisco.

The event’s exhibition and conference both focus on the areas of photovoltaics, PV production technologies, energy storage systems and solar thermal technologies. Since being founded, Intersolar has become the most important industry platform for manufacturers, suppliers, distributors, service providers and partners of the solar industry.

I'm personally inviting active readers of this Blog who have an interest in receiving promotional pricing on Grid-Interactive and Off-Grid power systems to meet with me at InterSolar North America in San Francisco on Wednesday, July 15th, 2015.

In partnership with an InterSolar Exhibitor, I am awarding ComplementaryTickets to the Exhibition Hall on July 15th for up to 3 invited online guests selected from submissions received by Monday, June 15th, 2015. Visit www.P3PowerTech.com and complete the Contact Form. You will receive an Email confirmation on Wednesday, June 17th, 2015 if you are one of the 3 guests selected.
(This promotion is not available to Dealers, Retailers, Wholesalers or Resellers.)

No Surprises
It's Cheaper to Conserve!

While reading through archives on the subject of energy efficiency, I often find a gem or two that prompt greater attention than initially received. I came across another one this afternoon. So, here's an interesting tidbit  I'd like to share with you about energy conservation that was posted March 26, 2014, on the website for the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy. Here's the punch line:

"Each dollar invested in electric energy efficiency measures yields $1.24 to $4.00 in total benefits for all customers, which include avoided energy and capacity costs, lower energy costs during peak demand periods like heat waves, avoided costs from building new power lines, and reduced pollution."

"Washington, D.C.—According to a new report released today by ACEEE, energy efficiency is the cheapest method of providing Americans with electricity. Energy efficiency programs aimed at reducing energy waste cost utilities only about three cents per kilowatt hour, while generating the same amount of electricity from sources such as fossil fuels can cost two to three times more."
 
“The cheapest energy is the energy you don’t have to produce in the first place,” said ACEEE Executive Director Steven Nadel. “Our new report shows that when utilities are examining options on how to provide their customers with cheap, clean electricity, energy efficiency is generally the best choice.”

The author of the article, Patrick Kiker, points out in the sub-heading that... " Energy Efficiency Costs Utilities 2 to 3 Times Less Than Traditional Power Sources; Average of 2.8 Cents per Kilowatt Hour"  So if we take this a step further, in those areas of the world where power generation costs are double or triple the costs in the U.S.A., the case for utility funded energy efficiency programs as a priority should be crystal clear. Powering energy inefficient structures with fossil fuels or renewable energy is, . . .well, . .  I'll let you draw your own conclusions. You can read the full text of the article by Patrick Kiker by clicking "here"!