I am interested to know if anyone, perhaps turey or Zed, may know of a reputable supplier/installer of solar panels in Ja. In the not too distant future I may be in need of installation for one or two one-bedromm units, with kitchen and bathroom attached.
Any recommendation is welcomed.

On a recent visit I was told that there was one in Mandeville; however I haven't got the details.

My equipment is not set up yet Florida. I bought four 20w panels that fit in my toolbox, a battery charge controller and the inverter with the highest output that Canadian Tyre had; 3,500 Watts, 120 V ac from a 12 volt dc deep cycle battery powered by the panels. I'm still to select a battery which is simpler to get locally as shipping batteries is a hassle. I suspect the prices of everything locally are competitive as there are no import duties on alternative energy equipment.....True?

Check pages 765 to 767 in the 2011 Lime business directory, dealers, consultants etc are listed. I was surprised how many.

Could you let us know how your system works out. I'll report on mine when it's running.

I'm in the conceptional stage turey. Just trying to marshall resources and gather info. Will keep you posted. Thanks for the suggestions.

Hell-oh Florida
You must be very excited about putting down some comfort roots in Treasured soil.

It seems that the fact that you are doing new construction and not retrofitting offers some real opportunities for passive solar design (including landscaping, cross ventilation/natural cooling & heat-venting.)
Conservation in choice and distribution of lighting, appliances and devices can never go wrong in an era of high electrical rates from JPS and no end in sight for rising imported fuel to produce electricity.

No doubt you will entertain many perplexing options in your design-build decisions about your energy needs, but since you sound open to suggestions, rather than throwing out a power point presentation, perhaps you will take these ideas as a drop in the sea.

Site Selection...Building Orientation...Design Considerations (Sizing)
• Since the optimum placement of Solar PV panels for Treasure Beach environs is facing southward 17.8 degree tilt from level (tilt angle equalling the TB latitude of 17deg +), consideration should be given to your roof structure closely adapting to these design criteria.

An architectural trend in solar design is to integrate the photovoltaics (PV), almost to the point of diguise into the building structures. (PV roof tiles/shingles and thin film PV applied to metal roofs, though less efficient for now, are finding wider applications...but not yet in use on the Island.)
However, if well planned, solar panels, clipped onto standing seam metal roofs, can appear, aesthetically, to be like an array of Skylights.

• The less shading of the solar panels from trees or other structures, the better the efficiency.

• In the Design Phase, the most important exercise is to PLAN every electrical appliance, device and lighting and its "draws" to calculate electrical loads. Conservation is the key (Energy Star or better appliances, LED/CFL bulbs...the heaviest users of energy being clothes dryers, refrigerators, dishwashers, ac's...)
There are Energy Consumption Estimate/Analysis Tables downloadable on-line which will help determine the sizing of the PV system. This saves time and expense when transmitting the info to your Engineer/Installer.
(We recommend Real Goods for System Sizing Worksheets/ Power Consumption Tables)

Renewable Energy System Equipment:
• As expressed by others in this forum (including villa owner Karen Kennedy @ Rainbow Tree), Solar Water Heating installation is a no-brainer as its payback period is relatively short. SWH has also been mandated in the Draft copy of the Jamaica Building Code.

• Most of the major Solar installers in Jamaica import the highest rated Solar PV panels, inverters-chargers, breakers-disconnects, system monitors, batteries and Solar Water Heating equipment on the global market. The government has eliminated charging GCT (tax) & some other import duties for import of solar equipment.
Look for the highest wattage panel for the price (for example, a BP 225 watt), thereby reducing the number of panels required. Price per Watt.
EXAMPLE: If your Consumption Calculations spit out that you will need 5000 watts(5kW) to run your household efficiently, that would require approximately 22 panels.

With each panel measuring approx. 5ft x 2ft, that should give you some idea of roof area coverage required or additional masts/pole to mount the panels elsewhere on the property.

Back-up Service:
Solar PV & SWH are considered intermittent power or hot water suppliers due to non-charging at night time or reduced functioning due to cloudy/stormy days. Various storage/emergency methods are necessary.
• Battery Bank: For the independent-minded, but costly. Batteries are a weak link in the system and need to be maintained (& safe-guarded). Longevity is getting better, but for now think 6-9 years.
• Diesel Generator
• Small wind turbine (if wind conditions and yard area allows)
• Grid-tied or Utility-Intertie to the public utility (JPS), which becomes technical with the choice of the right inverter, and compatibility of cycles (hertz) of the solar system and cut-offs. Not everyone is qualified to hook up nor will JPS allow because of safety issues.
(Note: JPS operates on 50 hertz, whereas the US operates on 60 hertz, so equipment has to be co-ordinated)
• Hybrid Grid-tied/Battery back-up and/or Wind turbine.

Solar Engineering Contractors/Installers
Listed below are 3 Jamaican firms which we have interviewed or dealt with.
• Alternative Energy Sources
The only disclaimer is that we have a contractual professional:client relationship with Alternative Power Source which is deemed to have the widest experience and the most prominent installations, including wind turbines (especially the very streamlined Southwest Skystream 3.7 (2.7kW).
They are headed by Damian Lyn, who is vigorously lobbying through the Jamaica Solar Energy Association (JSEA) for net metering which will allow favourable rates for grid-tied solar PV energy producers, at times when their excess power is juiced back on line or when it would be necessary to draw on the utilities power when the panels are not charging.
(Note: Of the 3 firms listed, APS, alone, charges an engineering Design Fee which is applied to the installation of the system.)

• Alternative Energy Plus is essentially a young engineer/entrepreneur out of Portmore, who has gained some media interest, but has not yet established a long track record.

• Alternative Control Engineering Ltd located in Mandeville, might be considered the "local" company and promotes itself as having been in business for over 36 years...offering a wide array of solar water heaters, solar equipment and electrical systems.
We like that ACE Ltd has recommended bifacial solar panels for the public's consideration. These are 2-sided high sunlight efficiency panels which generate electricity from ambient light that has passed through the panel or is reflected off the surrounding surface...top and bottom, more bang for your buck, but at a higher price.
Natural uses are patio covers or yard pergolas with sunlight bouncing off the pavers.

RESOURCES:

Kingston
• Alternative Power Sources
Andrea Tucker (Sales Executive)
tel: 876-960-4886//em: andrea.tucker@apsja.com
web: www.apsja.com

•Alternative Energy Plus
Morris Hutchinson
tel: 876-998-2907 (o)/ 876-878-4500 (c)//em: Alternativeenergyplus@yahoo.com

Mandeville
• Alternative Control Engineering Ltd
31 DeCarteret Rd
Richard Pink (Support Engineer)
tel: 876-962-2773 (o)/ 305-420-5593 (vonage)
em: info@aceja.eiz

Morris Huthcinson of Alternative Energy Plus has become a bit of a media darling in the Renewables field. He also produces one of the best presentations of systems designs we have seen...including in the US.

VIDEO:
Alternative Energy Plus-Completely Off-Grid Solar/Wind Turbine Demonstration Home in Portmore:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=drmETMPvXic

Morris Hutchinson: Alternative Energy Plus-Why Not Go Solar?
http://jamaica-gleaner.com/gleaner/20110109/news/news7.html

Morris Hutchinson: Earning from Renewable Energy
http://jamaica-gleaner.com/gleaner/20100502/business/business2.html

Thanks Zed. I look forward to internet, music, light, fridge, pumps from the sun, learning maintenance and understanding how electrons flow in a well tuned circuit.

Just about that time for the first photovoltaic factory here.

Do the local battery makers produce deep cycle batteries?

An inverter seems to be assembled from peices by many different makers. Coils, capacitors, resistors etc. It should be straightforward to make them here.

CORRECTION TO OUR POSTING:
The Mandeville Renewable Energy Business is Automatic Control Engineering Ltd NOT Alternative Control Engineering Ltd. The telephone & email, however, are correct.

Solar Energy Businesses in Jamaica:
http://energy.sourceguides.com/businesses/byP/solar/byGeo/byC/Jamaica/Jamaica.sh tml

Alternative Power Sources' Extensive Projects:
www.apsja.com/main/doric-writeup.php

Excellent information Zed!

Thank you for sharing your knowledge -- the more who know about how to use natures resources the better for all (everywhere).

I knew you'd come through eventually Zed. This is quite a "load" for a pencil pusher such as myself; definitely will be timely. I feel partial to the Mandeville people due to their proximity. Many thanks.

Florida-Sunshine...Back at ya.
From another posting in the Forum (African Huts Glow With Renewable Power), we left a LINK for Sizing A Small Solar Electric System, which is a little more "user friendly" than what the engineers employ.
Although US-based, it is not a bad little Primer for a pencil-pusher making some initial calculations, and will give you a heads-up when consulting with the Renewables folks in Mandeville or elsewhere.

www.energysavers.gov/your_home/electricity/index.cfm/mytopic=10840

Would you like to describe your project and its location in the neighbourhood, so that we might drop by during your construction/installations and perhaps bring along some of Sandy Bank School's young scientist-engineers for encouragement?

Goodie-goodie luck!

Thanks Zed, I read the above link and felt more at ease. I'm not very comfortable with shop-talk and believe I would have to rely heavily on Google for definitions etc. Yes, if by Divine will, I ever get to that stage, I would be more than happy to interact with the kids. That would be a real high!
Do you know if the Ja Govt has any incentives/loans for folks interested in something like this?

Flo-rider...National Housing Trust Loans were set up to advance SOLAR Island-wide, but a primary NGO (Jamaica Solar Energy Association) which watch-dogs these interests has voiced their concerns.

http://jamaica-gleaner.com/gleaner/20100716/business/business9.html

Who Can Apply for an NHT Loan?
http://forum.realjamaicaestate.com/index.php?topic=14.0

As of present there are no tax credits, rebates etc available for solar equipment in JA, unless you were able to wrangle some discount from the equipment manufacturer or importer...hook or by crook.

Does anyone have any experience with Geeen Lantan Energy in the Lititz District, Junction. Indeed, this would appear to be the most local Renewables supplier. On their site, they are touting Free Installation.

I believe that Andrew Scott, who runs Breds' Source, and has some solar PV on his house lives or lived near there and might be able to add some quality info.

Green Lantan Energy
http://www.go-greenjamaica.com/default.html

This could be a game changer.

http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2005/01/0114_050114_solarplastic.html

A house covered with it would become your electrical generator.

Great stuff Zed. Wish this could become commonplace in Ja. The prices seem daunting for the ordinary person but where there's a will there's often a way.

turey...why not?

As yu seh:
Just about that time for the first photovoltaic factory here.

Do the local battery makers produce deep cycle batteries?

An inverter seems to be assembled from peices by many different makers. Coils, capacitors, resistors etc. It should be straightforward to make them here.

If federal prisoners in the US can assemble and manufacture solar equipment, resourceful Jam-ers ought certainly to echo "Yes we can"...should really do wonders lowering unit pricing.
Look to the Chinese (perhaps the Spaniards) for setting up and/or subsidizing factory facilities here.

Anyone watching the World Cup from South Africa this summer must have seen the Chinese solar panel manufacturer Yingli plastered on the stadium display boards.

Federal Prisoners Manufacture PV Panels
http://tobuildsolarpanel.net/federal-prison-gets-prisoner-made-solar-panels/

Yingli Solar
http://ir.yinglisolar.com/phoenix.zhtml?c=213018&p=irol-newsArticle&ID=1404774&h ighlight=

As far as batteries are concerned...don't know of any deep cycle batteries being manufactured in Ja. We have looked favourably, in a coastal environment, on the Rolls S530 Deep Cycle Battery. It features a high cycle life with thick positive plates and a large liquid reserve.. Taller plates create a higher capacity. This model is 6 volts with a capacity of 400 amp hrs @ 100 Hr rate. Warranted for 7 years with expected life of 15 years. Greater life has been had due to optimum care and storage.

The Rolls (Surrette Canada) is not cheap at approx. US$350 a pop (each) in Ja. A 4 BR dwelling (with pool) and a Caretaker's apartment we designed necessitated 28 x (205w solar PV panels). The back-up battery bank requirement was for 32 batteries. That's a whopping US$11,200 !

Deep Cycle Battery Comparisons
www.windsun.com/Batteries/battery_comparison.htm

Thanks Zed. I'm starting from scratch. When the time comes, I'll look at what my energy requirements are. If it was just a few lights, computer, maybe cooler and pumps, my panel/battery etc requirements would be minimal. I plan to set up my workshop-in-retirement with a lathe, drill press etc. Not all running at once. The lathe motor will be at least 1hp. Just talking aloud to share the planning path ahead.

Sounds like both you turey and Zed have some teachable skills: Zed with alternative power and turey with some skills alluded to in the above posting. Am I presumtive to suggest these are subjects that could be volunteered to the schools in the area? In time, a layperson like myself could pick up the baton. The first step is always the most important. There could be many "sub chiefs" awaiting.

Yes Florida, passing on my experiences is part of the process. An Each One Teach One thing.

In Search of a Local Alternative Energy Company That Can Deliver on Quality-Efficient Design Engineering-Reliability-Pricing-Installation

We have just received a response from Rory Sinclair (Sales Mngr) of Green Lantan Energy (Wind & Solar Energy Products) located in Lititz District, Junction. They seem to be the new kid on the block, but they are very enterprising, aggressively marketing solar & wind.
We are not endorsing them per se. We are all aware of suitcase businesses which are here today and gone tomorrow.

The fact that Rory Sinclair mentions Carl Sinclair (certified master technician/electrician @ Alpart) from Junction as consultant may or may not ease some skepticism, but deserves some following up.

Rory Sinclair's Response to Our Inquiries:

I understand your engineer's reluctance to embrace renewable technology. But unlike JPS which is a recurring and unending expense, you will be able to:

1. Freeze your energy costs for the next 20 years or so.
2. Instead of energy costs increasing every year, it will show a decline every year for the next 5 to 6 years after which it will be virtually free.
3. The pride of creating your own energy is equivalent to owning your own business because it comes with a certain sense of freedom.
4. With the rising demand of energy and limited supply of fossil fuels, it is inevitable that the price of electricity will sky-rocket within the next 5 years, making those who take action now ahead of the curve and enjoying free energy by then.
5. And even JPS has made substantial investments toward creating their own wind energy, which they turn around and sell back to the consumer while still increasing their rates year after year.
6. I should stop there 'cause I could go on and on for days.

Attached is a spec sheet of the small wind turbine shown on my YouTube video. It is a (Cummins) WindMax 2.6 KW Hybrid (2KW wind + 600W solar) System with a proven track record worldwide for providing a high quality yet affordable source of renewable energy. The payback on this system is within 5 years.

We use guy cable towers or free-standing hydraulic towers, depending on the customers requirements and budget. For wind turbines over 2 KW I usually recommend the hydraulic tower because you can lower it yourself if you have a small compressor, which comes in handy during the hurricane season. It is always wise to protect your investment during a hurricane to prevent damage from high winds & flying debris.

We warranty all our products with the exception of batteries for 12 months (parts and labor) if we do the istallation. I can also order any parts needed later on down the line. We use Evergreen Solar Panels and I'm very pleased with their performance so far.

Here's a link showing it in action: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HrwzKFgHv2c

It's a little monster capable of max output of 3000W in high winds..

In St. Elizabeth, I contract the services of Mr. Carl Sinclair from Junction, who is a certified master technician/electrician for Alpart and has extensive knowledge and experience when dealing with renewable energy systems. He personally has his own system installed on his home and is familiar with maintenance and upkeep.

I'm going to set-up a demo shop to show-case some of these products in action at my home/HQ in Lititz in March. I'll be posting the results on our youtube channel and website.

In a future posting we would like to revisit the issues of annual average wind speeds in TB, data on sizing, robustness & installation of small/micro wind turbines in hybrid solar PV configurations.