The Tribune

BY FAY SIMMONS

TRIBUNE Business Reporter

jsimmons@tribunemedia.net

A BAHAMIAN renewable energy provider yesterday said it is enjoying “triple platinum” sales as recurring power outages drive surging demand for solar and other alternative energy systems.

Erick Darling, owner of HBS Systems, said the company has been selling renewable energy systems at a rapid pace as homeowners and businesses look for alternatives to the traditional power grid.

“Triple platinum, man. Beyond. I don’t think Drake gone triple platinum more than us. Sold right out,” said Mr Darling. He added that his company is now installing new systems almost daily as demand continues to grow.

Mr Darling said he expects demand to receive another boost from a Bahamas Development Bank (BDB) initiative that will provide financing for renewable energy purchases, with HBS Systems set to participate in the bank’s upcoming expo.

“The Bahamas Development Bank invited us to the expo this Saturday, and they’re giving everybody zero percent financing. So the whole Bahamas now will be going renewable,” he said.

Mr Darling added that qualifying customers will be able to access up to 100 percent financing for renewable energy systems, potentially making the upfront cost of switching to solar more manageable for households and businesses.

He said the financing opportunity, combined with growing concerns over electricity reliability, could significantly expand the renewable energy market. “We really have good prices and good products, and a lot of opportunity for clientele,” Mr Darling said.

HBS Systems is also preparing to expand beyond residential and commercial renewable energy installations into electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure. Mr Darling said HBS Systems is preparing to install several super-fast EV chargers across New Providence, with the initial roll-out expected to include four locations.

“We’re getting ready to do super-fast EV charging infrastructure. We have about five of them we’re getting ready to put in,” he said.

The planned expansion comes amid a growing debate over the impact of electric vehicle charging on The Bahamas’ electricity network, with concerns raised about the additional load created by chargers and pushback from EV dealers who have argued that electric vehicles are not responsible for the wider reliability problems facing the grid.

Mr Darling said HBS Systems is looking at charging infrastructure as another area of opportunity as electric vehicle ownership grows. He added that the company’s approach is aimed at providing a faster charging option while addressing concerns around how EV charging infrastructure interacts with the existing electricity system.

The renewable energy provider’s expansion comes as businesses and households continue to seek greater energy independence following a summer of recurring outages, helping to drive demand for solar systems and other alternative energy solutions.