The Tribune

MINISTER of Education Jerome Fitzgerald applauded the historic installation of solar panels with 39Kw peak output at Tambearly School in Westridge, Nassau.

“Tambearly students should be extremely proud to be the first school in New Providence to install significant solar power. We are looking forward to the success of this project with a view to implementing it in other schools in New Providence,” he said.

Mr Fitzgerald added that the Ministry of Finance is encouraging each Cabinet minister to cut down on electricity costs and that the Ministry of Education is already training students to install and repair solar panels.

Supplied and installed by Power Windsun Bahamas Ltd, the 160 bright aqua solar panels give the roof of Tambearly Auditorium the look of a gigantic swimming pool.

Richard L Parker, president of Power Windsun, pointed out that fewer than 20 of his company’s solar panels can replace about $300 in monthly electrical costs.

He sees the “installation of renewable non-polluting solar energy panels as a way to reduce costs for businesses... and for schools a possible way to avoid some tuition increases, making quality education more affordable to a wider group.”

Alice Langford, founder and principal of the prestigious Tambearly School, said, “Tambearly School has always been keenly aware of the environment. We write on every line of paper; use only one hand towel each, and wear our sun hats every time we are outside.

“These were our baby steps. This solar energy installation is a giant step to improve our environment by using renewable energy. I think every child in Tambearly knows the value of conserving energy, so this is a very special day.”

Mr Parker thanked the Board of the Bahamas Electricity corporation, saying: “Everyone there is extremely concerned with and doing everything in their power to reduce the cost of electricity.”

BEC Chairman Leslie Miller regretted he was unable to attend the launch of the Tambearly installation, but commented that he considers it an important step forward for non-polluting renewable energy in the Bahamas.

Describing just how solar panels work, Mr Parker said, “When silicon crystals in the solar panels are struck by sunlight, electrons in the silicon crystals move about, creating an electrical current that can be harnessed to provide electrical power.”

Power Windsun Bahamas Ltd was established to forward the use of renewable energy in the Bahamas.

The company has two divisions. The first focuses on commercial installation applications; while the second provides certified training to independent installers and provides solar power kits starting at under $4,000.

These kits include solar panels, mounting rails, an inverter and, most importantly, a power management system.

According to Mr Parker, “ The power management system is the key to the whole system. It monitors the user’s consumption needs and regulates the inverter output level to avoid random overproduction. Overproduction at any time would lead to a positive electrical charge into the BEC grid lines which is illegal and will also result in a higher electricity bill instead of a lower one.”

“The public should be wary of installing solar power systems that do not have an active power management system.”