#renewableenergyprograms

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.

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.

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

Investing in renewable energy is not an easy task, but many exchange-traded funds (ETF) focus on hydro energy, solar energy, etc. Pay attention to these 4 tips like I do to invest in alternative energy.

Be cautious about greenwashing

- As an investor, you might think of investing in hydro or solar energy because you feel it will reduce your carbon footprint and enable you to contribute to the environment. Don’t just focus on the organization’s name. By the name of ABC Green Funds, the company may be investing in the oil and gas sector. Conduct research on the fund’s holdings and management to learn more about its mission, vision, and objectives.

Government policies may affect the outcomes

- The government policies and regulations in the renewable energy sector are different from other industries. Global climate change, global warming, regulations, subsidies are some factors that affect returns on investment for solar energy and related sectors. Increased demand, commercial financing, and private capital have led to a decline in government subsidies; hence investors no longer find it profitable. However, through ETF, one can get maximum exposure and reduce the risks of investing in a single stock.

As an investor, I follow the four tips above. I make it a point to conduct research, analyze the pros and cons, invest in companies that deal with

renewable energy in the Caribbean