There are more systems available besides solar panels to convert sunlight and heat to sustainable energy in a home or office; solar collectors and (combi) boilers and just two examples of this. In the Caribbean, the sun shines more than enough to supply energy through power solar water heaters and solar panels. This type of energy is almost infinitely available. The use of solar energy produces a minimal amount of environmentally harmful substances, such as CO, and is therefore considered a sustainable energy source.
Solar Water Heater
A solar water heater is made up of a solar collector and a storage vessel. The solar collector captures sunlight, and consists of a dark colored ductwork that is covered with a flat glass pane. The liquid (e.g. water) flowing through the tubes, is heated by the sunlight. In bright sunshine, water can reach temperatures of up to 90°c. The collector is placed on the roof while the heated water is kept in a storage vessel. If the hot water tap is turned on the cold water flows through the storage vessel through a heat exchanger to the faucet. If the water is not hot enough, the water is reheated by a boiler, geyser or heat pump.
Solar Panels
Using photovoltaic cells (PV) sunlight can be directly converted into electricity. Solar cells are made of semiconductor materials with special properties, which under the influence of light, will release negatively charged electrons. This process leaves positively charged holes behind. The essence of the solar cell is that electrons and holes are separated, creating a negative voltage at the front and a positive voltage at the back (or vice versa). Connecting the front and rear causes an electric current and the cell can supply electrical energy to a battery, a pump or the electricity grid.
There are two main types of solar panels that can be used on your roof; blue panels are used in power generation applications while tap water heating is achieved using black solar collectors. In addition to tap water, a solar water heater combi can also regulate temperatures in the home.
Some important considerations to be made in order to get the most out of your solar energy installation include the ideal placement of the solar panels and the direction and angle at which the panels are placed for optimum solar exposure. This requires careful calculation and knowledge in optimizing renewable energy sources.
CECC engineers have over 10 years experience with both collectors and panel installation in the Caribbean and specialize in designing sustainable installations with a focus on efficiency and cost-savings. We stay well-informed about all new developments in the field of solar energy and always select well-known suppliers and contractors to complete our installations. Many clients have also opted for additional benefits of our services by signing up to our Long Term Maintenance Program, which is the easiest and most cost effective way to extend the life of your new system.