It is interesting to note that when we think about renewable energy, wind and solar energy are the two first sources that cling in our head. These two mediums are convenient alternatives of energy.
1. Wind Energy
The arithmetic formula for competitive wind energy is to use bigger windmills. The larger the wind mills the less will the cost per Kilowatt hour be. This is why most windmills are of a capacity of 2 to 3 megawatts (1 MW = 1000 KW). However, they do on average produce around 1 MW, corresponding to the wind conditions.
The shortcomings with large windmills systems are that they are extremely difficult to install and maintain. There is another discrepancy with wind energy being the variation of energy generated due to wind fluctuation. Therefore, it might be hard to meet peak energy consumption solely through wind energy. The only solution is to establish an over-abundance of wind farms providing the peak requirement as a minimum supply. When the wind farms will be operating at higher speeds more than the required energy surplus will be produced. Thus, it is fortunate that in the western world the difference between average and peak consumption of energy is almost the same.
These large wind mills with blades like wings of airplanes are very costly. People do also dislike having wind farms on land. The cost and dislike of land wind farms are substantial determinants hindering the expansion of wind energy.
The solution to counter the dislike of land wind farms is the construction offshore wind parks. In Europe, we have Netherland and Denmark that are concentrating on the expansion of offshore wind parks. In Norway, innovative floating windmills are being developed. These windmills are fixed at the bottom of the sea.
However, installing small scale windmills can be a way to serve the environment and act as a mean to save some money on your utility bills. Windmills are already visible in small market places in the Caribbean. Windmills of a capacity of 250 to 750 kW are used for business or domestic purposes.
Nonetheless, large-scale wind turbines are the most cost competitive solution. Their cost can vary between US$ 7 to 9 cents per kWh. It is a wise idea to invest in wind energy in the Caribbean region.
2. Solar Energy
Solar energy is appropriate for small-scale energy needs. The western governments offer attractive grants and subsidies for installing photovoltaic systems. Nevertheless, PV solar cells are ineffective in comparison to windmills. However, improvement in technology is gradually eliminating the gap between the two renewable technologies. In the years to come, we can expect to see homes and buildings having their roof covered with photovoltaic solar cells.
PV systems have a comparative advantage over wind systems. There is a low maintenance cost involved. The only maintenance cost is usually cleaning. Solar panels can also be used to replace conventional roofing systems.
Moreover, in the Caribbean, the cost of generating solar energy is converging towards the same basic cost associated with fossil fuel. The high cost of diesel as well as intense sunshine in the region is making photovoltaic solar systems competitive. It is also likely that the price of PV systems will drop. The demand for solar cells is also expected to rise drastically.
Solar Water Heater in the Caribbean
A more widespread source of solar energy is harnessed through solar water heaters. A 50 gallon system cost around $ 800 to be installed. It takes roughly 2 to 3 years until solar water heaters pay for themselves.
It is indeed essential to consider the possibility that hurricanes might shred solar water heaters in Caribbean region. Therefore, anticipatory measures must be taken to assure that the systems are either covered or removed in times of terrible weather conditions. This will only account for minor cost.
Source: Tech With Us
Read Part 2: Renewable Energy Options in The Caribbean
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