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Barbados
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The Ministry of Finance of Barbados
Solar Dynamics, SunPower, and AquaSol
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The promotion of solar
water heating systems in Barbados resulted from concessions granted
by the Ministry of Finance, which enabled manufacturers to import materials
duty-free, and provide consumers with partial or full tax deductions
forthe cost of the heaters.
The simple thermosyphon solar water heater consists of a solar collector
or solar panel, a tank and the interconnecting plumbing that is normally
insulated. The recommended size of a solar collector for a family with
four members is four m 2 with a 300-litre tank capacity. Such a system
currently retails for about $US2000. Heating water with imported fossil
fuels or with electricity generated with fossil fuels causes emissions
of greenhouse gases to increase while depleting foreign ex-change reserves.
Using solar water heating is good for the environment
as well as the national economy. The industry minimizes the loss of
foreign reserves while encouraging entrepreneurship, which in turn creates
employment opportunities. Solar water heating companies include Solar
Dynamics,SunPower, and AquaSol.
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• Energy resources (Chapter VII of
the Barbados Programme of Action)
• National institutions and administrative capacity (Chapter X
of the BPoA)
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• The solar water heating industry
saves Barbados about $US 6.5 million per year in imported fuel.
• Inspired by these incentives, the entrepreneurs took the industry
forward. Currently, about 32,000 solar water heaters are installed in
homes, commercial businesses and hotels in Barbados.
• For the consumers, the 32,000 solar water heaters save about
$US 16 million, under the assumption that they would have used electricity
at normal rates to heat the water.
• Over 50 hotels now use the renewable energy method. The large-scale
integrated designs cover the hotel roof with solar collectors, measuring
about 300 m 2 , and have large 27tanks of up to
25,000 liters, which allow the heat from the central air conditioning
system to be used to preheat the water.
• One company is now assisting in the installation of solar photovoltaic
panels on the roof of Government headquarters for emergency lighting
as well as at a fishing complex for powering the ice machines for the
preservation of fish.
• Two of the companies are expanding to other Caribbean islands,
one in Saint Lucia and the other in Trinidad.
• The entrepreneurs acquired a considerable amount of expertise,
especially in the areas of manufacturing and installing large solar
water heaters.
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The promotion of solar water heating systems
demonstrates Barbados’ ability to achieve sustainable development
using renewable energies, namely solar power. With the necessary technology
and political will, solar energy can replace fossil fuel technologies.
This is not only more economically and environmentally beneficial, but
it also shows the willingness of Small Island States to participate
in the international efforts to decrease GHG emissions.
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Mr. James Husbands
CEO, Solar Dynamics,
Grazettes Industrial Estate, Saint Michael, Barbados
Tel.: (246) 425-1540
Fax: (246) 424-8779
E-mail: solardynamics@sunbeach.net
Mr. Peter Hoyos
CEO, SunPower, Searles Factory,
Christ Church, Barbados
Tel.: (246) 428-0634
Fax: (246) 428-0740
Web site: www.sunpowR.com
Mr. Vincent McClean
CEO, AquaSol Components Ltd.
Block A7, Grantley Adams Industrial Park,
Christ Church, Barbados
Tel.: (246) 428-0255
Fax: (246) 428-1719
Web site: www.aquasolonline.com
Prof. Oliver Headley, Director, Centre
for Resource Management
and Environmental Studies,
University of the West Indies,
Cave Hill, Barbados
Tel.: (246) 417-4339
Fax: (246) 424-4204
E-mail: oheadley@hotmail.com
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