Power Supply Paradise: How to Measure Your Home Solar System in the Caribbean？

Why is solar energy meaningful in the Caribbean region?

High electricity tariffs (typically $0.30 to $0.50 per kWh), Can reduce 90% of electricity bills

Plenty of sunshine (more than 300 sunny days per year), The efficiency of solar power generation can reach 100%

Vulnerability of the power grid during hurricanes, Storage batteries ensure the normal use of household appliances during hurricanes

 Sustainability goals for island ecosystems

How to choose a suitable solar system for your home?

Steps 1: Calculate your energy demand 

Analyze your electricity bills for the past 12 months(the key factor is the seasonal nature of air conditioning)

Typical usage for Caribbean households: - Small apartment: 400-600 kWh/month - Medium with air conditioning: 800-1,200 kWh/month

Equipment list: Air conditioners (most consumers!), refrigerators, water pumps, dehumidifiers ect

Step 2: Caribbean geographical environment and sunlight duration  

Maximum sunlight hours: 5-6 hours per day (above global average)  

Tropical heat → panel efficiency loss (10-15% capacity increase needed)  

Salt corrosion → marine-grade equipment required  

Hurricane risk - Solar mounts can withstand up to 71.53 m/s,

Step 3: Calculate solar system size

Daily energy ÷ peak sun hours ÷ system efficiency (0.8) = required power  

*600 kWh/month ÷ 30 days = 20 kWh/day

*20 kWh ÷ 6 solar hours ÷ 0.8 = 5kW system  

 Add a 20-30% buffer for hurricanes/cloudy days

Step 4: Solar System Design Options Suitable for Caribbean Islands

Off grid solar system with battery ,this can working 24hours ,Free use of energy , don’t need pay electricity bill , High upfront investment costs

On/off grid solar system ; When sunlight is intense (solar power is prioritized for electricity supply during daylight hours): Solar panels generate electricity, which is directly supplied to the load via an inverter. Excess electricity is utilized to charge the energy storage batteries. If the energy storage batteries are fully charged, the surplus power is directed to the gri, .Battery backup for storms, higher return on investment

Battery size is critical. 3-7-day backup for hurricane season

Step 5: Caribbean Homeowner Professional Tips

1. Choose salt-resistant panels(e.g., double-sided glass-glass)

2. Use oversized inverters that are 20% smaller to reduce heat

3. Include rapid shutdown for fire safety

4. Budget for regular cleaning (dust/sand accumulation)

Step 6：Key Recommendations

1. Start with an energy audit (aim to reduce by 30% first)  

2. Hybrid systems offer the best value for hurricane resilience  

3. Future scalability (EVs/heat pumps coming soon!)  

In the Caribbean, solar isn't just about saving money—it's about security. Proper sizing ensures the sun becomes an uninterrupted lifeline during hurricane season.