TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 30: Residents in Bermuda are beginning to feed power from solar energy back to the Island’s electrical grid.

Belco announced its interconnection policy on November 3 allowing homeowners with alternative energy systems up to 15 kilowatts (kW) to sell excess power back.

A continuous supply of 1kW is enough to power 20 five-star energy-rated fridges, a small pool pump, two large plasma TVs or half a small air conditioner.

Michael Mello, who has a 3.9 kW Photovoltaic system at his Devonshire home, and Arlene Simons of Warwick, who runs a 2.4 kW Photovoltaic system, presently produce an annual average of 19kW and 12kW of power a day respectively. Both homeowners also benefit from solar hot water systems.

Both are clients of Solar Bermuda and the operations manager Andrew Davis said:?“Our clients are already seeing real benefits. During the first two days of using net metering, Mr Mello consumed 27 kW of power from Belco, and sent 16kW back to the grid, giving him a net two-day total of 11kW.

“The beauty of a solar system is that it continues to produce power whether you use it or not and being able to feed this back into the grid is another great incentive to invest in a renewable energy system. Before, there was no way for homeowners to utilise the excess power. Now, by effectively using Belco as a rechargeable battery, that valuable energy will not go to waste.

“Belco deserves a lot of credit for implementing this very progressive programme. Solar Bermuda appreciates Belco’s co-operation not only in facilitating the interconnection policy but all the individuals involved with the interconnection procedure.”