A Greenrock consultant is importing solar panels in the hopes that Bermudians become more environmentally aware.

With oil prices regularly hitting record highs, the price of electricity is rising as well, and Tim Madeiros believes solar energy will become more attractive.

Mr. Madeiros, who is part of the management committee of Greenrock, an environmental charity on the Island, set up Alternative Energy Solutions (AES) this year.

The company is an authorised dealer for SunPower, which touts itself as the "designers and manufacturers of the world's highest-performing solar-power systems".

"There has been a lot of interest in solar panels already," Mr. Madeiros said. "People are amazed at how much money they can save over the years. We have calculated that, despite the large initial outlay, homes can make a 700-percent return on their investment over the years."

Recently The Royal Gazette reported on a home in Shelly Bay which produces six kilowatts of electricity, enough to power a good-sized family home, even including air-conditioning units, from solar panels and a small wind turbine. The family said its Belco bill dropped more than $400 a month. Mr. Madeiros said people are often turned off by the large start-up costs — approximately $40,000 — but should look at the bigger picture, as the panels last for 25 years.

AES has a three-step process for obtaining the panels. Certified installers visit the home and provide all the information to customers, and determine the most efficient and least obstructive position to place them.

They also provide the customers with an estimate on the cost, as well as the savings on the person's monthly electricity bill. The panels are not subject to import duty, which helps reduce the cost.

AES will also assist or manage the entire Planning Department application and deal with Belco as well. Once the panels have been ordered it can take four weeks to be delivered and the company will install them. For more information on AES contact Mr. Madeiros on 505-0804 or tim.madeiros@aes.bm">tim.madeiros@aes.bm