A renewable energy company has fitted a solar photovoltaic technology to rival the capability of the world's most energy-efficient panels.

PureNERGY's custom-fit 'Baringo' glass-on-glass PV installation at a house in Hamilton Parish is Bermuda's first 'bifacial' facility. It has now been highlighted in the catalogue and website of a leading solar panel framing company Florian Solar Products.

The US company specialises in glass enclosures, such as the canopies used at the Harrington Sound home. Kevon Makell, PureNERGY vice President and general manager, said the project was not only a first for Bermuda but it was also the Island's "largest residential renewable-energy deployment to date, at 14 kilowatts".

Mr. Makell said: "The panels allow the sunlight to shine completely through the solar cell and panel so the light bounces back up to provide an additional ten percent efficiency, by hitting the panel's underside.

"This provides a capability which rivals that of the number one supplier of solar panels in the world, SunPower."

Founded last year, PureNERGY provides hybrid combinations of solar-thermal water heating, solar photovoltaic, solar pool heating and micro-wind turbines.

Bespoke designs are guided through Planning to installation, and an Internet monitoring system enables customers to track performance anywhere in the world. PureNERGY is a sister company to Belco and Bermuda Gas, under the parent holding company Ascendant Group Ltd.

Belco wants to encourage the adoption of renewable energy to decrease traditional reliance on fossil fuels. By installing small-scale renewables, people can also reduce their electricity costs by selling surplus energy back to the grid.

Battery backup storage systems will also ensure continuity of power in the event of outages or hurricanes. Since September 2008, PureNERGY has entered into 15 domestic and commercial contracts. Mr. Makell said: "We've had five projects make it through Planning. We've completed one at the Hamilton Parish property and the other four are now in construction.

"We are contracting for several others and submitting them for Planning approval."

He added: "We have over 150 proposals also pending. Some people are waiting to see what the Department of Energy is doing with its legislation while others are waiting for the world economic crisis to pass.

"Others are in the midst of developing their properties, such as awaiting architects' plans."

Mt. Makell said: "We believe in working closely with the Department so their technical and Planning officers have a clear understanding of what we are trying to achieve.

"We believe what we are doing will enhance the sustainability of Bermuda and not take away from its aesthetics in any way.

"We are ready to work with Planning, the Department of the Environment and Building Control to provide a viable future."

For more information, log onto: www.purenergy.bm.