Switching to solar energy is often touted as a path to lower electricity bills and sustainable living, but making the leap without proper preparation can lead to disappointment. Errington Case, Grid Manager at the Jamaica Public Service Company (JPS), warns that understanding your household’s energy consumption patterns is the critical first step in ensuring a worthwhile investment.
“Solar isn’t just about slapping panels on a roof and calling it a day. Without a clear understanding of when and how you use energy, you might find yourself underwhelmed by the savings,” Case said during a recent investment forum.
Why Energy Assessments Matter
For Jamaicans considering solar, a basic monthly electricity bill won’t cut it when evaluating the feasibility of a system. Case advises potential users to conduct a detailed load analysis. This involves tracking energy usage across different times of the day—daylight versus nighttime—to match the system’s capacity to actual needs.
A typical assessment spans several days to a month and reveals key consumption trends. For instance, a household using 60% of its energy at night might find solar less effective without batteries, while one using more energy during the day could see significant savings.
“Think of it as a map,” Case explained. “If 40% of your energy is used during daylight hours, a solar setup without batteries targets only that portion of your bill. Knowing this upfront can help you decide whether solar is a good fit or whether additional storage is necessary.”
Net Billing and Savings Potential
For those on the net billing programme, where homeowners sell excess daytime energy back to JPS, a precise load assessment is even more crucial. This arrangement allows solar users to earn credits for surplus energy, but only if the system is designed with consumption patterns in mind.
“When you calculate both the offset from solar use and income from selling excess energy, the numbers need to show a clear path to returns over the lifetime of the system,” said Case.
The Reality Check
Case cautioned against overblown claims of solar installations “eliminating” electricity bills. “The sun sets every day, and when it does, unless you have battery storage, you’ll need JPS,” he said. Moreover, weather conditions like overcast skies or tropical storms can significantly impact solar output, further emphasizing the need for realistic expectations.
In challenging years, such as 2024—with its share of hurricanes and tropical depressions—solar efficiency drops, and battery systems are strained. “On a perfect sunny year, solar can work wonders. But nature isn’t always on schedule,” Case added.
Smart Solar Strategies
To maximise the benefits of solar energy, Case suggests a multi-faceted approach:
- Invest in Energy-Efficient Appliances: Reducing baseline energy needs amplifies solar savings.
- Consider Slightly Over-Sized Systems: Designing a system that exceeds daily energy needs can compensate for dips in solar efficiency.
- Adopt Energy-Saving Habits: Shifting heavy electricity usage to daylight hours can optimise solar returns.
By taking these steps, Jamaicans can make more informed decisions, avoid pitfalls, and truly benefit from their solar investment.
