The great solar satisfaction
14
Environment
and disappointment
Solar energy has been touted as a marvelous solution to the island ’ s energy crisis and constantly rising power rates .
Are solar panels worth your investment and will they hold up after a typhoon ? Typhoon Mawar , which brought damaging winds , put the solar system on Guam to the test , leaving people with different experiences . Some people were left with no damage at all to their solar panels , only having to wash them off after the storm .
Others were not as fortunate and lost panels to the typhoon . “ We lost 10 panels and we didn ’ t have power for 10 days and it was torture with the heat ,” Dededo resident Faith Guerrero said .
But even those who didn ’ t see damage to their solar panels suffered from the power being out .
“ When the internet went out , we were no longer able to communicate with our battery box . So we didn ’ t know the status , so we drained our battery too far down ,” said Peter Houk from Talofofo . “ Our system was completely drained and we had to wait at least two weeks to jumpstart our systems . So we were two weeks without power despite the fact that we had a perfectly functioning solar system all because we lost communication with our solar system .”
The solar system requires a battery that needs to be fully charged . Even if your battery is charged , once it runs out of power then you ’ re out of luck . When the Guam Power Authority ’ s system is down , a solar panel system cannot charge a battery , so you ’ re left with whatever is left in your battery .
At the height of the power outage crisis after the May storm , GPA relied on the Mangilao and Dandan solar PV facilities to contribute to the total energy production during daylight hours , prior to the evening peak demand .
While Guam generally gets a lot of sunlight , GPA ’ s
By Noelle Babauta
solar systems didn ’ t generate a generous amount of power during the rainy weeks after Mawar . Overcast days reduced the amount of solar energy the system produces for the power grid . Cloud cover has an impact on how much solar energy the system generates , according to GPA .
After the typhoon , Sunnova , a local solar company , sent out an email to its clients advising them how to deal with their solar panels safely .
It ’ s not easy to learn the ins-and-outs of a solar system , although it is something worth your time when you invest in one . Right now , there is no easy way to do so , especially on Guam . Solar panel users turn to manuals , articles , YouTube tutorials , and asking other solar panel owners .
“ Our solar panels and battery system is amazing and perfect for GPA outages that last , you know , four hours , five hours , but when it goes deeper than that you kind of have to manage your solar system by yourself ,” Houk said . “ You have to learn how to do it based upon your house , the size of your battery , there ’ s no formula for that .”
Most solar panel subscribers agreed that solar panels are a great investment on Guam since there ’ s a lot of sunlight to go around . The cost of solar panels is less than what a GPA ratepayer would usually pay for power . For some people , paying for a solar system is around half the amount they would pay to GPA , as low as $ 300 a month .
The solar companies own and maintain the panels installed for residential subscribers . “ I ’ m basically renting my roof . But I get to use the solar power and they charge me a set fee every month for using the power , and the excess power goes to GPA ,” said Ernie Matson of Talofofo . “ The monthly fee for the solar power is about half of what I would be paying to GPA .”
Keeping up with the evolution of solar technology
The impact of Typhoon Mawar on Guam served as a stark reminder of the importance of preparedness in the face of natural disasters . Even for those , like myself , who consider themselves well-prepared , the humbling experience underscored the need for continuous readiness . In the aftermath , it became evident that residential solar energy systems played a commendable role , scoring 7 to 8 out of 10 in performance .
Investing in a solar energy system is akin to securing a long-term asset , necessitating ongoing maintenance . Many solar energy developers offer maintenance packages , proving invaluable during typhoons . Given Guam ’ s susceptibility to seismic activity , regular maintenance checks , including examining mechanical connections , cleaning solar modules and testing electrical systems are crucial in ensuring optimum efficiency and durability .
The evolution of solar energy systems has seen significant improvements in efficiency . Post-typhoon assessments revealed that systems under Power Purchase Agreements were being upgraded with new inverters , modules and racking . These enhancements translate to increased energy production , enabling homeowners to save more by reducing reliance on the utility .
Advancements in battery
Solarizing
By Jeffrey Voacolo technology are also reshaping the landscape of energy resilience . The shift from older batteries with five-to-10-year lifespans to newer , long-lasting technology boasting a 30 to 40-year lifespan has earned them the moniker “ forever battery .” Additionally , these batteries are stackable , allowing for scalability as energy needs grow .
Looking ahead , the goal is to empower homeowners to become their own mini power plants , generating and consuming the energy they need . Recent experiences underscore the unreliability of centralized generation and power plants , especially in the face of typhoons . Energy independence and security are paramount , given the inevitable rise in utility rates . The time to act is now .
Becoming your own energy provider has financial benefits . Purchasing a solar energy system can lead to a monthly utility bill as low as $ 15 , taking advantage of the investment tax credit at year-end . Opting for a Power Purchase Agreement offers savings of 20 to 40 percent on power bills without any initial cash outlay . Solar energy , a reliable and safe technology since 1954 , provides the energy independence needed during critical times .
Jeffrey Voacolo is the vice president and chief operations officer of Generation Renewable Inc . Send feedback to jvoacolo @ micronesiarenewableenergy . com