Frequently Asked Questions
Empower yourself to be an
Energy Leader!
Why get an energy solution?
Do you want to make a smart investment in your property that will also help reduce your environmental impact? A BE Solar energy solution can provide you with a low-risk and resilient asset that is designed specifically to meet your financial and energy goals. Every property and client is unique, so we take pride in listening to your needs in order to develop customized systems that work for your lifestyle.
How does solar save money?
Most solar systems in Bermuda are grid-tied and help save you money by consuming the solar energy for free while it is being produced during the day. BELCO is required to pay a rate for any excess solar energy you don’t consume during the day and this is known as the Feed in Tariff Rate. Visit the RAB to see the current Feed in Tariff Rate that is paid per kWh. Depending on how much solar electricity you produce and how much energy you use, you can reduce, eliminate, or even earn a cumulative credit on your account.
How does solar work?
Is solar a proven technology?
Solar PV Electricity is robust enough to be the technology of choice to power machinery in the most remote locations, from communication satellites in outer-space to isolated communities on earth. Solar electric technology has steadily evolved over the past 70 years to produce a mature and reliable product that you can depend on to provide power for your property.
How long does a solar system last for?
BE Solar's solar electricity systems have no moving parts, and are simple and reliable. We use the highest quality, marine grade equipment and materials to last you decades. A well designed and installed system could last over 50 years; this is backed up by an industry-standard 25-30 year power output warranty on our solar panels. The first modern solar cell that was produced by Bell Laboratories in 1954 is still producing electricity today!
Do I need batteries?
It depends on what your energy goals are and how you value having backup power in a grid outage. Our solar systems are designed to have batteries integrated into them at any point in the future. If you have a budget and wish to invest in an Enphase solution to provide silent reliable backup power and to help you rely less on the grid, then we advise you consider batteries.
How many solar panels do I need?
It really comes down to your consumption patterns first, then we can discuss your financial and energy goals. By completing our consultative process, we identify the best design to meet your short and long term plans. With BE Solar, you can start small and increase your system size by adding more panels in the future. Furthermore, we also provide a range of energy saving recommendations that can help you save even more by consuming less.
Is my home or business suitable for a solar energy solution?
Every property has the potential to install solar whether it be on the roof, ground, shade structure or water catchment. Savings and ROI will depend on the BELCO rate the property meter is on and if the area has suitable safety and roof conditions. Call us to discuss our consultative approach and to receive a customized solution to best suit your energy and financial goals.
How long does it take for my solar installation to be completed?
The installation of an average residential solar project can be completed within 5 - 8 business days. Our pre installation process takes longer as we have to develop and submit a planning and building application to get the system approved. This can take between 4 - 8 weeks. We then have to receive approval and final inspection which can take another 4 weeks post installation. Once that is approved, we can then connect the system to the BELCO grid. The average timeline from initial deposit to installation can be 6 months based on our current installation schedule.
What do you get with a BE Solar energy solution?
Our project pricing is for fully functional, turn-key clean energy systems and include:
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Consultative and holistic review of your property to identify energy efficiency, solar energy and potential battery locations.
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Drone flight and 3D model of your property that displays solar panel placement including a shade analysis and proposed energy output.
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System design and customized proposals, tailored to your specific goals.
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Department of Planning application, building permit and coordination of inspections - all coordinated on your behalf.
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Procurement of all necessary materials and components
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Project management and coordination
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Highest quality equipment and materials, chosen for Bermuda's harsh marine climate
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Seamless solar system installation
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BELCO interconnection meter upgrade installation
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System commissioning and activation
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Online and mobile system monitoring
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Solar system overview
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Post-installation customer assurance which can include annual system maintenance, monthly system monitoring and reporting
Do solar panels work when there's a grid outage?
Most solar systems are grid-tied and as part of the electrical code, shut down for safety when the power goes out. If you want to use your solar panels during a grid outage, we encourage you to consider investing in a reliable battery system. The Enphase IQ Battery system automatically transitions your home from the grid when you experience an outage. The battery system creates a microgrid in an outage setting so you can use your solar panels, battery and a generator simultaneously if you want.