Bermuda Engineering has been approached by many people wanting to talk solar energy, but who are confused as to how it works.
So in this article, we attempt to explain how.
Solar is simple, safe and reliable. The sun shines, producing heat and light.
We can take that heat and use it to make hot water instead of electricity, so saving money.
It costs an average $25 a month for hot water for each occupant of a house.
Effective
A typical family of four in Bermuda pays $100-$150 per month — that is more than $1,200 to $1,800 per year. And this rises even more if they take baths.
So that’s one part of solar energy — solar hot water. This technology has been around for 100 years and is simple and effective.
Do you remember how hot it was the last time you walked on the road with no shoes?
That same heat is free and readily available for all Bermudians to take advantage of.
In fact, right here in Bermuda there are blueprints of solar hot water systems drawn by Bermudian Gordon Hamilton Burland, founder of Bermuda Engineering, that date back to 1935.
Solar hot water systems have come a long way since then, and the Burland family is still the best in the business.
We should also mention that the Government offers up to $1,500 off a solar hot water system when installed by certified companies such as Bermuda Engineering.
Before we talk further about solar energy we should first talk about making the most of your money.
Some people say you should put your money where it will go the farthest, and that makes a lot of sense.
Reliable
That’s why, whenever a Bermuda Engineering technician goes to someone’s house who is interested in solar, we also keep our eyes open to what else is going on in the home — where the money is being wasted.
We want to help people save money and help the earth, and are mindful of certain appliances and habits that hurt the piggy bank.
Many people say, “Knowledge is power”. That is very true.
If you don’t know how much things cost or how they work then it is hard to save money.
An electricity monitor like The Energy Detective (TED) is a great way to help understand where the money goes and is something that pays for itself.
Bermuda Engineering wants to help people save, and we have given hundreds of money-saving pointers to our clients.
When you are thinking about a new house, new addition or even a small renovation, that is the best time to think about saving electricity and about solar.
Many people only think about how much things cost right now and get angry when the bills pile up later.
Most of the time a small increase in the cost of new construction or renovation means a big increase in savings later, and these costs will pay for themselves.
Solar electricity is one of the next things to consider. The sun gives us light for half a day on average and that light can be turned into electricity.
This is not as easy as getting heat from the sun, but it is still worth doing after making hot water from its energy and spending money on better appliances that will cut down on electricity use.
Making electricity from the sun requires electrical equipment, so the first cost is higher, but it is also relatively simple and reliable.
In fact, most solar electricity systems are warranted for 25 years, and they have been proven to operate for more than 50 years.
Electricity costs are up, again. Why not let Bermuda Engineering help you with all your solar questions and electricity needs?
For more information contact Stuart Kriendler on 599-2105 or e-mail stuartkriendler@bermudaengineering.com, or Travis Burland on 331-6678, e-mail travisburland@bermudaengineering.com. Website www.bermudaengineering.com.