Eco-friendly energy users urged to check regulations

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 7: Eco-friendly businesses and homeowners who want to install solar panels have been urged to follow the proper procedure.

The reminder comes after a contractor working for the Bermuda Institute of Ocean Sciences (BIOS) inadvertently installed a solar thermal system without the correct permission.

Encon Bermuda Ltd, installer of the solar panels, said it made an entirely innocent mistake and had now applied for “retroactive” permission.

But the case has prompted the Department for Energy to reiterate its regulations for installing solar panels.

Chris Worboys, the department’s policy analyst, told the Bermuda Sun: “In some cases people are not fully aware of all the processes they must go through when installing renewable energy technologies and have installed systems without first obtaining the necessary permits and permissions.

“Unfortunately, this can result in additional fees and other complications which could have been avoided so we encourage members of the public who wish to install renewable energy systems to read the renewable energy guides.”

He added: “If you wish to install a micro-wind turbine or a solar energy collection system over 80 square feet in size, you must then submit a full planning application.

“Once your application is approved you must also obtain a building permit before starting construction.

“Solar energy collection systems under 80 square feet are generally considered to be permitted developments, and usually only require the submission of a permitted development permit application.”

Mr Worboys urged applicants to contact BELCO if they were planning to install a system that would generate electricity.

He said: “When you start works, you must arrange for a building inspector to view it so they can monitor the works and issue a certificate of completion and occupancy.

“This certificate will only be issued if the system has been installed safely as per the original planning application and any required permits have been issued by the Department of Environmental Protection.

“If your renewable energy system generates electricity, you must apply to the Department of Environmental Protection for both a permit to construct a controlled plant and a licence to operate a controlled plant.”

The 128-square-foot Solar Thermal System installed on the roof of the BIOS building is expected to save the Institute $3,500 a year and provide the facility with around 88 per cent of its hot water needs.

Mike Swan, Encon’s boss, told the Bermuda Sun: “In addition the 4-Panel EnerWorks system reduces CO2 emissions by five metric tons per year because of the effectiveness of solar thermal collectors in capturing the sun’s energy and converting it to heat.

“BIOS has taken the lead by realising the effectiveness of solar thermal in helping them to rein in their operational costs and to positively impact Bermuda’s environment by installing EnerWorks solar thermal panels.

“Encon began the planning application process for this install but submitted the application after the install had begun. The planning process is near completion now and we will have a formal handover of the EnerWorks system to BIOS soon.”

The renewable energy guides are available from www.energy.gov.bm