Solar firm backs Government plan on renewable energy

MONDAY, JULY 18: Alternative energy firm chief Tim Madeiros has welcomed a nine-year Government plan to cut the island’s reliance on oil and move towards sustainable power.

Environment Minister Walter Roban wants the island to use more power generated from solar, wind and wave energy.

Mr Madeiros, CEO of Alternative Energy Systems, (AES) said: “The energy White Paper outlines very aggressive goals for reducing the island’s reliance on fossil fuels through encouraging Bermudians to adopt solar energy for electricity and heating water.

“With Government incentives and expedited planning policies, as well as the BELCO net metering policy and new financing options for solar energy customers, I believe the goals outlined in the paper are achievable.

“In addition, the technology available in solar energy is poised perfectly to meet the unique space and structural requirements of Bermuda.”

AES has carried out a range of domestic and commercial installations of solar panels – including a large scheme for Lindo’s Market in Devonshire.

Mr Roban announced the plan on Friday. It set a target for almost a third of energy to come from renewable sources by 2020, the reduction of greenhouse gases and the cutting of electricity consumption to 20 per cent below 2008 levels.

AES can be found at www.aes.bm.