Alternative Energy in Panama

GordonS · 02-02-2008

This thread is intended primarily for those already living in Panama.

My question is, have you equipped your home with some form of alternative energy source? Such as Solar panels, Wind Turbines, or geothermal?

The Toronto Star this morning reported that the cost of PV (photovoltaic) power generation at the single family housing scale will rival power costs from conventional power grid (fossil fuel generated) in Canada within 2 years.

The Earth Policy Institute in Washington confirms this: Eco-Economy Indicators: Earth Policy Institute Resources on SOLAR ENERGY

Since Panama is an especially ecologically sensitive area, does this eco-concern seem to affect people moving to and settling in Panama? Is it easy to obtain and set up alternative power sources plus the support hardware such as battery systems and inverters?

Tarsan95959 responded to a thread yesterday and said "Many homes in Bocas Del Toro are solared power with AC inverters and battery banks . I also have a 400 watt wind turbine too added to my system . I love Solar power and would not hook up to the power grid if it was avalible ! I have more electric power than I know what to do with and I love not getting a electric bill each month ."

What about the rest of you on the mainland?

At one time, my wife and I were looking at the Dominican Republic and many of the expats there have their alternative and backup power in place. Is this also true in Panama?

tarzan95959 · 02-02-2008

Gordon , I have a excellent solar guy out of David who did my Solar system . He was on time , on price and completed the whole project in 2 days . I would reconmend him to anyone . Speaks perfect English and best of all he is a Registered Factory Repair Facility for the brands he sales . PM me if you need his email address .

Plan on spending about $5 dollars for each watt of power in a Solar Panel type electric system . For example, a 2500 watt system complete should run about $12,500 dollars for a top of the line setup .
Tarzan

GordonS · 02-02-2008

Thanks very much Tarzan for your comments.

The article in the Toronto newspaper I referred to earlier states that by 2010 the price for solar should drop to about 1$ / watt, so this renewable resource pricing is definitely heading in the right direction.

That article stated that in March of 2007 Spain began requiring that all non-residential buildings are required to generate a portion of their electricity via photovoltaics (solar) . I hope that the world continues to head in this direction everywhere!