The Tribune

By NATARIO McKENZIE

Tribune Business Reporter

nmckenzie@tribunemedia.net

A BAHAMIAN business consultancy is offering “energy audits” for Bahamians looking to acquire residential solar solutions.

Kareem Hanchell, lead consultant at SDC Bahamas, told Tribune Business: “The key thing is we are trying to encourage the consumer market. We find that a lot of people put in these systems at high costs and it doesn’t function to what their needs are.

“We are conducting energy assessments, which allows us to come in and evaluate exactly what they need as it relates to solar and hybrid standalone systems.

“This is what we are recommending for those looking to acquire solar solutions. Have us conduct an assessment, determine what it is you need, determine what is the benchmark cost, and then moving forward you can take it to any energy provider and show them what you require and be priced based on your needs. This is the route we think everyone who wants to acquire solar systems should go.”

Mr Hanchell said SDC’s home assessments start at $85, and added: “We encourage consumers to get an audit done. Before you spend $10,000, have us conduct an assessment to see exactly what you need. Our report provides an outline as to how you can phase the system in.”

Mr Hanchell added that SDC, which will act as the distributor for a Florida-based energy consultancy, will also retail standalone solar systems and ‘hybrid systems’ for residences, though the company is currently focusing on a line of portable, solar-powered generators.

Mr Hanchell said SDC also plans to conduct ‘solinars’ to educate the consumer market on the best solar solutions available.

“We want people to avoid the bad experiences and to become educated on how solar systems function. Our focus is to let consumers know what it is they can and cannot do, and what it will cost them,” he added.