The Tribune

By Joshua Key

Supergreen Solutions

Where did winter go? Just the other week we were wearing warm jackets, but now it feels like summer is already here. The forecast for this summer, like every year in the Bahamas, is sunny and hot.Normally, this means just one thing: Ya’ll ga sweat. Today, however, we will see how you can use the sizzling summer sun to remain cool.

We often use air conditioning to avoid sweat, and we definitely pay for it. According to the US Department of Energy, 45 per cent of an average home’s electricity bill is generated by air conditioning (AC). This means that if you are a Bahamian running AC, almost half your bill is probably coming from that. It is one of the most power-hungry items in your home or business. Without it, you will sweat this summer. With it, you may still sweat over the electricity bill you will have to pay.

We operate this way, but we do not have to. What if you could have the air conditioning, but not pay a fortune for it? You can. Here’s the good news: Solar air conditioners are finally a reality.

What is a solar air conditioner? Exactly what it sounds like. A solar air conditioner is a unit specifically designed to work with solar panels. They take the light from our sun and produce the cool air we all want. While they are not the best for every situation, solar air conditioners are a solution that deserves strong consideration.

The first question most people ask is: “Will the air conditioner run at night?” Yes. Solar air conditioners are grid-tied, which means they are connected to BEC, so when the sun does not shine, they will still run.

How much do they cost to run? During the day, they operate above 35 SEER, which means they cost just 51 cents to run. That produces a month of daytime air conditioning for about $15. Businesses that operate during the day, and residences with people at home in the day, are using solar air conditioners because of the huge savings.

At night, the units operate at 21 SEER, which is still very high. That means they can run for nine hours without sun, and cost just $2.36

I was speaking with a family the other day, who have a guest visiting them every year. When their guest runs the air conditioning, their electricity bill increases by $300. A solar air conditioner would make a big difference here. What about for you? Can you see your power bill starting to drop? Are you sweating a bit less?

Summer used to mean “Ya’ll ga sweat!” But warrantied green solutions are saving people money and keeping them cool. Do you need a new air conditioner this summer? There is no need to settle for an old-style unit. Are you tired of high electricity bills? With a solar air conditioner, you take a huge chunk off the biggest piece of your bill. This is one of many affordable solutions to make the Bahamas greener and put green in your pocket.

• NB: Joshua Key is general manager for SuperGreen Solutions Bahamas, located on Wulf Road next to FYP. SuperGreen Solutions is an advisor, supplier and installer of domestic and commercial energy efficient solutions.