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CONSTRUCTION: A SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
OCTOBER 25, 2013
THE BERMUDA SUN
Opt for solar when building or remodelling a property Solar power provides long-term energy solutions and is tailored for Bermuda roofs BY TIM MADEIROS Founder and CEO of Alternative Energy Systems (Bermuda) Ltd.
When building a home, new business or just making renovations, business owners and homeowners put a lot of thought and research into the overall design, flooring, paint colours, cabinetry and hundreds of other choices. Decisions are made based on trends, taste, business functionality or lifestyle. For the longer-term finishes, like tile or countertops, quality and durability come into play as well. More and more, informed people are realising another important decision they can make while planning their new home or office space; solar power is moving from new technology to the mainstream, and smart builders are opting to go solar. Bermudians deciding to take advantage of the sunâs power are joining a rapidly growing trend worldwide. In the United States, solar energy is becoming a standard option for new homes and many new businesses. According to SunPower, the producer of the worldâs most powerful solar technology, as many as one in five homes built in California in 2013 will have solar panels. While California is a leader in solar power, this trend is popping up around the world, including Bermuda, and for good reason. Using the sun for energy instead of depending on traditional power utilities protects homeowners and business owners and their investment in many ways.
TIM MADEIROS Solar power protects them from an uncertain future in energy production, rising energy prices and inflation. It protects their investment by generating revenue when sold back into the power grid. It even protects our planet by significantly reducing our carbon footprint. For those considering solar power when building new construction in Bermuda, AES has designed and engineered a recessed installation of solar panels for Bermuda roofs in a way that does not compromise the efficiency of the panels. Traditionally installed to sit a few inches above and parallel to the roof surface, the recessed AES installation integrates the solar panels into the roof to sit flush with the surface. Not only is this considered more attractive, the roof is structurally sound, it also greatly increases wind resistance and is hurricane proof. This design is engineered specifically for SunPower photovoltaic (PV) solar energy systems. SunPowerâs patented MAXEON technology provides 50 per cent more energy than their closest competitors and is as much
âIt protects their investment by generating revenue when sold back into the power grid. It even protects our planet by significantly reducing our carbon footprint.â
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SUNâS POWER: More Bermudians are joining a rapidly growing trend worldwide by opting for solar power. as four times more powerful than thin film technology. Not only do they hold the world record in power and efficiency, SunPower products also come with the solar industryâs only 25-year warranty for power output and workmanship. So an investment in solar power is protected for many years to come. AES also offers two more traditional installation options: âground mountâ and âroof mountâ. SunPower ground-mounted solar energy solutions enable the
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âAES has designed and engineered a recessed installation of solar panels for Bermuda roofs in a way that does not compromise the efficiency of the panels.â greatest energy production from your available land. The SunPower T0 Solar Tracker produces the most energy per acre of any tracking system available today and is especially effective for large, commercial projects. With three solar panel installation options, AES understands the importance of working closely with each client to customize the best solution based on their particular needs and circumstances. There is no âone size fits allâ in this industry. Itâs all about using the highest rated, quality solar products with the best warranty in the business and offering personalized solutions and attentive service. So whatâs not to like? There really are no supportable arguments against solar power. There is an initial investment, but because of the immediate payoff from using solar energy, selling power back into the grid and peace of mind, home builders realise the benefits outweigh the cost of the initial investment from the
day the system is switched on. A six-panel starter kit costs only $7,459 once Government rebates have been applied (currently, the Government offers a rebate to residential customers of one dollar per watt up to $5,000), and incorporating a system into a new build or renovations is efficient and cost effective.
Finance
With financing through The Bank of N.T. Butterfield & Son Limited that can even be included with a mortgage, the initial investment is easy and simply becomes part of the cost of building or remodelling a house or property. With construction companies realising the growing trend in solar power, we are approached by more and more of the islandâs firms to work with them to incorporate solar panels into their new builds. This means they are seeing the demand from their customers and, as with California, Bermuda will in the near future see
solar panels offered as a regular option alongside natural stone countertops or stainless steel appliances. If you are building a house, new business or remodelling your current premises, look to the sun for inspiration in making smart choices. As important as the taps and lights you choose, you now have the power to choose the power you use. Please call Tim Madeiros at 505-0804 or e-mail tim. madeiros@aes.bm for more information and a free site assessment. n
AES WAS founded in February 2008 by chief executive officer, Tim Madeiros, who has 28 years of experience in the energy industry and previously worked for Belco. Tim is a chartered engineer with the UK Council of Engineering and registered in Bermuda with the Bermuda Association of Professional Engineers. AES is proud to be Bermudaâs only SunPower Premier Dealer and Installer.