PETER WILLIAMS, managing director of Light & Power Holdings, has rejected the suggestion that the company waited too long to enter the solar photovoltaic (PV) market.
Speaking to members of the media recently, he said the company installed its first grid-tied solar system in 2000 and started discussions on the Lamberts, St Lucy wind farm between 2000 and 2003.
“We have not been slow,” he said after announcing the establishment of LPH Renewable Energy Ltd, a subsidiary that will supply and install solar PV panels.
“I don’t think it would’ve been economical to provide the solar PV systems, say, five years ago.
“Declining prices are triggering a real upsurge in demand for these systems and manufacturing is ramping up in China.
“While no one’s timing is perfect, I think our timing hopefully will be correct,” he said of the parent company of Barbados’ lone electric utility.
Williams said Light & Power Holdings supported Government’s initiative to install solar panels at Harrison Cave and since 1995, has been one of the few international members of the Solar Electric Power Association.
The managing director also noted that discussions and negotiations are continuing with the landowner at Lamberts.
The utility received planning permission from the Town and Country Development Planning Office in December 2010 after a six-year wait.
While the company awaited a decision on its application, ownership of the land changed, BL&P chief marketing officer Stephen Worme said last June.
Williams said the Lamberts wind farm will be only one aspect of a larger renewable energy initiative since there is no single replacement for oil.
“The estimate is that Lamberts will probably provide about two per cent of the island’s electricity needs, so it is not a panacea. It is not that magic bullet that suddenly replaces oil but nonetheless will be an important initiative,” he said.
(NB)
