Guyanese are increasingly educating themselves about alternative sources of energy, representatives of two local companies that operate in the sector have said.
Showcasing their products at the Alternative Energy exhibition at the Umana Yana, the companies, Eagle Resources Incorporated (ERI) and Farfan and Mendes Limited (FML) are positioning themselves to fill this need.
Complete photovoltaic systems, wind generator systems and energy-efficient solar-powered appliances were on show as the exhibition, being held under the theme `Advancing Renewable Energy in Guyana’ continued yesterday.
According to the representatives, Administration Officer of ERI, Gliveann Cameron, and Assistant Manager of the Alternative Energy Division of FML, Martin Carto, increasing fuel costs and the consequent higher electricity bills in addition to more awareness of the environment has seen locals inquiring about other sources of energy.
In Guyana at present, most of the alternative energy being captured and utilized is solar energy but the two companies are also offering wind generating systems.
Cameron, noting the heightened awareness of global warming said that “going solar is one way of trying to prevent global warming” with the energy derived from this source being “clean pure energy”.
Acknowledging that the initial cost of purchasing the equipment is high she said that an interested person can “start off small” and gradually increase the amount of energy generated. She noted that even with a small solar system, persons would be saving on their electricity bills.
Both companies offer 25 years warranty on the solar panels and it was stated that the panels can last up to 100 years. A 120 watts solar panel being offered by ERI costs $169,500 while the smallest complete solar energy system on offer costs $133,000 and includes a 50 watts solar panel, a 400 watts inverter and a 65 amp deep-cycle battery. Cameron said that this can power six energy-saving bulbs as well as a television and DVD player for six hours. She pointed out that the power can last longer if all the devices are not used at the same time.
It was stated that Guyanese are more inclined to use solar panels as their alternative energy source but energy derived from wind-generation is also being offered by the companies. It was noted that although a complete wind-generation system was cheaper than the small complete photovoltaic system, the installation costs are higher.
A 400 watts wind-generator offered by ERI costs $159,500 with a three-year warranty while the smallest complete wind-generation system offered by the company costs $350,000 and includes a 400 watts windmill, 207 amps deep-cycle battery and a 2000 watts inverter. Cameron said that this can power bright lights, a fan and a DVD player.
However, she pointed out that this system is not as long lasting as the solar panels, and can last for about 20 years, with maintenance.
Noting that people are increasingly aware of the need to switch to this kind of energy, Cameron said that last year was a good one for the company and the company served customers from as far as Berbice and Essequibo and interior areas of the country. She emphasized that most customers are not businessmen but home-owners.
Cameron pointed out too that the company offers a layaway plan for persons, who are given six months to complete payment. Financing from several local banks is also available, she added. She said with increased competition among producers, prices of the equipment will be reduced. She said that the turnout at the exhibition was “great”.
Meanwhile, Carto declared that “We are definitely in an era where there is a need for an alternative means of energy”. He said previously, up to two years ago, lots of persons from hinterland areas were purchasing the systems but now individuals from urban areas are inquiring about the systems. Declaring that solar energy had proven itself over the years, he said FML sold to photovoltaic energy systems to homes, resorts and government institutions like schools and health centres.
The smallest complete photovoltaic system from the company was being offered for $150,000 and included a 45 watts solar panel, a 40 amp battery, a charger controller and an inverter. He said that this can power some lights. He noted that a 25-year pro-rated warranty is offered on the solar panels, which means after five years it covers 90% of output. He noted complete systems can be designed for the specific need of customers.
Energy-saving appliances such as a solar powered-fridge/freezer at a cost of $262,000 were on display by the company also. The cost of the entire system including two 130 watts solar panels, four batteries, charger controller and necessary wiring is $749,000. Solar-powered water pumps as well as a portable light were also on display as well as a hot-water system.
Apart from that the company also offers solar water heaters at an installed cost of $373,000. This comes with a 10-year warranty. He noted that when designing a system, the limitations of it must be understood or else damage can be done to the components such as the batteries.
He noted that the first thing that should be considered when consuming energy is the conservation of energy and as such energy-efficient appliances are advocated.
Regarding wind-generated electricity, Carto said that the company was in the process of setting up various test sites so as to gain a better understanding of wind patterns in those locations.
Carto said that financing is available from Republic Bank and the company also has an arrangement with Courts. A lot of people are educating themselves he said noting that “there is definitely an increase in people asking about these systems”.
Apart from providing solar and wind energy systems, FML is also looking to tap the mini-hydro power business and Carto asserted that with new advances in technology, costs could go lower.
