Solar Connection
BELCO does not endorse or recommend any solar contractor. Residential customers can complete a solar feasibility study application form either before selecting a solar installer or with the help of their chosen solar installer before making a financial commitment.
Residential
Distributed Solar
Generation: 0kW to 500kW
Distributed Solar is a grid-connected small-to-medium sized solar system installed where it is used – usually on the customer’s property – primarily to offset the owner’s energy consumption and potentially export small amounts under the feed-in tariff standards.
Bulk Generators (“BG”) & Innovation Licenses
Bulk Generation License: 500kW+
Innovation License: 0kW+
A bulk generation license is a regulatory permit for entities that intend to generate a large amount of electricity for commercial or grid-scale production. While an Innovation License is a regulatory permit for entities to introduce and test new or emerging technologies in Bermuda’s controlled, regulated setting.
Bulk Generation Sole Use Installation (“BGSUI”)
Bulk Generation License: 500kW+
A Bulk Generation Sole Use Installation refers to a utility-scale electricity generation system that is installed for sole use by a specific customer or site but is still subject to formal grid interconnection rules.
Residential Distributed Solar Connection Process
The following 6 step process must be followed for residential customers wishing to:
- install a new solar panel and inverter system, with a storage system
- install a new solar panel and inverter system, without a storage system
- increase their system’s capacity through upgrades or expansion
STEP 2:
BELCO
BELCO will acknowledge your application within 20 business days. You will receive the results of your free Feasibility Study within 50 business days.
Your space on the grid will be reserved at this stage.
STEP 3:
Customer
Submit your planning application to the Department of Planning. Your application must be designed within the parameters provided in your Feasibility Study results.
Your chosen solar installer can assist with this step.
STEP 4:
Customer
Once planning permission is received, your chosen solar installer will install, commission, and test your approved system.
STEP 5:
Customer
Once testing is complete, obtain your Occupancy Certificate from the Department of Planning.
Residential Distributed Solar Quick Facts
1.
A Feasibility Study must be conducted prior to you investing in a solar system to ensure that the grid components in your area have the capacity to take the solar power you wish to generate. Should the grid have reached maximum solar penetration in your area, additional investment into additional grid elements to accommodate your desired system may be required. This cost would be attributed to you. This potential investment requirement should be assessed prior to committing so that the decision is based on the total initial costs.
2.
Should you choose not to involve BELCO at the beginning of the process as shown in the Residential Distributed Solar Connection Process above, you are at risk of your investment not being eligible for connection to our grid or having to invest heavily in infrastructure upgrades, If our grid has reached full saturation in your area.
3.
Advanced Net Meters are required. Advanced Net Meters are modern electric meters that enable two-way data sharing between your home or business and BELCO through a secure wireless communications network. Advanced Net Meters look just like the analog electric meters but with a digital display. Advanced Net Meters are an important component of our grid modernisation efforts.
4.
Feed-in Tariff (FIT) rates are reviewed and set quarterly.
Frequently Asked Questions
If I already have an interconnected residential solar installation, but I want to add energy storage, what steps would I take?
If you are interested in adding storage to an already existing residential solar installation, you must take the following steps: (1) Submit an application to the Department of Planning and await your approval; (2) install, commission and test the storage system; (3) obtain your Occupancy Certificate from the Department of Planning; and finally (4) reach out to BELCO via email () requesting an interconnection and an update to your pre-existing interconnection agreement to include the new energy storage system.
If I already have an interconnected residential solar installation and I want to reduce my system size, transfer ownership or change any of my account details, what steps would I take?
What is a Residential Feasibility Study and why is it so important?
A residential feasibility study should be completed in advance of submitting a planning application. The study will confirm BELCO can accommodate your request and will reserve the solar access you want on our grid. The study would also advise you if the grid in your area can no longer accommodate additional solar installations. If solar saturation has reached the maximum our grid can handle in your area, you will be advised of the costs associated with installing additional infrastructure to accommodate your installation. It is vitally important you are aware of this information prior to financially committing to a solar system so that you are aware of all costs up front ensuring your ultimate decision is fully informed.
What is an Interconnection Agreement and why is it so important?
Interconnection Agreements are common practice around the world and define the technical requirements, operational parameters and reflects the actual energy system installed. This agreement must be updated if you change, remove, upgrade, increase, reduce, or modify your solar and/or energy storage system. The agreement protects you and BELCO ensuring our grid remains reliable for all customers.
What is a Net Meter?
A Net Meter is a special electricity meter used for customers with solar (or other generation) that can measure both the electricity imported from the grid (when solar isn’t producing enough), and the electricity exported back to the grid (when solar is producing more than consumed). This allows BELCO to correctly bill and credit your account.
What do solar fluctuations do to the grid?
Solar fluctuations refer to the quick rise and fall in solar output due to clouds, shading and/or sunset. The fluctuations can create real challenges for the grid because supply changes fast while demand stays relatively steady. These challenges include:
- Voltage Swings
When a lot of solar suddenly ramps up, voltage rises, but when clouds pass and solar drops, the voltage can fall. Too much of this voltage fluctuation can create an unstable voltage for customers. - Rapid Power Flow Change
On sunny days, solar can push power backwards into the grid (export), but when output drops suddenly, the grid must instantly supply that missing power. This back-and-forth stresses the network. - Forcing Generators to Ramp Up and Down
We must constantly adjust our output to balance supply and demand. Fast ramping increases fuel use and increases wear on our generators and reduces efficiency. - Grid Balancing Challenges
The grid must always match electricity generation to usage in real time. Solar fluctuations add unpredictability, making it harder to keep frequency stable and system reserves available.
What is Levelised Cost of Energy (“LCOE”)?
LCOE is the average cost to produce one unit of electricity (usually $/kWh) over the lifetime of an energy project. It accounts for the upfront capital cost (equipment and installation), the operating and maintenance costs, fuel costs (if any), financing costs, system lifetime and total energy produced. It is used to compare different power sources on an equal basis and is oftentimes used to determine if investing in a solar system is economically sound.
NOTE: remember that if solar saturation has reached the maximum our grid can handle in your area, you will also need to include the costs associated with installing additional grid infrastructure to accommodate your installation into your calculations.