Outspoken environmentalist and freedom of information advocate Sam Duncombe has challenged some of the assertions underlying recent observations by Bahamas Electricity Chairman (BEC) Chairman Leslie Miller, who has expressed doubt about the government's ability to grant further concessions for solar energy.
Miller told Guardian Business that, given the fiscal constraints facing The Bahamas, he could not imagine the government extending its concession regime. Last fiscal year the government eliminated import duty on solar panels, solar-powered air conditioners and solar panel inverters.
During a conversation about the importance of solar power to The Bahamas, Miller said he couldn't see the government even considering more concessions at this time.
Duncombe, long known for her candid defense of environmental concerns, took issue with the BEC chairman's view on this and his statement that "regular Bahamians" couldn't afford to go solar. She also challenged the affordability question.
"What rock does he live under? What Mr. Miller fails to address is that solar water heating can cut your bill by $2,000 a year and practically pay for itself in a year," Duncombe said. "BEC could easily set up a payment plan for users via their current billing system. State-of-the-art heating systems are making solar water heating super efficient, and easy to install."
Guardian Business found solar heaters of different types costing as little as US$500 and as much as US$5,000-plus.
"Solar PV (photovoltaic) is more expensive, but if the tenders are expected to pay for initial installation, I don't see what the problem is," she said.
Duncombe argued that renewables are labor intensive, which opens up job opportunities for the average Bahamian.
"And they would also give the 'regular' man access to not only a job but a livelihood (through proper training) - something which the fossil fuel industry cannot compete with. Renewables allow the wealth to be shared far more equitably. Renewable energy is the fastest growing segment of the energy sector."
Miller told Guardian Business that a heightened interest in renewable energy self-generation (RESG) - particularly through solar energy - is the result of "a lot of misinformation", and that he couldn't fathom the government even considering subsidizing solar any further.

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