Total installed solar photovoltaic (PV) capacity in Barbados was approximately 69 MW.⁶

By 2030, Barbados aims to achieve a total renewable energy capacity of 625 MW, while the target for solar energy production was set at 314 MW.⁷⁸

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• Fossil fuels – 0.65 $/kWh (as of 2014)
• Solar power – 0.135 – 0.20 $/kWh (depending on installed capacities)
• Wind power – 0.185 – 0.23 $/kWh (depending on installed capacities)

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• Fossil fuels (natural gas and oil): 92.66%
• Renewable energy (dominantly solar): 7.34%

The average daily availability of electricity from the national grid in Barbados is approximately 24 hours. However, power outages do occur, with 40 outages reported from January to September 2023, averaging about 4.4 outages per month. Despite these interruptions, the grid generally maintains a high level of service availability, although improvements are continually sought to enhance reliability and reduce outage frequency.⁴⁵

As of 2021, there were approximately 35,000 solar photovoltaic (PV) installations in Barbados, which include both rooftop and ground-mounted systems.¹²

Barbados currently has one major utility-scale solar farm, the Saint Lucy Solar PV Park, which has a capacity of 10 MW. This solar farm began operations in 2016 and generates enough electricity to power approximately 7,700 homes.¹³

Three more Barbados solar farm projects, with a total capacity of 150 MW, are currently under development or in the planning stage. Additionally, Barbados plans to construct a 60 MW portfolio of community solar gardens across approximately 50 sites throughout the island.¹⁴

Barbados has made remarkable progress in solar energy adoption, with solar photovoltaic (PV) systems achieving over 25% penetration across the island.¹⁵

The government has streamlined the process for homeowners to install PV systems on their roofs by minimizing regulatory hurdles, promoting widespread adoption.¹⁶

Additionally, the government has launched programs specifically for low-income families, farmers, fisherfolk, vendors, and artisans, offering financial assistance to lower the upfront costs of Barbados solar energy installations. These grants are designed to make renewable energy more accessible and affordable, fostering energy independence and sustainability for economically disadvantaged households.¹⁷

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Over the past decade, solar water heating (SWH) has been the predominant solar technology in Barbados, with more than 50,000 installations laying the groundwork for the expansion of solar photovoltaic (PV) systems.

By 2015, there were over 710 grid-tied solar-PV rooftop installations, along with more than 100 pending applications for grid connections.

As of 2022, the total number of solar installations on the island exceeded 1,500. The demand for on-grid solar systems in Barbados remains high, with over 200 MW of applications awaiting approval as of late 2021.

• The average monthly salary in Barbados is approximately $1,650.²⁰
• Solar Energy Systems Engineer: the average monthly salary is approximately $1,643.²¹
• Solar Energy Installation Manager: the average monthly salary is approximately $2,178.²²
• Solar Photovoltaic Installer: the average monthly salary is approximately $870.²³

The current population of Barbados is 282,517.²⁴

Estimate for Factory Rent ²⁵

The average monthly rent prices for industrial spaces in Barbados vary based on location and specific property features, ranging approximately $8 – $8.50 per m2.

Industrial Electricity Rates ³

As of March 2024, the average electricity price for businesses in Barbados is approximately $0.378 per kWh.

Water Costs ²⁶

The water tariff for business users in Barbados is organized into a tiered pricing structure implemented by the Barbados Water Authority. The rates are as follows:

• $2.48 per m³ for the first 8 m³
• $3.10 per m³ for 9 to 20 m³
• $4.66 per m³ for 21 to 40 m³
• $7.78 per m³ for usage over 40 m³

Salaries and Wages ²¹²²²³

Monthly salaries of workers in solar industry in Barbados ranges from $870 to $2,178, depending on the position.

Rent for Office Space ²⁷

The average monthly rent for office space in Barbados varies based on location and property type, ranging approximately $31 – $36 per m2.

Insurance ²⁸

The average spending per capita in Caribbean is expected to amount to US$72.05 in 2024.

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Energy Mix

Barbados has historically relied heavily on fossil fuels, with approximately 93% of its electricity generated from these sources. However, there has been a significant push towards renewable energy, particularly solar power, which accounts for about 7.34% of the current energy mix. The government aims to achieve 100% renewable energy and carbon neutrality by 2030, with a target to increase the share of renewables significantly over the coming years.

Key Institutions

The energy sector in Barbados is primarily managed by the Barbados Light and Power Company (BL&P), which is the sole provider of electricity. This vertically integrated utility handles generation, transmission, and distribution.

Regulatory oversight is provided by the Fair-Trading Commission (FTC) and the Department of Energy and Telecommunications (DET), which are responsible for policy setting, licensing, and monitoring compliance within the sector.

Infrastructure and Interconnections

The electricity infrastructure includes a network of approximately 116 km of transmission lines, along with about 2800 km of distribution lines. The total installed capacity of BL&P is around 239.1 MW, with peak demand reaching approximately 135 MW. The grid has been increasingly integrated with renewable energy sources through initiatives like the Electric Light and Power Act (ELPA), which allows independent power producers (IPPs) to contribute to the grid.

Export / Import

Barbados imports all its petroleum products due to a lack of local refining capacity, making it vulnerable to global oil price fluctuations. 

Policy Goal

The primary policy framework guiding Barbados’s energy sector is the Barbados National Energy Policy (BNEP) 2017-2037, which envisions a sustainable energy sector characterized by diversity and collaboration. Key goals include reducing heavy fossil fuel imports by 75%, increasing renewable energy capacity, and ensuring reliable and affordable energy services for all residents. The overarching aim is to transition to a fully renewable energy economy by 2030 while also establishing Barbados as a regional center for renewable energy research and development.

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Licensing and Regulatory Framework

The regulatory landscape for solar panel production and installation in Barbados is primarily governed by the Electric Light and Power Act of 2013, which mandates licensing for grid-tied solar photovoltaic (PV) installations. This act establishes a framework for independent power producers (IPPs) to operate and outlines the licensing requirements necessary for them to supply electricity.

Currently, the Department of Energy and Telecommunications (DoET) is reviewing procurement and installation practices to inform a new licensing regime that will include local and foreign vendors in the solar PV market.

Compliance with Standards

Solar PV installations are guided by the National Electrical Code (NEC), ensuring compliance with safety and quality standards. The government is working towards adopting international codes tailored for local conditions, which will support the growth of the solar industry while addressing environmental and social concerns, such as energy security.

Barbados National Energy Policy (BNEP) 2017-2037

The Barbados National Energy Policy (BNEP) 2017-2037 is a comprehensive framework aimed at transitioning the country from a fossil fuel-based economy to one primarily based on renewable energy sources. It emphasizes energy security, affordability, and sustainability through diversity and collaboration. The BNEP outlines several key objectives:

• Achieving 56% of electricity consumption from renewable sources by 2032.
• Promoting local entrepreneurship and education in renewable energy sectors.
• Increasing public awareness regarding sustainable energy practices.

Incentives and Support Programs

To promote the adoption of solar energy, the government has implemented various financial incentives, including the Renewable Energy Rider (RER) program. This program allows homeowners with PV systems to sell excess electricity back to the grid at favorable rates, thereby encouraging more installations. Additionally, fiscal incentives have been provided to support solar water heating systems, which have seen substantial uptake in Barbados.

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Accelerated Investment Premium Programme

The Barbadian government has introduced the Accelerated Investment Premium Programme in 2021, offering a 25% premium for investments in solar and wind technologies above 1 megawatt (MW) and up to 3 MW, and a 20% premium for systems above 3 MW and up to 5 MW.

Energy Smart Fund

The government established the Energy Smart Fund, capitalized with a loan of $10 million from the Inter-American Development Bank (IADB). This fund provides financial and technical support for renewable energy (RE) and energy efficiency (EE) projects, including the installation of solar PV systems. It has facilitated low-interest loans for businesses to finance renewable projects, leading to significant energy savings and reduced fossil fuel dependency.

Sustainable Energy Investment Programme

Under this program, initiatives have included providing rebates for energy-efficient appliances and distributing LED lights to households. Approximately 57,000 LED bulbs were distributed free of charge to help reduce energy consumption across the island.

Targeted Support for Low-Income Households

Recognizing the barriers faced by low-income families in accessing solar technologies, there are proposals for expanded tax credits, low-interest financing, and direct grants to offset upfront costs of solar installations. These initiatives aim to ensure equitable access to renewable energy solutions, allowing vulnerable communities to participate in the transition towards a sustainable energy future.

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Saint Lucy Solar PV Park

• Location: Saint Lucy, Barbados
• Capacity: 10 MW
• Status: Commissioned in September 2016.
• Details: This project generates enough to power approximately 7,700 households, while offsetting around 21,000 tons of CO2 emissions each year.

Community Solar Gardens Project

• Location: Across 11 parishes in Barbados
• Capacity: 60 MW
• Status: In development; discussions on tariff rates are ongoing.
• Details: Barbados is constructing 50 community solar gardens in a collaboration with Blue Circle Energy and Jurchen Technology.

HDF RSB Hydrogen Solar PV Park

• Location: Saint Philip, Barbados
• Capacity: 50 MW
• Status: Expected to be commissioned in 2024.
• Details: This project focuses on hydrogen-based technologies and mass storage solutions and will supply enough clean energy to power approximately 16,000

Deltro Solar Manufacturing Facility

• Location: St. Michael, Barbados
• Capacity: Initial capacity of 90 MW, with potential expansion to 120 MW per year.
• Status: Under development; expected to begin construction soon.
• Details: This facility will be the first solar panel manufacturing plant in the Caribbean. It is projected to create over 200 jobs, boosting the local economy while enhancing the region’s renewable energy capabilities

Deltro Solar Farm at Waterford

• Location: Waterford, Barbados
• Capacity: 10 MW
• Status: Recommended approval received; awaiting formal land use approvals.
• Details: This solar farm emphasizes local partnerships in renewable energy development and will contribute significantly to the national grid.

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Deltro Solar

• Headquarters: Mississauga, Canada
• Website:https://deltro.ca/
• Details: Deltro is establishing a state-of-the-art solar panel manufacturing facility in St. Michael, which will be the first of its kind in the Caribbean. This facility is expected to create over 200 jobs and significantly boost the local economy while providing high-quality solar panels for regional markets.

Solar Dynamics Ltd.

• Headquarters: Bridgetown, Barbados
• Website: https://solardynamics.co/
• Details: Solar Dynamics specializes in solar energy solutions, including residential and commercial installations. This company has made strides in providing innovative solar solutions, including the installation of solar road lights and outdoor illumination systems.

Solar Energy Innovations

• Headquarters: Philip, Barbados
• Website: https://seisolarinc.com/
• Details: Solar Energy Innovations offers off-grid solar systems that provide reliable energy solutions for both urban and rural areas, significantly improving access to electricity in remote communities.

SunPower Barbados

• Headquarters: Michael, Barbados
• Website: http://www.sunpowr.com/
• Details: SunPower is involved in various residential and commercial solar installations and has played a significant role in promoting renewable energy adoption on the island.

Sunvest Solar

• Headquarters: Chicago, USA
• Website: https://www.sunvest.com/
• Details: Known for their diverse range of solar products, Sunvest Solar has successfully implemented several large-scale solar projects that enhance energy efficiency for various stakeholders in Barbados.

Emera Caribbean Renewables Limited (ECRL)

• Headquarters: Bridgetown, Barbados
• Website: https://www.emeracaribbeanrenewablesltd.com/
• Details: ECRL offers engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) services, operations and maintenance (O&M) services, and energy management services for commercial and industrial PV and energy storage applications.

Eco Energy Barbados

• Headquarters: Michael, Barbados
• Website: http://www.ecoenergybarbados.com/ (not available at the moment)
• Details: EcoTech specializes in eco-friendly solar solutions, including solar water heating and photovoltaic systems, contributing to the reduction of carbon emissions on the island.