Are solar panels the answer to my high energy bills?

[Monique171]

I’m thinking of installing solar panels to offset the high cost of electricity in Jamaica. Guests leave the AC on non stop from check In till check out. It’s always a sunny day in Jamaica-

I’m curious to know if anyone has had success or failure with installing solar panels?

[Fred13]

Interesting how different places/industries adopt radically different approaches. On water heaters,  here we use almost exclusively In-Line propane water heaters, so only kick on demand, they heat water that fast, they are small and mounted on walls; a 5-gallon propane tank last up to 2 months and is ignited by 2  D-cell batteries changed every 6 months. On the other hand, the RV (and boat) industry relies heavily on Quick-Recovery (6gallon/10gallon) water heaters (Alwood being the biggest maker), and not aware they use In-Line heaters at all, which are by far more efficient. 

[Robin4]

@Fred13

Yes propane instant heaters are big here too Fred, Rinnai, Bosch, Adtherm being the major suppliers but, the issue I have with these heaters, they continue to supply hot water as long as someone wants to turn on a tap! I had guests having half hour showers, mainly through the winter because the water was hot and pressure great. Guests can do that at home but, it just chews up a resourse I can't produce and have to buy. I can't make propane but I can make electricity.

And although 80 Litres is not instantaneous, with a 3.6Kw element it will heat the tank from 10c cold to 50c in about 15-18 minutes.

If I had to buy my power at what it costs here Fred, I would have to lift my listing amount by 30% and that would definitely effect my booking potential!

Cheers......Rob 

[Fred13]

I have a 5-minute shower timer which it appears most 'beat by a mile'; and also a super-thin, water-flow shower head. I am quite emphatic on power and water conservation with guests, in no uncertain terms, and as odd as it may sound, they buy into the 'program' without tantrums. 

[Beau76]

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