Solar power has become such a hot topic of late, it’s not unusual for North American homeowners to explore installations after becoming fed up with skyrocketing home heating and cooling bills. Solar farms, scattered across the landscape, are increasingly prevalent, too. These ground-mounted panels are installed across open areas, capturing sunlight, and converting it to renewable electricity for power grids.
Given such widespread acceptance, it’s no wonder Caribbean islands are adopting this form of energy delivery, too. A recent announcement by Belize’s adults-only Coco Plum Island—that the property is in the process of switching to solar power—says plenty about the resort’s desire to implement a more sensible, affordable, eco-friendly system, and this improvement should resonate with every tourist. Once you learn more about this type of system, you’ll be as enthusiastic as repeat visitors will be to welcome this major change to the island!
How does an island solar power conversion work?
It’s simpler than you may imagine. Islands employ self-contained microgrids in the form of solar panels, impressively large battery storage systems, and innovative management controls to produce and maintain a stable, independent energy supply. Must you be an electrical engineer to understand how this will work for Coco Plum? Not really. This step-by-step guide may be helpful:
- Photovoltaic panels will be installed on the island to convert sunlight into electricity by day.
- Excess energy generated when the sun shines will be stored in industrial battery banks.
- Batteries with stored electricity will keep Coco Plum powered at night or if cloud cover is heavy.
- This system of “smart microgrids” will automatically meet real time demand.
Why solar makes sense for a private island
For a private island resort, generating more electricity from the Belizean sun has benefits beyond reducing energy costs. Island properties traditionally depend heavily on fuel-powered generation, which means fuel must also be transported to the island. Expanding Coco Plum’s use of solar energy will help reduce that dependence while allowing the resort to generate more of its power right where it is used.
An island haven that pairs energy savings with excellence
No degrees in solar engineering required to understand how important and valuable this conversion will be to the resort’s energy management and commitment to sustainability. The install will follow on the heels of an extensive renovation, recently completed to upgrade Coco Plum’s look and function. The solar project represents another significant investment in the island’s long-term sustainability and infrastructure.
Will the installation of this system make a difference in guest experiences? You bet. Coco Plum has long embraced the natural beauty of its private-island setting, while giving guests plenty of ways to experience Belize through snorkeling, fishing, and other island activities. The move toward solar power adds another practical step toward operating the resort more sustainably.
Awards and accolades attest to this refuge’s outstanding personal services, generous All Inclusive Snorkel Package, and add-ons, yet beautifully decorated accommodations and structural reinforcements to safeguard the island have not been ignored. Keep tabs on Coco Plum’s progress as you consider your own vacation wishes and book your time on an island that literally makes the most of every sunny day!
