Power for Your Private Island
The owners of a private island are concerned about two things above all others: energy and water. They are concerned that their guests will consider those commodities at the same time, when deciding where to vacation; and that they will be available at the flip of a switch or turn of a faucet. Providing uninterrupted energy to the inhabitants and guests of an island resort or private home requires either a combination of solar, wind or generator power with backup batteries. Or, if the island is large enough and located close to another mainland or larger island, then undersea cables can connect to the main power grid.
Most islanders choose to use a combination of renewable energy sources. They will install a system of flat panels (also called photovoltaic cells) that capture a percentage (5-15%) of the sun’s rays and convert them to usable electricity. They will also install a battery bank to store energy for later use. A typical system will have a total capacity of around 8 to 30 kW.
During peak sunlight, the solar panels will generate enough power to run most appliances and to charge the batteries. When the sun goes down, a generator will automatically turn on, producing supplemental power to ensure that there is never a disruption in service. The generator will also be used as a backup in case of inclement weather or technical failures.
On the island of Eigg, off the coast of Scotland, there is a similar system in place. Previously, the island relied on diesel generators to provide power. Now, the solar and wind systems generate power 24 hours a day, with only 4% of its energy coming from the generator.
The use of solar, wind or a combination of both systems has become very common on private islands. In many cases, it is less expensive than maintaining a power line to the island. The cost is typically only higher in remote locations or on islands that require specialized equipment, such as a marine-grade inverter and backup battery storage.
Living off the grid might seem daunting to some, but it can also be a reward for those who want to live in the middle of nature and enjoy the quiet beauty of an island. The pristine natural beauty of this luxury private island is an oasis for relaxation and rejuvenation. To learn more about this spectacular property, contact the listing agent today to schedule a viewing!