Living on a remote island offers an idyllic life but isn’t without its challenges. One of the biggest is securing an affordable and reliable energy source. Islanders often are forced to pay a premium for energy because connecting them with mainland power lines is expensive and complex. They may also be reliant on costly diesel generators for backup, which is neither economical nor climate-friendly.
Luckily, technology is making it easier to tackle these issues. Several islands are already using renewable microgrids to reduce dependence on fossil fuels, and others are looking to do the same. Some are even taking the next step toward becoming independent energy producers by implementing their own renewable power generation systems.
A private island off the coast of Maine is making a big impact on both its residents and its neighbors by generating most of its electricity through solar power. The Little Hall’s Pond Cay project, a luxury resort owned by actor Johnny Depp, is another example of an island turning to solar power for the majority or all of its needs. These systems are typically comprised of a large array of flat panels, known as photovoltaic cells, that capture a percentage (5-15%) of the sun’s energy. The cells then charge a battery system that’s connected to an electrical grid, and a back-up power source like a generator automatically takes over if the batteries run out of juice.
Solar power has gained a foothold on some private islands in the Caribbean and in the South Pacific. The Philippines’ 7641 islands boast many stunning private beaches, but few are home to an exclusive resort that caters to those seeking deep relaxation. Such is the case with Noa Noa, a boutique island resort in Palawan that offers guests native styled homes and a deep-relaxation experience. It’s also the first private island to harness wind energy for its power generation needs – thanks to two wind turbines located on the beachfront.
The island’s new energy system is not only sustainable, but it’s affordable for its residents. Islanders will pay 32 cents per kilowatt-hour, Filler says, which is about triple what they paid before the project. Property owners will also have to pay a one-time assessment fee of up to $6,800, which is spread out over 20 years. Even so, the new system is expected to pay for itself in less than a decade. For the future, the company plans to look into more renewable solutions.