Battery Energy system will enable Solar Microgrid to ditch diesel gen-sets at Belize resort
The microgrid for a remote beach resort off the coast of Belize will switch out its diesel powered generation backup for battery energy storage as it transitions to lower carbon emissions.
On Energy was selected to deliver and operate the battery energy storage and energy management systems for the isolated microgrid at the Turtle Island Beach Resort near San Pedro. The company will partner with Solar Axiom to provide resiliency for the solar energy and help push the Turtle Island microgrid to 100 percent renewable energy.
"Adding a BESS to our existing solar system completes the 100 percent renewable energy loop in the microgrid for this isolated resort,” said Elio Muller, president of Solar Axiom. “Thanks to On.Energy, by integrating energy storage to our existing solar, we are demonstrating our commitment to make solar energy happen where it would not otherwise occur," said Elio Muller, President of Solar Axiom LLC, a leading developer in commercial and industrial solar energy systems in the Caribbean, with a focus on the resort industry and isolated islands.”
The addition of the On Energy long-term batteries will enable Turtle Island to store solar-generated electricity for times when the sun is not shining. Its “On Command” software will provide automatic operation and remote monitoring for keeping the system running.
By ceasing the use of its previously needed diesel backup generators, Turtle Island Beach Resort will also cease to incur high fuel and O&M costs while reducing its carbon emissions.
"This sets the climate-sensitive mandate for our current expansion plans on Turtle Island Beach Resort. It further demonstrates our commitment to a climate-friendly experience for our guests and support for the Belize Green Economy," said Jeremy Meighan, President of Turtle Island Beach Resorts (Castle Capital Development LTD).
Turtle Island Beach resort is part of Wyndham Hospitality.
The government of Belize has set clean energy goals, but remains a net exporter of electricity from Mexico, according to the International Trade Association page. Belize has installed solar microgrids and solar powered streetlights in rural communities not yet served by the national grid and will continue that program at least through this year, according to reports.
Belize was ranked as 10th among the most popular tourist destinations in Central and South America by U.S. News and World Report.