What are the uses of solar photovoltaic panels on islands

The low cost of solar panels presents an opportunity for investing in solar energy across the Pacific Islands, giving governments in the region a way to curb inflation and promote energy independence. Connecting remote communities to a centralized power grid could be challenging and costly.

While solar power alone may not be able to fulfil all energy requirements in the Pacific region at this point, it can be supplemented by other renewable sources such as onshore wind and hydropower, depending on the unique circumstances of each island.

Any device that is to operate for a sustained period in the islands has to contend with corrosive warm humid salt-laden air. Thus, some early PV systems not suitable for 'marine use' and therefore relatively cheap, failed within weeks of installation; every reputable installer now knows to avoid these.

Energy access is another issue for many island nations. In Fiji, 20 per cent of rural homes lack access to electricity. In Vanuatu, only 80 per cent of urban households and 17 per cent of rural households currently receive electricity. Off-grid renewable energy systems can dramatically improve energy access in island contexts.

Their grids are typically powered by diesel, which is both expensive and highly polluting. Because such islands lack the roof or land space to install a meaningful amount of PV capacity, Vienna-based Swimsol has since 2014 been creating technologies that allow solar arrays to be installed on the surface of the ocean.

Solar Panels in Tokelau. Photo: UNDP/Andrea Egan During rough weather conditions, fossil fuel imports are often unable to reach the Pacific islands. Trees can fall and sever electric wires while floods can block roads and damage generators, leading to power outages.