Will Belize Electricity compensate you for excess solar energy?

The hope is that through regulations, Belize Electricity Ltd will have to compensate you for excess solar energy flowing to the grid during the day and off-set it against the electricity you are drawing from the grid at night; however, the reality today is the opposite.

How much does electricity cost in Belize?

Belize’s utility rates are approximately $0.22 per kilowatt-hour (kWh), lower than the Caribbean regional average of $0.33/kWh because of existing renewable energy projects, but still high compared with U.S. mainland rates.

Where does the energy in Belize come from?

Almost half the energy in Belize comes from hydroelectric power and biomass. BEL purchases 71.5% of its electricity from five domestic independent power producers (IPPs) which produce much of the remaining energy—about 55.6%—of all the electrical needs of the country, and about 40% from a Mexican government-owned electric utility.

Does the University of Belize have a solar system?

The University of Belize has a solar photovoltaic (PV) system that supplies 0.1% of the country’s electricity supply. Biomass supplies 8.9% of the country’s needs, but demand currently exceeds supply of biomass. In 2014, the PUC issued a request for proposals for 60 MW of baseload generating capacity and 15 MW of solar or wind generating capacity.

How many kilowatts can a private company generate in Belize?

Private entities are allowed to generate up to 75 kilowatts of power, after which licensing requirements apply. Almost half the energy in Belize comes from hydroelectric power and biomass.

Why is Belize included in this energy Snapshot series?

Although not an island nation, Belize is included in this energy snapshot series because of the small diesel systems used to power its islands and the fact that it is a member of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), an alliance of 15 Caribbean nations in the region.