Business View Caribbean | October 2022

42 BUSINESS VIEW CARIBBEAN VOLUME 9, ISSUE 10 In addition to power storage and redundancy, another critical consideration for Williams Solar is the robustness of installed infrastructure, which can withstand tropical storms expected in the area. “Our systems are designed to withstand between 130 and 150 miles per hour wind speeds, making them very robust,” says Roach. “In most cases, wind-related failures are caused by clamping mechanism and not the quality of the panel.” Industry Discussion Barbados has set a national target to transform its energy infrastructure to one hundred percent renewable by 2030. For Williams Solar, this is a push in the right direction for the environment, Barbados’s economy, and its bottom line. “PVs will play a significant role in achieving this goal,” Roach says, “We are seeing a lot of interest in solar energy from commercial and residential markets, and green energy financing is now more increase, remaining high but holding steady. One approach Williams Solar is taking to find parts and equipment is collaborating with multiple suppliers, which has softened the effects of supply chain delays. “Buying from multiple suppliers has allowed us some flexibility in getting our supply of goods,” Roach says. Work Like most solar installers, battery packs are a significant concern, and Williams Solar is following these developments closely. “Batteries are still relatively expensive, especially when considering situations where a customer wants backup power in case of a natural disaster,” says Roach. “Battery costs and efficiency are also a major consideration regarding increasing renewable energy market penetration, as they play a critical role in grid stability.”