Bermuda’s iconic white roofs are more than a hallmark of our island’s charm — they’re a testament to ingenuity borne out of necessity. Designed to capture and harvest rainwater, these roofs reflect a centuries-old commitment to sustainability, meeting the critical challenge of sourcing fresh water in an isolated environment. Similarly, Bermuda’s traditional homes have long been oriented to maximise cooling from the prevailing southwest summer winds; another example of how our island has innovatively embraced nature to overcome challenges.

Today, Bermuda stands at the precipice of another transformative opportunity. Just as we have mastered harvesting rain and wind, we now have the tools to harvest the Sun’s energy and store it efficiently for use day and night. Solar panels and battery-storage systems offer the chance to power our homes and businesses sustainably, reducing reliance on imported fossil fuels and securing a cleaner, more resilient energy future.

Imagine a Bermuda where every rooftop captures the Sun’s energy

That vision is not only possible; it’s very much achievable. For the past 16 years, I have collaborated with our community, clients and team to help Bermuda achieve this vision.

With an abundance of sunshine year-round, our island is uniquely positioned to embrace this opportunity. Making the transition to solar is not just about installing solar panels; it’s about transforming how we power our lives and, ultimately, our community.

We guide property owners through every step of the process — from understanding how you are using energy at present to integrating solar into your life and achieving long-term, reliable savings. It’s a compelling and rewarding feeling to put money in your pocket while reducing carbon in the atmosphere!

Start with efficiency: the foundation of sustainable energy

Before diving into solar, consider a few small, impactful changes to reduce your energy use — think of it as the foundation for an effective solar system. Switching to LED lighting, upgrading to Energy Star-rated appliances, modernising air-conditioning systems, and adding timers to water heaters and dehumidifiers are a few relatively simple yet worthwhile investments that can significantly reduce your energy consumption.

With each improvement, you are not only saving on your energy bill, but also setting the stage for a more cost-effective solar solution. By improving your energy efficiency, you will effectively reduce your energy usage, meaning you require less of an investment to integrate solar. It’s the most sensible first move towards reducing your energy costs and achieving energy independence.

Designing with the Bermuda roof in mind

Bermuda’s iconic white roofs now serve a dual purpose — collecting rainwater while also becoming prime real estate for harnessing the Sun’s energy. South-facing roofs set at a 32-degree pitch capture sunlight most effectively, but eastern and western orientations work very well, too, especially for homes with morning or evening energy demands.

A good clean-energy provider will work with the unique design and typical energy usage of each property to ensure the most practical and value-adding solution is developed, preserving rainwater collection while enabling you to quietly produce your own energy.

If your property is not well-suited for rooftop solar, alternative solutions such as solar carports, pergolas and ground-mounted solar arrays are also achievable.

Power in your hands: solar plus battery storage

Adding battery storage, such as the Enphase IQ5P system, brings you closer to true energy independence. Imagine a home where you and your family can rely on clean energy day and night, and remain energised during power outages. That’s the power of battery storage, saving solar energy for use even after the Sun sets.

Solar and battery systems are a step towards a future where we rely less on imported fossil fuels and more on our naturally abundant resources. We can design your system in a phased approach, allowing you to start small and gradually reduce or even eliminate your dependency on fossil fuels.

Every property is unique, and so is every solution

There is no one-size-fits-all solution in Bermuda. Our team takes the time to understand each client’s unique needs, designing a system tailored to your property, lifestyle and goals. By carefully planning and customising each design, we ensure your system is as effective and efficient as possible.

A cleaner, brighter future for Bermuda

Embracing solar, battery storage and energy efficiency isn’t just about financial savings — it’s about increasing our energy independence and resilience. Each system installed is another step towards reducing our island’s carbon footprint while securing reliable, clean power for generations to come.

Let’s continue Bermuda’s legacy of innovation and sustainability by building a cleaner, brighter future together.

• Travis Burland is chief innovation officer at BE Solar