Alternative Energy Systems (Bermuda) Ltd (AES) has announced the installation of a record 150 kilowatts of solar power systems in homes and businesses throughout Bermuda, just seven months after reaching the 50 kilowatts milestone.The company saw a 38 percent growth in the first quarter of 2011 over the same period over last year, indicating that alternative energy is gaining popularity on the Island.Tim Madeiros, founder and CEO of AES, put the growth down to in part his company’s innovative approach to finding solar energy solutions to meet the customer’s needs.“I am thrilled that Bermudians are embracing solar technology,” he said. “I believe AES’ continued success is driven by the expertise, customer service and quality products that we deliver.”As a pioneer in the industry, AES has achieved many “firsts” in solar technology in Bermuda. Just last month, the company completed the first commercial installation of a photovoltaic (PV) solar energy system for Lindo’s Market in Devonshire. In addition, it designed, engineered and installed the Island’s first building-integrated solar system for Stewart Minors and his wife Business Development and Tourism Minister Patrice Minors, in which the solar panels were adapted to Bermuda’s unique architecture and built into the roof structure.Mr Madeiros, who is a Chartered Engineer with the UK Council of Engineering, also feels that Bermudians may be less intimidated by the upfront costs of implementing a solar energy system because of Government incentives and the interconnection policy. Belco’s Net Metering policy enables solar customers to sell excess electricity back to the utility at the same rate that they pay for power. “Solar offers an extremely high rate of return on the initial investment; it just makes sense from a financial perspective,” he said. “Each solar owner is protected for at least 30 years from the increasing cost of oil and subsequent rise in electricity rates.”Per month, 150 kilowatts produces almost 21,000 kilowatt-hours of electricity on average that, at current prices, would cost more than $8,000 a month.