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The Economic and Environmental Benefits of Solar Power in Sint Maarten
Country or Region Overview
Country or Region: Sint Maarten
Capital: Philipsburg
Total Population: Approximately 42,000 (as of 2025)
Geographical Location: Sint Maarten is a Dutch constituent country located in the northeastern Caribbean, occupying the southern half of the island it shares with Saint Martin (French overseas collectivity). It lies within the Leeward Islands in the Lesser Antilles and is surrounded by the Caribbean Sea. With a tropical climate, limited land area, and a tourism-driven economy, the island is well-positioned for small-scale solar energy solutions.
Solar resource map copyright at 2021 Solargis. Licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution license (CC BY-SA 4.0). This is a solar resource map from Solargis. For a higher resolution map, please visit and download.
Table of Contents
Solar Irradiation Data in Sint Maarten
Sint Maarten enjoys strong and steady solar irradiation throughout the year. The island’s proximity to the equator ensures long daylight hours with minimal seasonal variation.
Key Solar Irradiation Data:
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Annual Solar Irradiation: Between 5.5 and 6.2 kWh/m²/day
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Sunshine Hours: Over 3,000 hours annually
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Best Months: February to May typically yield the highest daily output
This makes the island highly suitable for residential and commercial solar PV systems, especially in a market where electricity costs are high and space is limited.
If you need to learn more solar power potential in Sint Maarten, please feel free to contact Solarvance for more details.
Temperature Factors in Sint Maarten
Sint Maarten has average temperatures ranging from 25°C to 32°C, with small variations throughout the year. While solar panels experience some loss in efficiency due to heat, the consistently high solar exposure compensates for it.
System designs should include adequate airflow below panels and utilize high-efficiency modules with strong thermal tolerance to maintain production in warm conditions.
Energy Demand and Grid Situation in Sint Maarten
Energy in Sint Maarten is supplied by GEBE (N.V. GEBE), a government-owned utility. The island’s energy infrastructure relies primarily on diesel generators, resulting in expensive and imported electricity.
Electricity demand is driven by residential needs, business activity, and the tourism and hospitality sector. Outages and fluctuations can occur, especially during and after tropical storms. Solar energy presents a valuable solution for cost reduction, grid stability, and energy independence.
Preferred System Type in Sint Maarten
Given Sint Maarten’s high electricity costs and tropical setting, the following system types are most suitable:
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Grid-Tied Systems: Ideal for urban residential areas, small businesses, and shops
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Hybrid Systems: Best for hotels, villas, or critical services that need reliable backup power
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Off-Grid Systems: Useful for remote villas, mountain homes, or undeveloped sites
Battery integration is becoming more common as consumers seek reliability during outages and grid stress.
Dust and Sand Factor in Sint Maarten
Dust levels are generally low, though the island can experience dry, dusty trade winds and occasional Saharan dust events in the summer.
Panels should be cleaned at least every 2–3 months, with more frequent attention during dry periods or if located near construction zones or unpaved roads.
Humidity and Rainfall (Humidity Factor) in Sint Maarten
Humidity levels range between 70% and 85%, with a wet season from May to November. Rainfall can be intense but typically occurs in short bursts. High humidity can accelerate corrosion if systems are not properly sealed.
To ensure long-term durability, systems should include IP65+ rated components, UV- and moisture-resistant cabling, and proper ventilation for inverters and batteries.
Ocean (Salt Corrosion Factor) in Sint Maarten
Sint Maarten’s coastal geography and compact land area mean that most installations are exposed to moderate to high salt mist levels from the sea.
It is essential to use marine-grade aluminum frames, stainless steel mounting hardware, and sealed enclosures. Routine inspection and preventative maintenance can greatly extend system life in coastal zones.
Government Policies and Solar Incentives in Sint Maarten
Sint Maarten is gradually developing its regulatory framework for solar energy. While incentives are limited, the following trends are emerging:
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No import duties on renewable energy components
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Private sector adoption is increasing, especially in hospitality and real estate
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Net billing or energy banking programs are under evaluation
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Encouragement from regional and international partners to expand renewable energy
With rising public interest and support from NGOs and private developers, solar adoption is growing even without formalized government incentives.
ROI on Solar Systems in Sint Maarten
With electricity rates typically between USD 0.30 and 0.40 per kWh, ROI on solar systems is strong, especially for business users.
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ROI Period: Typically 4 to 6 years, depending on system size and storage inclusion
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Post-ROI Benefits: Significant reduction in operating costs and higher property value
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Tourism Advantage: Hotels and eco-resorts benefit from green energy branding and lower utility expenses
Investing in solar also boosts reliability during grid disruptions, which is highly valuable for local businesses and vacation rentals.
Conclusion on Solar Power in Sint Maarten
Sint Maarten offers a favorable environment for solar energy thanks to strong sunlight, high electricity prices, and increasing demand for reliable, independent power sources. With the right technology and design, solar systems can deliver long-term savings, energy resilience, and environmental benefits.
Solarvance provides tailored solar solutions for tropical island conditions, with salt-resistant, storm-hardened equipment ideal for Sint Maarten’s needs. Whether it’s powering a home, hotel, or remote site, we’re ready to support your solar transition.
Choose Solarvance for Your Solar System
Contact us today to explore customized solar solutions for your needs, whether you’re interested in grid-connected, off-grid, or hybrid solar systems. Our team at Solarvance is here to guide you through every step of the process, from system design to installation and maintenance.
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