How Saint Barthelemy’s Solar Potential is Redefining Energy Independence

Country or Region Overview

Country or Region: Saint Barthélemy (Saint Barts)

Capital: Gustavia

Total Population: Approximately 11,000 (as of 2025)

Geographical Location: Northeastern Caribbean, part of the Leeward Islands; southeast of Saint Martin

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 Saint Barthélemy (Saint Barts)

  • Key Solar Data:

    • Average Solar Irradiance: 5.5–6.0 kWh/m²/day

    • Climate: Tropical with consistent sunlight year-round

    • Sunniest Period: December to April

    These conditions make it ideal for year-round solar power generation, especially for rooftop and villa-scale systems.

If you need to learn more solar power potential in Saint Barthélemy, please feel free to contact Solarvance for more details.

Temperature Factors in Saint Barthélemy (Saint Barts)

  • Average Temperatures: 25°C–32°C

  • Climate Impact: Warm but not extreme; favorable for standard PV performance

  • Hurricane Season: June to November (system hardening is essential)

Energy Demand and Grid Situation in Saint Barthélemy (Saint Barts)

  • Electricity Source: Nearly 100% imported fossil fuel-based generation

  • Electricity Cost: Among the highest in the Caribbean

  • Grid Stability: Fair but vulnerable during storms

Opportunity: Solar energy offers high savings and adds value to luxury properties by enhancing resilience and reducing carbon footprint.

Preferred System Type in Saint Barthélemy (Saint Barts)

  • Residential Villas: Grid-tied or hybrid systems with storage

  • Hotels/Resorts: High-capacity solar with battery banks for energy independence

  • Commercial Properties: Rooftop PV with load optimization

Dust and Sand Factor in Saint Barthélemy (Saint Barts)

  • Dust Factor: Low

  • Salt Exposure: High, due to small island geography and strong trade winds

Design Tip: Use marine-grade aluminum frames, stainless steel bolts, and anti-corrosion coated components. Install IP66+ junction boxes and regularly maintain to handle salt mist conditions.

Humidity and Rainfall (Humidity Factor) in Saint Barthélemy (Saint Barts)

  • Humidity: High year-round (70–85%)

  • Rainfall: Mainly during hurricane season; short but intense showers

Ensure all components are sealed against moisture and allow for proper drainage in panel and inverter design.

Ocean (Salt Corrosion Factor) in Saint Barthélemy (Saint Barts)

  • EU Standards: As part of France, it aligns with European renewable energy goals

  • Local Interest: Driven by sustainability and energy self-reliance, especially among hotels and luxury estates

  • No Current Rebates, but solar installations improve property value and reduce long-term energy costs significantly

Government Policies and Solar Incentives in Saint Barthélemy (Saint Barts)

  • Payback Period: Estimated at 5–7 years depending on system scale

  • Main Drivers: Energy independence, resilience, environmental branding, and rising energy prices

  • Tourism Sector Demand: Strong — many high-end resorts seek net-zero certification or green marketing advantages

ROI on Solar Systems in Saint Barthélemy (Saint Barts)

  • Payback Period: Typically 4 to 6 years, faster if combined with battery storage

  • Long-Term Savings: Extremely high due to high utility costs and frequent outages

  • Battery ROI: Faster recovery when compared to diesel generators or grid-dependency

Conclusion on Solar Power in Saint Barthélemy (Saint Barts)

Saint Barthélemy offers a highly promising niche solar market — small in population but high in purchasing power and eco-awareness. With abundant sunshine, high energy costs, and rising demand from resorts, luxury villas, and eco-conscious developers, solar power represents both a smart investment and a sustainability statement.

At Solarvance, we deliver custom solar solutions built for island durability, with premium components ideal for Saint Barts’ tropical, saline, and high-wind environments.

☀️ Enhance your energy independence and property value in Saint Barthélemy — partner with us for solar systems designed for the Caribbean’s elite island lifestyle.

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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