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Solar Power: The Cornerstone of US Virgin Islands’ Clean Energy Future
Country or Region Overview
Country or Region: U.S. Virgin Islands
Capital: Charlotte Amalie (on Saint Thomas Island)
Total Population: Approximately 87,000 (as of 2025)
Geographical Location: The U.S. Virgin Islands (USVI) are located in the northeastern Caribbean Sea, directly east of Puerto Rico. This U.S. territory comprises three main islands—Saint Thomas, Saint John, and Saint Croix—along with numerous smaller islets. With a tropical climate, mountainous terrain, and proximity to the equator, the islands are well-suited for solar energy solutions that enhance energy resilience and reduce grid dependency.
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 U.S. Virgin Islands
The USVI receives strong and reliable solar radiation year-round. Its geographic position ensures minimal seasonal variation, making solar energy a viable power source for residential, commercial, and public-sector use.
Key Solar Irradiation Data:
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Annual Solar Irradiation: Between 5.5 and 6.3 kWh/m²/day
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Sunshine Hours: Over 3,000 hours per year
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Solar Performance: Consistent output throughout the year, with high efficiency during the dry season (January to May)
These excellent solar conditions support both grid-connected and off-grid solar installations across the territory.
If you need to learn more solar power potential in the US Virgin Islands, please feel free to contact Solarvance for more details.
Temperature Factors in U.S. Virgin Islands
The climate in the U.S. Virgin Islands is warm and humid, with annual temperatures typically ranging between 25°C and 32°C. While higher ambient temperatures can slightly reduce PV output, this is largely offset by high solar irradiance levels.
Well-designed systems using low-temperature coefficient solar panels and adequate ventilation will maintain high performance throughout the year.
Energy Demand and Grid Situation in U.S. Virgin Islands
Electricity is provided by the Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority (WAPA). The territory’s grid relies primarily on imported fossil fuels, making power generation expensive and vulnerable to fuel price volatility and shipping disruptions.
Energy demand is largely driven by residential usage, tourism infrastructure, and public facilities. Grid instability and outages—especially during storms—have increased interest in solar + battery systems for reliability and backup.
Preferred System Type in U.S. Virgin Islands
Given the high utility costs and need for resilience, the following system types are widely adopted and recommended:
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Grid-Connected Systems: Common in urban areas and suitable for homes, shops, and offices
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Hybrid Systems: Ideal for villas, hotels, and government buildings needing backup during blackouts
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Off-Grid Systems: Practical for isolated residences, eco-retreats, and rural areas, particularly on Saint John and Saint Croix
Energy storage integration is growing as part of WAPA’s broader efforts to stabilize the grid and increase renewable energy use.
Dust and Sand Factor in U.S. Virgin Islands
Dust levels are generally low, although the dry season and occasional Saharan dust can slightly impact panel cleanliness. Cleaning every 1–2 months is recommended, especially for flat or rooftop installations near roads or construction.
Inclined mounting helps minimize buildup naturally through rainfall.
Humidity and Rainfall (Humidity Factor) in U.S. Virgin Islands
Humidity in the USVI is consistently high, averaging 75% to 90%, particularly from June to November, which is also the hurricane season. Heavy but short-lived showers are common during this time.
Solar equipment should be designed for tropical environments, using:
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IP65+ rated components
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Moisture- and UV-resistant cabling
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Elevated and ventilated battery enclosures
Weatherproofing is essential for long-term durability in these conditions.
Ocean (Salt Corrosion Factor) in U.S. Virgin Islands
All three major islands are surrounded by sea, and salt mist is a constant factor, especially near coastal zones and high-elevation buildings exposed to trade winds.
To avoid corrosion and electrical failure:
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Use marine-grade aluminum racking
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Choose stainless steel bolts and fasteners
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Install sealed junction boxes and coated electronics
Preventive maintenance every 3–6 months will help ensure long-term system integrity.
Government Policies and Solar Incentives in U.S. Virgin Islands
As a U.S. territory, the USVI has access to federal incentives and local programs that support solar energy adoption.
Key support mechanisms include:
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Eligibility for U.S. Federal Solar Tax Credit (ITC)
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Disaster recovery funding for energy infrastructure from FEMA and HUD
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Net metering programs managed by WAPA (subject to interconnection capacity)
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Ongoing investments into grid modernization and renewable energy development
The territory has set a goal to increase renewable energy to 30% by 2025 and continues to attract private and public investments for clean energy.
ROI on Solar Systems in U.S. Virgin Islands
Due to high utility rates and frequent outages, ROI for solar systems is highly favorable across all sectors.
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ROI Period: Typically 3 to 6 years
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Post-ROI Savings: Major electricity bill reduction and improved energy reliability
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Long-Term Value: Boosts property value, especially for hospitality and rental properties
Solar with battery backup offers even greater returns by minimizing reliance on the aging utility infrastructure.
Conclusion on Solar Power in U.S. Virgin Islands
The U.S. Virgin Islands is a high-potential solar market, where sunlight is abundant, electricity is costly, and energy reliability is essential. From homes and schools to resorts and emergency shelters, solar energy is a smart investment for both economic and environmental resilience.
Solarvance is proud to offer weather-resistant, hurricane-rated solar systems tailored for the U.S. Virgin Islands. Our solutions help customers reduce costs, improve reliability, and embrace a cleaner, more sustainable energy future.
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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