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Solar Power Acts as a Catalyst for Saint Martin’s Renewable Energy Transition
Country or Region Overview
Country or Region: Saint Martin
Capital: Marigot
Total Population: Approximately 32,000 (as of 2025)
Geographical Location: Saint Martin is located in the northeastern Caribbean, on the northern half of an island it shares with Sint Maarten. It is a French overseas collectivity, part of the Lesser Antilles in the Leeward Islands chain. The island is surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean to the east and the Caribbean Sea to the west, and it has a tropical climate with consistent sunshine throughout the year.
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 Martin
Saint Martin enjoys strong and stable solar irradiation year-round, making it ideal for solar energy development in both residential and commercial sectors. The island’s location near the equator allows for long sunlight hours and minimal seasonal variation.
Key Solar Irradiation Data:
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Annual Solar Irradiation: Around 5.5 to 6.2 kWh/m²/day
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Peak Irradiation: Highest from February to May
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Sunshine Hours: Over 3,000 hours per year
With such high and consistent solar potential, Saint Martin is well-suited for rooftop solar systems, off-grid applications, and small commercial installations.
If you need to learn more solar power potential in Saint Martin, please feel free to contact Solarvance for more details.
Temperature Factors in Saint Martin
Saint Martin has a warm tropical climate, with average annual temperatures ranging from 25°C to 32°C. While higher temperatures can slightly reduce solar panel efficiency due to thermal loss, this is generally offset by the high solar irradiance.
To ensure optimal performance, solar systems should use high-efficiency panels with low temperature coefficients and good ventilation. Elevated racking systems also help improve cooling and extend panel lifespan in hot climates.
Energy Demand and Grid Situation in Saint Martin
Saint Martin’s energy demand is driven by residential consumption, hospitality, and retail services, especially during the tourism season. Electricity is supplied through the French national grid by EDF (Électricité de France), which operates under the same standards as mainland France.
The island relies heavily on imported fossil fuels for electricity generation, resulting in high utility prices. The local government and EDF are increasingly interested in renewable energy sources to enhance energy resilience and reduce costs, especially after grid disruptions from hurricanes in recent years.
Preferred System Type in Saint Martin
Due to high sunlight and energy costs, solar systems are highly beneficial across the island:
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Grid-Connected Systems: Ideal for urban homes and businesses that want to reduce energy bills
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Hybrid Systems: Suitable for areas where grid reliability fluctuates, offering backup during outages
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Off-Grid Systems: Appropriate for remote hillside properties and areas outside urban developments
Each system type benefits from the strong solar profile and helps support energy independence.
Dust and Sand Factor in Saint Martin
Dust accumulation in Saint Martin is typically low to moderate, aided by frequent rainfall and coastal winds. However, during the dry season and occasional Saharan dust intrusions, panel soiling may increase.
To maintain optimal energy production, it is advisable to clean panels every 1–2 months or after dust events. Tilted installations help reduce buildup naturally.
Humidity and Rainfall (Humidity Factor) in Saint Martin
Saint Martin experiences high humidity, typically between 70% and 85%, and a rainy season from May to November. Tropical showers can be intense but brief.
High humidity requires the use of sealed enclosures (minimum IP65 rating), UV- and moisture-resistant cabling, and anti-corrosion hardware. Proper component protection will extend the life of the system under these humid conditions.
Ocean (Salt Corrosion Factor) in Saint Martin
As a coastal island, Saint Martin faces high salt corrosion risk, particularly for systems near beaches and exposed coastlines. Salt carried by ocean winds can accelerate wear on unprotected solar components.
To prevent corrosion, solar systems must use marine-grade aluminum frames, stainless steel fasteners, and anti-corrosive coatings on all metallic components. Regular inspection and cleaning are important in these locations.
Government Policies and Solar Incentives in Saint Martin
Being part of France, Saint Martin benefits from national and EU-level renewable energy policies. These include:
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VAT reductions and import duty exemptions for renewable equipment
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Access to net metering or energy credit schemes through EDF
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Public support programs for solar on schools, hospitals, and community centers
The French government’s Energy Transition Law and Green Growth Act support renewable energy deployment across overseas territories like Saint Martin.
ROI on Solar Systems in Saint Martin
With high electricity prices, strong solar resources, and available incentives, Saint Martin offers a favorable ROI for solar investments.
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ROI Period: Typically 5 to 7 years, depending on system size and battery usage
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Savings: After payback, users can save 50–80% on electricity costs
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Value Addition: Solar enhances property value, resilience, and green reputation
Solar becomes even more cost-effective when paired with storage systems, especially for commercial users or those in remote areas.
Conclusion on Solar Power in Saint Martin
Saint Martin presents an excellent environment for solar adoption. With its abundant sunlight, reliable European incentives, and high cost of grid power, solar energy is a smart and sustainable solution for the island’s future.
Solarvance is proud to offer high-efficiency, weather-resistant solar systems tailored for coastal and tropical island environments. From private villas to public infrastructure, we are ready to support Saint Martin’s journey toward energy independence and long-term savings.
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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