The Role of Solar Energy in Turks and Caicos Islands’ Climate Action Plan

Country or Region Overview

Country or Region: Turks and Caicos Islands

Capital: Cockburn Town (on Grand Turk Island)

Total Population: Approximately 45,000 (as of 2025)

Geographical Location: The Turks and Caicos Islands are located in the southeastern Bahamas chain, in the northern Caribbean, east of Cuba and north of the Dominican Republic and Haiti. As a British Overseas Territory, the country is made up of 40 low-lying coral islands, with only 8 inhabited. It is known for its luxury resorts, clear blue waters, and a sun-rich tropical climate—favorable for solar power systems.

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 Turks and Caicos Islands

The islands receive very high solar irradiation, with relatively little seasonal variation due to their position close to the Tropic of Cancer. This consistent sunlight allows for highly efficient solar energy production year-round.

Key Solar Irradiation Data:

  • Annual Solar Irradiation: Between 5.5 and 6.2 kWh/m²/day

  • Sunshine Hours: Over 3,000 hours per year

  • Best Months: January through May, though solar production is stable year-round

These solar conditions provide a strong base for both residential and commercial solar installations, especially where grid electricity is expensive or limited.

If you need to learn more solar power potential in The Turks and Caicos Islands, please feel free to contact Solarvance for more details.

Temperature Factors in Turks and Caicos Islands

Turks and Caicos experiences average annual temperatures ranging from 26°C to 33°C. The climate is hot and sunny, particularly during the dry season, which runs from November to May.

While high ambient temperatures can slightly reduce solar panel efficiency, this is mitigated through proper ventilation, spacing, and the use of high-efficiency panels designed for hot climates.

Energy Demand and Grid Situation in Turks and Caicos Islands

Electricity in the Turks and Caicos Islands is provided primarily by FortisTCI, a private utility company operating across the major islands. Power generation is still largely based on diesel fuel, making electricity expensive and carbon-intensive.

Electricity demand is driven by the tourism industry, luxury housing, and commercial sectors, especially on Providenciales and Grand Turk. Grid access is reliable in developed areas but limited on smaller or outer islands, where off-grid solar systems are essential.

Preferred System Type in Turks and Caicos Islands

Due to high utility prices and strong sun exposure, solar systems are increasingly seen as both a cost-saving and sustainable energy solution.

  • Grid-Connected Systems: Suitable for urban homes, resorts, and businesses

  • Hybrid Systems: Recommended for critical infrastructure, villas, and hotels that require power during outages

  • Off-Grid Systems: Ideal for remote homes, smaller cays, and undeveloped areas with no utility connection

Battery integration is becoming more common as a solution for nighttime use and energy reliability.

Dust and Sand Factor in Turks and Caicos Islands

Dust levels in the Turks and Caicos Islands are generally low, due to frequent ocean breezes and a relatively clean environment. However, during the dry season, some airborne dust and debris may settle on panels, especially in construction zones.

A simple cleaning routine every 1–2 months is typically enough to maintain strong energy yields.

Humidity and Rainfall (Humidity Factor) in Turks and Caicos Islands

Humidity is moderate to high, typically ranging from 70% to 85%, with a rainy season that lasts from May to October. Rainfall is sporadic but can be intense during tropical weather systems.

To ensure durability, all systems should use:

  • Weather-sealed (IP65+) enclosures

  • Moisture-resistant wiring and connectors

  • Corrosion-resistant racking and hardware

Proper mounting and drainage are essential to reduce risk from pooling or prolonged damp conditions.

Ocean (Salt Corrosion Factor) in Turks and Caicos Islands

With most of the country’s buildings located close to the ocean, salt-laden air presents a significant corrosion risk to solar systems. This is especially critical in coastal zones and elevated rooftops exposed to sea spray.

Solar equipment in Turks and Caicos should include:

  • Marine-grade aluminum or anodized steel mounting structures

  • Stainless steel bolts and fasteners

  • Anti-corrosion coated junction boxes and enclosures

Routine inspection and basic cleaning help prolong system life in these high-salt environments.

Government Policies and Solar Incentives in Turks and Caicos Islands

The government of the Turks and Caicos Islands has signaled a commitment to increasing renewable energy adoption, although the regulatory framework is still evolving.

Key highlights include:

  • Net billing options through FortisTCI’s CORE program, allowing customers to offset usage

  • No import duties on renewable energy components under specific conditions

  • Government collaboration with international partners on sustainability and energy resilience programs

  • Ongoing feasibility studies for utility-scale solar and microgrid integration

Incentives may not yet be comprehensive, but there is growing public and private interest in renewable energy solutions.

ROI on Solar Systems in Turks and Caicos Islands

With electricity prices ranging from USD 0.34 to 0.44 per kWh, solar systems in the Turks and Caicos Islands offer very favorable ROI.

  • ROI Period: Typically 4 to 6 years, depending on system size and usage

  • Post-ROI Benefits: Long-term electricity savings, protection from price hikes, and improved energy reliability

  • Value to Property: Solar increases property marketability and supports sustainable tourism branding

Systems with storage become even more attractive for high-end properties and resorts seeking energy independence.

Conclusion on Solar Power in Turks and Caicos Islands

The Turks and Caicos Islands offer ideal conditions for solar energy expansion. With high sun exposure, rising electricity costs, and increasing energy demands from tourism and development, solar power is a smart, sustainable investment.

At Solarvance, we provide coastal-grade, hurricane-resistant solar systems tailored to Caribbean island environments. Whether you’re powering a remote villa, resort, or government facility, we are ready to deliver solar solutions that bring both reliability and savings to the Turks and Caicos Islands.

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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