Trinidad and Tobago Solar Report

Discover comprehensive insights into the statistics, market trends, and growth potential surrounding the solar panel manufacturing industry in Trinidad and Tobago

  1. http://www.metoffice.gov.tt/Climate, m., “Average Sunshine hours”, Retrieved on 2 October 2024.
  2. https://solargis.com/resources/free-maps-and-gis-data?locality=trinidad-and-tobago, s., “Solar Radiation in Trinidad and Tobago”, Retrieved on 3 October 2024.
  3. https://www.globalpetrolprices.com/Trinidad-and-Tobago/electricity_prices/, g., “Electricity Tariff in Trinidad and Tobago”, Retrieved on 3 October 2024.
  4. https://data.worldbank.org/indicator/EG.ELC.ACCS.ZS?locations=TT, d., “Access to electricity”, Retrieved on 2 october 2024.
  5. https://www.ric.org.tt/ttec-annual-performance-indicator-report-2021/, r., “SIADI, SIAFI, and CAID indices”, Retrieved on 12 October 2024.
  6. https://www.irena.org/-/media/Files/IRENA/Agency/Publication/2024/Jul/IRENA_Renewable_Energy_Statistics_2024.pdf, i., “IRENA”, Retrieved on 4 September 2024.
  7. https://www.mordorintelligence.com/industry-reports/trinidad-tobago-solar-energy-market, m., “Solar Power in Future”, Retrieved on 2 October 2024.
  8. https://www.ej-energy.org/index.php/ejenergy/article/view/141, e., “LCOE”, Retrieved on 5 October 2024.
  9. https://www.eeas.europa.eu/sites/default/files/documents/2023/Setting%2520the%2520path%2520for%2520Wind%2520Energy%2520Generation%2520in%2520Trinidad%2520%2526%2520Tobago%2520FINAL%252004MAY23.pdf.“LCOE “, Retrieved on 5 October 2024.
  10. https://ourworldindata.org/energy/country/trinidad-and-tobago, o., “Energy profile of Trinidad and Tobago”, Retrieved on 4 September 2024.
  11. https://www.undp.org/trinidad-and-tobago/blog/harnessing-sun-and-paving-green-energy-pathway-trinidad-and-tobago, u., “Renewable Energy Goal”, Retrieved on 2 October 2024.
  12. https://www.nrel.gov/docs/fy15osti/64117.pdf, n., “Off Grif Pv installed”, Retrieved on 13 October 2024.
  13. https://www.salaryexpert.com/salary/job/solar-engineer/trinidad-and-tobago/trinidad-island, s., “Average Salary of Solar Engineer”, Retrieved on 4 October 2024.
  14. https://www.salaryexpert.com/salary/job/solar-panel-technician/trinidad-and-tobago/tobago-island, s., “Average Salary of Solar technician”, Retrieved on 4 October 2024.
  15. https://www.worldometers.info/world-population/trinidad-and-tobago-population/, w., “Population of Trinidad and Tobago”, Retrieved on 2 October 2024.
  16. https://www.terracaribbean.com/T32652/Trinidad/Commercial-Rental/Warehouse/Freeport-Warehouse-Complex–South-East-Warehouse, t., “Factory Rent”, Retrieved on 12 October 2024.
  17. https://www.wasa.gov.tt/WASA_WRA.html, w., “Water Tariff”, Retrieved on 4 October 2024.
  18. https://www.carminoproperties.com/property-type/commercial, c., “Office Space rent”, Retrieved on 12 October 2024.
  19. https://cekh.ccreee.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/2022-Energy-Report-Card-Trinidad-and-Tobago-1.pdf, c., “Energy infrastructure of Trinidad and Tobago”, Retrieved on 10 October 2024.
  20. https://ttec.co.tt/, t., “Leading player in Electricity”, Retrieved on 4 October 2024.
  21. https://www.energy.gov.tt/our-business/electric-power/, e., “Electricity infrastructure”, Retrieved on 10 October 2024.
  22. https://www.powergen.co.tt, p., “Official Website”,  Retrieved on 2 October 2024.
  23. https://www.tgu.co.tt/, t., ” Official Website”, Retrieved on 12 October 2024.
  24. https://www.ric.org.tt/about-us/service-providers/trinity-power/, r., “Official Link”, Ret.
  25. https://www.energy.gov.tt/resources/electric-power/, e., “Thermal power plants in Trinidad and Tobago”, Retrieved on 9 October 2024.
  26. https://www.gem.wiki/Category:Oil_%26_Gas_power_stations_in_Trinidad_and_Tobago, g., “Thermal Power Stations”, Retrieved on 9 October 2024.
  27. https://www.eeas.europa.eu/sites/default/files/documents/2023/Setting%2520the%2520path%2520for%2520Wind%2520Energy%2520Generation%2520in%2520Trinidad%2520%2526%2520Tobago%2520FINAL%252004MAY23.pdf.“Wind Energy “, Retrieved on 5 October 2024.
  28. https://wits.worldbank.org/CountryProfile/en/Country/TTO/Year/LTST/TradeFlow/Import/Partner/by-country/Product/27-27_Fuels#, w., “Energy Imports”, Retrieved on 12 October 2024.
  29. https://www.energy.gov.tt/our-business/alternative-energy/renewable-energy-technical-standards/, e., “Regulations for solar panels”, Retrieved on 12 October 2024.
  30. https://www.belecpesl.com/, b., “Solar panel Test”, Retrieved on 12 October 2024.
  31. https://www.energy.gov.tt/our-business/alternative-energy/renewable-energy-and-energy-efficiency-fiscal-incentives/, g., “Government Initiatives”, Retrieved on 12 October 2024.
  32. https://www.energy.gov.tt/signing-ceremony-for-utility-scale-solar-pv-project/, e., “Government Initiatives”, Retrieved on 12 OCtober 2024.
  33. https://tntairports.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/SOLAR-PARK-LAUNCH-PDF-2.pdf, t., Piarco Solar Farm”, Retrieved on 9 October 2024.
  34. https://lightsourcebp.com/tt/project/brechin-castle-solar-farm/, l., “Brechin Solar farm”, Retrieved on 3 October 2024.
  35. https://www.bp.com/en_tt/trinidad-and-tobago/home/news/press-releases/solar-signing.html, b., “Solar farm projected”, Retrieved on 9 October 2024.
  36. https://solarwattstt.com/projects, s., “Official Website”, Retrieved on 12 October 2024.
  37. https://www.solarenergycaribbean.eco/, s., “Official Website”, Retrieved on 12 October 2024.
  38. https://www.resscott.com/,  t., “Official website”, Retrieved on 12 October 2024.
  39. https://www.elcicsltdtt.com/, e., “Official Website”, Retrieved on 12 October 2024.
  40. https://www.trifactorsolar.com/, t., “Official website”, Retrieved on 12 October 2024.

Key points

  • All figures have been converted into USD

Yearly sunshine (sun hours per year)

Sunshine Duration

According to the Trinidad and Tobago Meteorological Service data (1991-2020), the yearly average sunshine duration for Trinidad and Tobago is 2766 hours equivalent to 7-8 hours per day. 1

Direct Normal Irradiation (DNI): Trinidad and Tobago has an average of 4.4 kWh/m² daily and 1606.7 kWh/m² yearly.2

Global Horizontal Irradiation (GHI): With an average of 5.4 kWh/m² daily and 1971.5 kWh/m² yearly, the country shows excellent conditions for solar photovoltaic energy.2

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kWh per kWp installed

The average output potential is 4.3 kWh/kWp daily and 1570 kWh/kWp yearly, demonstrating strong efficiency for solar photovoltaic installations.2

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Average cost per kWh from utility company

In March 2024, the average electricity tariff in Trinidad and Tobago for residential and business use was 0.052 USD/ kWh and  0.053 USD / kWh, respectively.3

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Reliability of electrical power supply grid

Trinidad and Tobago has provided electricity to 100% of its population.

In 2021, the Trinidad and Tobago Electricity Commission (T&TEC) received approximately 30,000 customer complaints about electricity interruptions and low and high-voltage problems. 45

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In 2021, Trinidad and Tobago’s System Average Interruption Frequency Index (SAIFI) was 3.75 interruptions per customer.

In the same year, the System Average Interruption Duration Index (SAIDI) reached 308 minutes on average for each customer.

The Customer Average Interruption Duration Index (CAIDI) was 82.24 minutes in 2021.

 

Detailed Information

  • All figures have been converted into USD

    • Total solar panel production capacity (installed)

    IRENA estimated that total solar PV installations in Trinidad and Tobago were 4.1 MW in 2023.6

    Total solar panel production capacity (projected)

    Mordor Intelligence estimated that the solar capacity of Trinidad and Tobago will reach 184 MW by 2026, with a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 109.24%. 7

    Average costs of various electricity generation sources (coal, natural gas, solar, etc)

    Natural Gas: No data Found

    Solar Energy: 0.567 USD /kWh.8

    Wind Energy:  For onshore wind energy, the cost is 0.045 – 0.085 USD/kWh, and for offshore wind energy the cost is 0.12 – 0.175 USD/kWh.9

    Percentages of various electricity generation sources (coal, natural gas, solar, etc)

    In 2022, Trinidad and Tobago generated nearly all its electricity (99.47%) from natural gas, with minimal contributions from oil (0.42%) and solar panels in Trinidad and Tobago (0.11%).10

    Projected Renewable Energy:

    Trinidad and Tobago’s future goal for renewable energy is to have 30% of its electricity come from renewable sources by 2030, and to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 15% across industries, power generation, and transport.11

    Average daily availability of electricity from the national grid (measured in hours)

    In 2021, the Trinidad and Tobago Electricity Commission (T&TEC) recorded 21 major transmission interruptions, all resolved within five hours.5

    Number of residential solar panel installations

    There is sparse publicly available data about it.

    Total number of solar farms (installed and projected)

    Installed: Only 1 solar farm is operational in Trinidad and Tobago.

    Projected: 2 solar farms are under construction in Trinidad and Tobago.

    Off-grid market demand for solar panels (current and projected)

    Current: 25 kW off-grid PV energy is estimated to be installed in Trinidad and Tobago.12

    Projected: No Data found

    On-grid market demand for solar panels (current and projected)

    Installed:

    IRENA estimated that total on-grid solar PV installations in Trinidad and Tobago were 4.1 MW with a yearly production capacity of 6 GWh in 2023.6

    Projected:

    Mordor Intelligence estimated that the solar capacity of Trinidad and Tobago will reach 184 MW by 2026, with a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 109.24%. 7

    Average monthly income of workers in solar industry (labor cost)

    • The average monthly salary for a solar engineer in Trinidad and Tobago is approximately 1835 USD.13
    • The average monthly salary for a solar panel technician is around $790 USD per month.14

    Population of the country

    The population of Trinidad and Tobago is approximately 1,508,642 as of 1 October 2, 2024, according to Worldometer.15

    Average overhead costs of solar panel production (with a brief breakdown)

    Estimate for Factory Rent: The average rent for warehouse or factory space in Trinidad and Tobago is  0.8 USD /ft2 /month.16

    Industrial Electricity Rates: The average electricity tariff in Trinidad and Tobago for industrial use was 0.053 USD / kWh in March 2024.3

    Water Costs: The water tariff in Trinidad and Tobago for commercial use is 0.36 USD/ m3, and 0.10 USD m3(when flow returns as compensation water) as per the Water Resources Agency (WRA). 17

    Key Components of Administrative Costs

    Salaries and Wages:

    • The average monthly salary for a solar engineer in Trinidad and Tobago is approximately 1835 USD.13
    • The average monthly salary for a solar panel technician in Trinidad and Tobago is around 790 USD per month.14

    Rent for Office Space: Office space in Trinidad and Tobago is 2 USD /ft2 /month.18

    A summary of the energy infrastructure

    19

    • Total installed electricity generation capacity: 2103 MW
    • Total Electricity generation:8400 GWh
    • Total consumption: 7795.8 GWh
    • Electricity System Losses: 604.8 GWh (7%)
    • Per capita consumption: 5707 kWh

    Generation mix:  In 2022, Trinidad and Tobago generated nearly all its electricity (99.47%) from natural gas, with minimal contributions from oil (0.42%) and solar energy (0.11%). 10

    Leading players:2021

    The Trinidad and Tobago Electricity Commission (T&TEC) is the sole retailer of electricity in Trinidad and Tobago and is responsible for the transmission and distribution of electricity throughout the country.

    Power generation companies in Trinidad and Tobago are the following:

    1. Power Generation Company of Trinidad and Tobago (POWERGEN). 22
    2. Trinidad Generation Unlimited (TGU). 23
    3. Trinity Power Ltd.24

    Major power plants:

    In Trinidad and Tobago, 99.5 % of the electricity is produced from natural Gas.

    • Thermal Power Plants:

    Major thermal power plants operating in Trinidad and Tobago are the following: 2526

    • Point Lisas Power Station:
      • Capacity: 818 MW
      • Location: Point Lisas Industrial Estate
      • Fuel type: Natural Gas
      • Operator: PowerGen
      • Original PPA: 1994
    • Union Estate Power Station
      • Capacity: 720 MW
      • Location: La Brea
      • Fuel type: Natural Gas
      • Operator: TGU
      • Commissioned: 2012
    • PowerGen Power Station:
      • Capacity: 236 MW
      • Location: Penal
      • Fuel: Natural Gas
      • Operator: PowerGen
    • Trinity Power Station:
      • Capacity: 225 MW
      • Location: Point Lisas, Couva-Tabaquite-Talparo
      • Operator: Trinity Power Ltd
      • Commissioned in: 1999
    • Cove Power Station:
      • Capacity: 64 MW
      • Location: Tobago
      • Fuel type: Dual (Natural Gas/Diesel)
      • Operator: T&TEC
      • Commissioned: 2009
    • Scarborough Power Station:
      • Capacity: 11 MW
      • Location: Tobago
      • Fuel type: Diesel
      • Operator: Trinidad and Tobago Electricity Commission (T&TEC)
      • Commissioned: 1998

    Other Renewable Energy sources

    • Wind energy Potential:

    Trinidad and Tobago Government has identified 30 GW of potential wind energy resources inside the country, they plan to install 2 GW of onshore wind power by 2035. 27

    Energy Imports:

    In 2022 Trinidad and Tobago imported fuel worth 53238.26 USD. The top partner countries from where fuel was imported were the United States, Barbados, Italy, Jamaica, and Germany.28

    Some of the government regulations surrounding solar panel production

    Solar panel testing in Trinidad and Tobago involves several key steps to ensure that the panels meet quality and safety standards:2930

    1. Certification: Solar panels must be certified by recognized bodies such as the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) and Underwriters Laboratories (UL)
    2. Testing Conditions: Panels are tested under various conditions, including temperature extremes, high humidity, and mechanical stress, to simulate real-world usage.
    3. Durability and Efficiency: Tests are conducted to assess the durability and efficiency of the panels over their expected lifespan.
    4. Annual HV Testing: The Trinidad and Tobago Electricity Commission (T&TEC) mandates annual high voltage (HV) testing for solar installations. Failure to comply can result in disconnection of supply and potential damages to equipment.

    Government initiatives in solar panel production (includes investments and subsidies)

    3132

    Utility Scale Solar PV Project: The Government of Trinidad and Tobago has partnered with Shell, and Lightsource bp to develop a solar PV project adding 112.2 MW to the grid.

    Import Duty Exemptions: Exemptions are granted for machinery, equipment, materials, and parts for the manufacture or assembly of solar water heaters and solar PV systems.

    Zero-rated VAT: Solar PV panels and wind turbines are exempt from VAT.

    Wear and Tear Allowance: A 150% wear and tear allowance is provided for expenditure incurred on Solar PV systems, and related plant, machinery, and equipment.

    Notable solar projects in the country (installed and projected)

    Installed Solar Projects:

    Piarco Solar Park: 33

    • Capacity: 0.5 MW, 767034 kWh
    • Location: Piarco International Airport
    • Commissioned in: 2024

    Projected Solar Projects:

    Brechin Castle Solar Farm 3435

    • Operator: Lightsource bp in collaboration with Shell, bp, and NGC
    • Capacity: 92MWac/122MWp
    • Project Timeline: Construction Started in 2023. Operational Date is Expected to be in 2025

    Orange Grove Solar Farm 3435

    • Operator: Shell, bp, and University of West Indies
    • Capacity: 20MWac/26MWp
    • Project Timeline: Construction Started in 2023. Operational Date is Expected to be in 2025

    Some of the notable solar companies (plus brief details on what they do)

    Solar Watts Trinidad and Tobago Limited:

    A reputable solar installation company committed to providing reliable and eco-friendly energy solutions. They offer customized residential and commercial solutions, adhering to NEC 690 standards, and prioritizing affordability.36

    Solarenergycaribbean: 

    Solar Energy Caribbean provides solar solutions for residential, commercial, and EV applications across Trinidad and Tobago. Services include grid-tied, off-grid systems, EV charging stations, energy audits, and LED retrofits. They also offer financing options and tailored setups for properties of varying energy needs, with battery solutions like Tesla Powerwall and FranklinWH. The company focuses on high-quality, hurricane-resistant installations using Tier 1 global products.37

    Lightsource BP:

    A global solar energy company with a presence in Trinidad and Tobago, offering large-scale solar energy solutions for commercial and industrial customers.34

    RESScott:

    Specializing in engineered solar systems, RESSCOTT Ltd. handles complex commercial and residential solar installations. They are known for high-quality installations that adhere to engineering standards, offering services that include consultations, installation, and maintenance across Trinidad and Tobago​.38

    Elcics Ltd:

    Elcics Ltd. provides robust solar solutions for both residential and commercial sectors. They have installed a variety of systems ranging from small home setups to large-scale solar farms. The company focuses on durable and weather-resistant installations, tailored to withstand local environmental conditions​. 39

    Trifactor Solar:

    This company offers a diverse portfolio, including solar water heaters, off-grid systems, and solar-powered water pumps. Trifactor Solar provides free site visits to assess clients’ energy needs, ensuring installations are optimized for energy efficiency and budget​.40

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