Solar Panel Installation

KatWillNY · 2018-06-14T23:48:20+02:00

Earlier I posted on this forum regarding the fact that we have started building our soon to be new home in DR. In an attempt to be more self sufficient and rely as little as possible on public services, I am thinking of installing solar panels. Upon speaking about this with my builder he informs me that in order for solar panels to work in DR the electricity must be 24-7 and that it is a requirement by the power company but that he would do more research as he has not done solar installs. Since we will be living in El Campo, the electricity is rationed and it is not constantly available. I always understood that solar panels are self standing and did not require any input from the power company, especially in remote areas. Can anyone please shed some light on this. My NY-spidey-senses tell me that this is some ploy from the power company or perhaps my builder is ill informed. Thanks in advance Kat.

Last activity 17 March 2023 by planner

4844 Views

75 replies

Post new topic

jdjonesdrContributor30 November 2019 13:30:22

#41

172

All of this is very true. Also remember luisenriquereyes said he called and spoke to the man, so it was a direct contact. I wouldn't wait 3 days for a response however, let alone 3 months.

DominicanadaMikeViP30 November 2019 15:15:49

#42

1049

Its unfortunate but if you want action you have to stay on top of people like bees on Honey! Yes, become a pain! A pain in their !!! Then you might get a response.

DominicanadaMikeViP01 December 2019 19:18:16

#43

1049

Luis, Try Keylor again. I know they do not just send out quotes. They come to your home, take measurements, ask for your electricity bill etc. and prepare a full detailed engineering quote. They need info from you to do it properly.

Good luck. If you get stuck let me know and I will follow up for you.

luisenriquereyesActive member02 December 2019 13:20:53

#44

Will do, thanks

DominicanadaMike wrote:
Luis, Try Keylor again. I know they do not just send out quotes. They come to your home, take measurements, ask for your electricity bill etc. and prepare a full detailed engineering quote. They need info from you to do it properly.

Good luck. If you get stuck let me know and I will follow up for you.

Richie SmithMember24 May 2021 09:50:57

#45

Well, as far as solar installation is concerned, i recently used the services of *** and they did a decent job. I would recommend to use their services as they do things pretty professionally.

Moderated by Cheryl 3 years ago
Reason : No advertising on the forum please.
We invite you to read the forum code of conduct

plannerDominican Republic Expert24 May 2021 10:31:52

#46

17080

Welcome to the forums. Your link posted is under review as is policy on new posters.

Adminww08Member24 May 2021 12:52:14

#47

Know this: You and everyone else attempting this fine effort are going to battle with the local "power" companies unless you employ this tactic: BEHIND THE METER! Find a Schneider-Electric Reseller to install their Conext XW Pro series inverters+MPPT controller, attached to your solar panels AND batteries(muy importante). T
The "power" companies haven't a clue on how to manage the oncoming wave of the 'connect-to-the-grid' solutions, nor do they welcome it-it goes against their ancient business plans (IMHO): To leave all in the dark-often, and those with gas/diesel generators are considered outlaws?!...They, too, can use batteries to reduce their fuel consumption/emissions and time of operation. Yes, there are other vendors, too. I'd post a link, but the admin's don't seem keen on quick turnarounds....
Good Luck~WWIII

ddmcgheeDominican Republic Expert24 May 2021 14:12:13

#48

1723

Richie Smith wrote:
Well, as far as solar installation is concerned, i recently used the services of volt energy for solar panel installation and they did a decent job. I would recommend to use their services as they do things pretty professionally.

This is a company in California! Do they also work in the DR? If not, I don't understand why you are referring them here.

plannerDominican Republic Expert24 May 2021 15:23:19

#49

17080

Its being removed. No value here.

willy valdezMember27 May 2021 15:35:07

#50

Hi .. I'm a solar installer living in the NYC. I would like to get in contact with any contractor in the Dominican republic . PL reply maybe we could do something .. thank you

plannerDominican Republic Expert27 May 2021 15:53:24

#51

17080

Welcome to the forums Willy. Contractors are a dime a dozen here and spread all over the country. I can connect you with a good Electrical engineer if you are interested. Maybe he can steer you in the right directly.

GuestPosterR2506Guest27 May 2021 16:06:31

#52

214245

Soon or later I am gonna need solar panels. Do you have a contact number or email?

Rich

ddmcgheeDominican Republic Expert27 May 2021 17:09:10

#53

1723

Rich - we're using EVR Solar, here in Las Terrenas.
https://evr-solar.com/

GuestPosterR2506Guest27 May 2021 17:23:31

#54

214245

Awesome thank you

Ian1272Contributor07 February 2022 22:25:29

#55

137

I inquired with the gated community located on the North Shore that we are considering having them build us a Villa about adding solar power to our Villa.

The reply I received was there was a law in the Dominican that does not allow gated community Villas to have solar power.

Can anyone shed some light to this law please ? With all the sunshine in the DR one would think solar power would be something welcomed.

Thanks.

Ian

plannerDominican Republic Expert08 February 2022 10:04:23

#56

17080

I have never heard of this. You do need to have permission to use solar if you are going off grid or feeding back into the grid.

Many gated communities upcharge on services. This. May be the case and why they don't want you using solar.

ddmcgheeDominican Republic Expert08 February 2022 13:27:11

#57

1723

As planner said, certainly not a law against it in DR! That individual HOA might have rules against solar, but with the unreliable power grid here, even that is hard to believe! Everyone needs some type of back up power, and in a nice, gated community, I would much rather see solar panels than deal with the noise and pollution of generators!

Liam HActive member15 June 2022 13:39:38

#58

@DominicanadaMike

Hi Mike could you please give me the name and contact details of the solar supplier contractor you used?

regards

Steve

Pierre The BearNew member15 June 2022 14:33:31

#59

Please name of solar supplier as well

Thanks

TippjSerial expat15 June 2022 15:42:42

#60

563

Yes if you would send me the info also … much appreciated

FredIndonesia Expert15 June 2022 22:13:08

#61

28180

Solar energy is an option that has hit the headlines, and cop(out) 26 only increased the number of people looking at it. The Russian/Ukraine thing has added to this in many countries since fuel prices started shooting up with that as a reason/excuse.

That interest has encouraged charlatans and profiteers to get into the trade so you have to be a little careful who you choose to do the work.

Remember, it's in the installer's interest to oversell as they will make more so what you have to do is look at what power you need before you accept anything. Most domestic appliances (fridge, TV, etc) use very little so you only need a small system but, if you're running air conditioning or electric cookers, you need a lot more - That starts to get expensive. Panels are getting cheaper and better, but batteries are the killer as they are so expensive, however, a little creative thinking can help you.

There are other things to consider when it comes to a new build.

Power consumption for lighting can be minimised with no loss of brightness if you install 12v LED lighting. That means no inverter, so less power (Inverters lose a lot of power due to inefficiency). One small panel, a cheap charge controller, and a lead acid leisure battery sees you in business. I'm serious when I tell you anyone with an IQ over 99 and a screwdriver can build that - it really is that easy, and it will be cheap.

That small, simple, and cheap lighting means you always have light regardless of how bad the grid is. I installed a simple solar system for lighting but, as it was impossible to wire it up as I would have liked, I popped in simple night lights powered by solar so we have light during our many power cuts. I find the worst part of night outages is the lack of light.

Unreliable mains power is a thing in many countries, but big solar systems are expensive, so another option to consider is a hybrid system - part on grid, and part off grid. You could look at a small system that will keep your fridge, TV, fans, and other small things on with ease, and have enough left to charge your computer and phones.

That's going to be pretty easy with a new build as you can wire up in such a way that gives you options.

if the goal is only to beat power outages, a charger/inverter with a battery is a possibility. These aren't solar, just a unit that plugs into a mains socket and has a couple of output sockets. You attach 12 volt leisure batteries that charge when the mains is on, but supply power when it dies. The number of batteries against how much power you draw determines how long they keep your fridge running, but there are a cheap alternative if your power cuts don't last more than a few hours. I've seen these up to 2,000 watts.

2875810_f11b1e28-63f0-11e3-aac4-25924908

Minimalist but limited is a portable Lithium ion generator. These can be charged from the mains, your car, or even a portable solar panel. They have the advantage of zero installation and can handle fans, lighting, charge phones, and so on with ease. Handy as a backup if the mains is unreliable.

DominicanadaMikeViP15 June 2022 23:09:32

#62

1049

I used BestInPro in Punta Cana. Big company, you can google for more info. I can't recommend as it was 6 years ago and things change. I was pleased with their service and my system is still functioning perfectly without any interruption.

DominicanadaMikeViP16 June 2022 00:59:40

#63

1049

CEPM is not accepting new solar installations and the rules are changing across the country and solar is getting more difficult to install due to these changing rules.

plannerDominican Republic Expert16 June 2022 01:22:58

#64

17080

Wow that does not sound good! Do you know what the new rules are?

DominicanadaMikeViP16 June 2022 02:32:25

#65

1049

No, I don't, sorry. But its another Dominicanism, they say they have too much incoming power...go figure. It's a monopoly...

plannerDominican Republic Expert16 June 2022 11:04:41

#66

17080

Seriously, too much incoming power! That is both ridiculously funny and pathetic at the same time.

Nope,. It's all about money.

Maria ?elena31177? KingMember01 March 2023 20:36:46

#67

@DominicanadaMike

Hello Mike. Can you please share with me the information for the solar panel company?

Thanks

DominicanadaMikeViP03 March 2023 16:34:33

#68

1049

Read the post above for the name...

stealth19Member13 March 2023 01:28:45

#69

@Ian1272 Contact “Ministerio de Energía y Minas,” you can find it in Google, ask for Mr Antonio Almonte, the Minister, or an assistant. They all speak English very well, and are the maximum authority in the country concerning this matter.

BigskydomesActive member13 March 2023 16:10:11

#70

are all the solar systems being installed here in the DR the Flat panel systems or is anyone installing the curved shingles with success?

I deal with a few companies in China - and looking at 2 manufactures that that can produce a visually appealing solar shingle that will work here with the temperature and wind. Ive brought product from China to the US in the past without issue (even paying the customs & shipping fees) - so don't know if that is my only option to get what I want - but I know I don't want flat panel systems on my properties

any input would be appreciated

I just found this group and have gotten a TON of great content from you guys (and gals) already - Thanks for sharing your experiences

John

plannerDominican Republic Expert13 March 2023 16:47:28

#71

17080

Welcome to the forums! As to your question I have not seen anything like this.

ddmcgheeDominican Republic Expert13 March 2023 17:02:35

#72

1723

Where we are in Las Terrenas, I’ve only seen flat panels. The homes here tend to be modern designs with flat roofs or Caribbean style with Cana roofs. Not a lot of shingles here of any type.

CHRISTOPHER DAVID56Serial expat16 March 2023 19:38:35

#73

332

@DominicanadaMike

HI I saw your post on this site from 2018 and I am now researching to have solar installed in one of my house.

I am in the barrio and they say we are a 24 hour circuit but that is in questions.

Do you have a good contractor in the Santo Domingo ESTE area that you can recommend?

Is stand alone much easier now 2023.

What's been your experience?

Thanks

Christopher

***

Moderated by Bhavna last year
Reason : For security reasons, please share contact details through the private messaging system. Thank you
We invite you to read the forum code of conduct

plannerDominican Republic Expert16 March 2023 23:25:47

#74

17080

Christopher welcome to the forums. We will remove your email address and put your post back up. We don't allow sharing of personal contact information. You can private message anyone and share that.

DominicanadaMikeViP17 March 2023 15:03:30

#75

1049

Hello Christopher. I am not in the SD area and cannot recommend anyone there. Hopefully others will chime in and give you some recommendations.

The contractor will verify what type of solar is allowed in your situation by the local electrical company, if any.

Good luck.

plannerDominican Republic Expert17 March 2023 15:48:55

#76

17080

And in Santo Domingo este you are on Edeeste lines. They are not fun to deal with. I think the first step is to find out if they are even allowed where you are! Good luck and keep us posted,

Articles to help you in your expat project in Dominican Republic

Working in the Dominican Republic
If you are looking for a job in the Dominican Republic (DR), here are some tips and suggestions. Job hunting can ...
Dating in the Dominican Republic
Just like anywhere else in the world, people in the Dominican Republic want to find love, their significant other, ...
The healthcare system in the Dominican Republic
If you are moving to the Dominican Republic, one of your primary concerns is likely to be the healthcare system ...
Education in the Dominican Republic
This article will cover the Dominican Republic's educational system, including public schools attended by 80% ...
Setting up a business in the Dominican Republic
The Dominican Republic has indeed been attracting foreign investment over the past few decades, with notable ...
Driving in the Dominican Republic
What is driving like in the Dominican Republic and how do you obtain a driving license? Find out all about it in ...
Death in the Dominican Republic
What customs and procedures are common when dealing with death in the Dominican Republic? Find more about it in ...
Phones, internet, mail, and television in the Dominican Republic
If you are moving to the Dominican Republic, like anywhere else in the world, you will most probably want Internet ...