2017 Sustainable Building Awards

24 BUILD / Sustainable Building Awards 2017 , Solar Dynamics: Best Solar Hot Water System - Caribbean Solar Dynamics Ltd is the Caribbean’s leading solar hot water provider, supplying systems since 1974. We profile the firmand explore the development which has made Barbados the 4th leading nation in theWorld in the penetration of solar water heaters; inwhich Solar Dynamics has been at the forefront. Throughout its more than 40-year history, Solar Dynamics has continuously raised the quality and performance of its solar hot water systems. It took the design of Professor Tom Lawand of Mc Gill University to a new level of reliability, and built an industry. Its founder, and former Chairman, Revd Andrew Hatch championed solar water heaters as the appropriate technology for water heating in the Caribbean. Solar Hot Water Systems are now the preferred way to heat water in the Caribbean, with good market penetration in Barbados, Saint Lucia and Grenada. In a recent survey on the satisfaction of solar water heaters in Caribbean Hotels, by the United Nations Environmental Program (UNEP), two of Solar Dynamics’ clients were selected for inclusion in a satisfaction survey. Turtle Beach Resorts in Barbados and Bay Gardens Hotel in Saint Lucia rated their satisfaction with Solar Dynamics Hot Water Systems installed at their facilities for more than 15 years; at between 95% and 100%.Turtle Beach Resort use over 1,000,000 gallons of hot water per year in its 167 room luxury resort. Solar Dynamics is the first company in the World to provide a guaranteed temperature on the performance of its solar hot water systems, highlighting its commitment to performance and reliability. Alongside this quality of service, the firm is also keen to highlight the savings of its innovative technology. The hotels surveyed reported a return on their investment of 40% to 50% annually on the investment in the Solar Dynamics Hot Water System. This saving is particularly vital, as Caribbean countries, except for Trinidad and Tobago, pay a higher than average cost for energy. The use of solar energy is therefore important in reducing cost in the region’s tourism industry as well as in domestic homes. It makes sense therefore to eliminate the cost of energy for hot water, while earning a handsome return on investment. Looking ahead, Solar Dynamics, whose system was the first in the Caribbean to be tested and rated by Florida Solar Energy Centre, has executed plans to address SU170007 Contact: James Husbands Phone: 246 425 1540 Cell: 246 266 2164 Website: www.solardynamicslimited.com www.solardynamicslimited.com/ about-us/solar-dynamics-in-the-news/ the vulnerability of solar water heaters to storm and hurricane conditions, by strengthening solar collector’s resistance to uplift winds. The “Storm Secure” product has been launched, and so far has been well received in the marketplace, with systems installed in Barbados, and those shipped to Grenada, Guyana, and Suriname. Further shipments are planned for Antigua; St. Kitts and St Maarten. The base plate of the extruded aluminium cabinetry carries a slide in bracket which is used to anchor the system to the roof. The bracket is made of extruded Aluminium 1/16” thick. Managing Director James Husbands is pleased with the ability of his staff to upgrade existing collectors to carry the storm secure assembly, and looks forward to the region’s solar hot water systems being safer in times of high winds, storms or hurricanes. Husbands would like to see all collectors being equipped with safety tempered glass, a feature pioneered by Solar Dynamics back in the 1980’s. With these exciting new projects, including the successful implementation of a fast response to service request programme, the future is bright for Solar Dynamics. The company reports that 53% of its last 300 customers saw a technician the same day or by the next day, with only 6 calls done on the 5th day. Solar Dynamics also provides an “Express Same Day Service” for its customers and others. Ultimately Solar Dynamics goal is to be the most reliable comfort provider and money saving partner everytime the Caribbean person and their guests turns on their shower.