Kyocera Solar Inc. and installer Dynamic Solar Solutions announced on October 13th the installation of 24.75 kilowatts (kW) of Kyocera solar modules atop Emilio Bacardi Group headquarters in San Juan, Puerto Rico, harnessing renewable energy as a solution to rising energy prices. The system will produce 34,533 kilowatt hours (kWh) annually – offsetting 100 percent of the power needs of the building – and is expected to pay for itself within five years with the help of government incentives covering 30 percent of the cost.
 
Electricity prices in the Caribbean are among the highest in the world. In Puerto Rico, electricity rates are frequently double those of the mainland United States, causing local businesses to seek ways to save on their operational costs. A Kyocera solar photovoltaic (PV) system, built from Kyocera’s high-reliability solar modules developed during the company’s four decades in the solar industry, provides a consistent, economical solution to rising energy costs.
 
The Emilio Bacardi Group, which has been in business for more than 40 years on the island, is the owner ofCaribbean Energy Distributor Corp., Dynamic Solar Solutions (DSS), and eight related corporations.
 
“We’ve installed Kyocera solar panels previously on our shopping centers, residences and other properties so we know first-hand about their outstanding performance,” said Eng. Leo Lebron, President of Dynamic Solar Solutions.
 
“We offer Kyocera solar panels exclusively to our customers because of their longstanding proven high quality. So, it was an easy decision when it came to providing a solar system for our parent company,” said Juan Carlos Díaz-Galarza, Vice President of Operations for Caribbean Energy Distributor Corp.
 
The 99 Kyocera solar modules are installed atop a steel structure, allowing the use of the roof as a covered terrace while providing ample service access. The project balanced aesthetics with stringent building codes requiring a structure able to withstand hurricane force, 145mph winds. The system recently withstoodTropical Storm Erika in late August.
 
“Kyocera solar modules have a track record for providing long-term, reliable PV electricity that supports businesses by stabilizing electricity costs to enable further growth,” said Hitoshi Atari, President of Kyocera Solar Inc. “By installing Kyocera solar modules, the Emilio Bacardi Group headquarters not only gains a functional terrace with ample shade on its rooftop, but a strong competitive advantage.”