Exorbitant electricity prices, poor reliability and the climate impact of diesel-power plague Caribbean islands. The self-sustaining microgrid is the perfect solution for the Chub Cay private resort, which wanted to reduce its carbon footprint and its reliance on diesel. Solar, which costs half that of conventional sources in the Caribbean, was paired with two 5-MWh lithium-ion batteries and four bi-directional 1,000 KVA PCS inverters. Over eight months, Bahamian EPC Compass Power executed the largest autonomous and independently operated microgrid in the Bahamas, using primarily Bahamian labor.

The logistical undertaking of building a microgrid of this magnitude in such a remote location added significant complexity to the project. Building materials and specialized equipment and manpower had to be chartered on dedicated vessels, requiring tight coordination between Compass Power, the port authorities and partners. Compass Power assembled a team of TerraSmart and its vendors to get the job done.

The logistics challenge on the project forced careful coordination between the fabricator and the galvanizer on the project. Packaging and sequencing of all the galvanized components was critical in allowing for a fast, accurate installation. Despite being the largest solar array in the Bahamas, and one of the largest grid-forming systems, the Chub Cay renewable microgrid was built and commissioned without delays in eight months.

While creating significant climate benefits, this landmark installation will generate 6,785 MWh of energy per year and save millions of dollars in fuel for the private resort and its marina.