‘ Solar Power

For those unfamiliar with how a solar system works, it primarily consists of solar panels that capture ultraviolet rays from the sun and convert them into electrical energy. This energy is then routed through a charge controller to regulate the flow based on the sunlight’s intensity. This device is crucial for efficiently managing the energy sent to the batteries, which store the electrical energy. The stored energy is converted from the battery voltage—typically 12, 24, or 48 volts—into 110 or 220 volts to power your home’s electrical system via an inverter.

It’s important to note, especially in Bocas del Toro, that we frequently experience cloud cover due to the mountains and Volcán Barú, which block clouds coming from the Atlantic. These clouds tend to linger overhead, struggle to cross the mountains, and result in frequent rainfall. Consequently, this cloud cover limits the amount of sunlight reaching our solar panels, reducing the ultraviolet energy captured and, therefore, the energy available to charge our batteries.

As a result, our essential appliances—like refrigerators for food preservation, fans for cooling, lights for evening illumination, and communication devices—continue to consume energy. This is when the first issues can arise. When our batteries fail to store enough energy due to insufficient sunlight, they can become depleted, dropping to dangerously low levels and potentially deteriorating prematurely.

To mitigate this, it is highly advisable to invest in a generator to provide backup energy during those pesky cloudy days. Interestingly, the same clouds that bring frequent rain to Bocas del Toro contribute to the region’s lush vegetation year-round, especially when compared to the much drier Pacific coast, and they also supply us with water. ‘