Island nations like St. Lucia are caught in the middle of the energy crunch. The regions’ key dependence on diesel and propane has resulted in not only considerable price increases but is also affecting the ability of consumers and government to maintain economic balance. Although this is a worldwide effect, the Caribbean is already starting at a higher carbon baseline, with energy prices being amongst the highest in the world. (In St. Lucia, the 2006 regional average electrical costs tallied $0.26 in $US/kWh, compared to $0.08 in the US.)

Sandals Grande St. Lucian Hotel began investigation of a renewable energy replacement for the resort’s high usage, propane-based hot water heating systems. A study by Energy Dynamics Limited of typical energy use in hotels in the Caribbean found that hot water heating is second only to air conditioning in accounting for hotel energy demands. Specifically, the study showed that the hospitality industry can save up to 15% in a hotel’s energy costs, by switching to solar thermal technology.

A second study was subsequently conducted, comparing four solar water heater technologies side by side. ProgressivTube technology won hands down. St. Lucia subsequently installed 12 ProgressivTube panels and immediately turned off one of their three boilers. After 2 months of operation, they turned off a second boiler, representing 66% savings on propane boiler consumption.