Despite solar radiation high levels and its strong dependence on fossil fuels, only in 2018 did Panama begin to promote solar thermal technology incorporation.
The starting point was “Termosolar Panamá”.
This is a project executed through an inter-institutional alliance between the UN Environment Regional Office for Latin America and the Caribbean and the National Energy Secretariat (SNE), with the financial support of the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and the support of various allies from public and private sectors.
The objective is to install 1 million square meters of solar thermal technology applications for water heating throughout the country by 2050. With this, country will reduce 6.4 million tons of CO2 and Panamanians will save more than US $ 3 million annually in fossil fuels.
Some 10 million dollars will be invested to achieve this objective.
The project began in June 2018 and has been supported by a broad portfolio of partners from public and private sectors, such as the Banco General, the Panama Green Building Council, the Technological University of Panama, the Municipality of Panama, the National Institute of Vocational Training and Training for Human Development (Inadeh), among others.
One of the 4 direct objectives of the project is the implementation of demonstration pilot projects with solar water heating systems nationwide. This involved carrying out energy audits in residences, shops and hospitals that were selected to participate; which led to the identification of savings opportunities and market potential that exists in the country.
The project has so far installed a total of 100 pilot heaters in health and social care buildings, hotels, private companies and private residences.
Some of the centers where the use of technology was contemplated are the San Miguel Arcángel Hospital in Panama, the Luis “Chicho” Fábrega Hospital in the province of Veraguas, the José Domingo de Obaldía Maternal and Child Hospital in the Chiriquí province, and children dining rooms in Panama City.
The Veterinary Wildlife Clinic of Panama Summit Municipal Park became first beneficiary of public sector.
Of 100 pilots established, 30 were assigned to residential sector.
The project envisages the development of a package of political and fiscal measures that allow the growth of solar thermal technology in country, as well as the adoption of quality assurance and control standards, both for equipment to be imported or manufactured, and for techniques of equipment installation.
Termosolar Panamá also contemplates the creation of capacities and professionals training for solar water heating systems management.
The General Bank designed a financial mechanism to grant credit lines to residential and commercial sector that it wishes to implement this system. Feasibility analyzes and design of solar water heater system will be financed by the project.
This government initiative has managed to stimulate the reactions of Panamanian private company. Scopes with an interesting and very marked potential are hotel, food and health sectors.
All you need is Sun. All you need is Sopelia.