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Guidance Notes for Small Scale Renewable Generation (SSRG)

Applicants interested in generating renewable electricity with an output between 50kW and typical commercial generators can complete the small-scale renewable generation commercial system form.  

Guidance Notes: 

Required Documentation to be attached to this application

  • An electrical schematic/single-line diagram of the proposed installation arrangement (inclusive of the
  • labeled Meter with BPL Meter # for grid-tied system applications)
  • A copy of the specification sheet for each proposed solar panel model
  • A copy of the specification sheet for each proposed inverter model
  • A copy of the installation manual for each proposed solar panel model
  • A copy of the operation manual for each proposed inverter model
  • A copy of documentation for other proposed SSRG system components
  • Proof that Non-Refundable Application Fee of $150 has been paid (Please keep a copy of your receipt for your records. See https://www.urcabahamas.bs/licensing/fee-schedule/ for payment method options.)
  • Application, documents, and proof of payment must be submitted through the licensing portal on URCA’s website or emailed to info@urcabahamas.bs or submitted in an envelope marked:

SSRG Program Application – (Applicant’s Name)

For Delivery to URCA, Utilities & Energy Sector Division

Director of Utilities and Energy

Utilities Regulation and Competition Authority

Frederick House, Frederick Street

P.O.Box N-4860

Nassau, The Bahamas

  • Failure to attach these documents will result in your application being denied. 

In order to efficiently process applications, it is critical that all the information be accurately filled in on the form. It is recommended that you have your system installer/electrical contractor assist you in completing this document if you are not familiar with all of the technical elements of your system, as incomplete or incorrect submissions will delay processing.

1) Customer Information

  • In this section, information pertaining to the customer should be filled in.
  •  For grid-tied RESG applications, the Public Electricity Supplier Account information must be supplied, the customer name must be the same as the name on the account and the application signed by a duly authorised person. Future agreements will be done in this name so it is critical that that correct information be provided.
  • If no street address is available, please provide coordinates of latitude and longitude. Directions (if applicable) should include landmarks or main roads that will help a person locate the property. If the property is located on a smaller cay that is associated with a main island (main land), include the cay’s name (along with the settlement, if applicable) in the Settlement/Town/City field.
  • All contact information should be filled in, especially the email address as this will be the primary method of contact with respect to the application.

2)  System Installer information

  • In this section, you are required to provide information on the system installer that erected your systems and the locally (Bahamas) licensed electrical contractor that is responsible for the electrical components of the installation. 
  • It must be noted that it is a requirement for all system installations to have an associated licensed electrical contractor associated who is required to submit an electrical permit for the installation to the Ministry of Works and receive an approved Electrical Inspection Certificate as prerequisites to a system beingallowed to be approved for activation. 
  • This applies to both Grid-tied and Off Grid installations. It is vital that this information be provided so that contact can be made with these individuals if necessary.

3)  Facility Information

  • In this section, you are to provide technical details on the system to be installed.
  • Installation Type: Grid-tied, Split Circuits, Transfer Switch, Off Grid or Other (please specify):
  • Here select the grid connection type to be employed.
    • Grid-tied: The building/property is connected to the grid and the RESG in parallel at the same time. That is, energy can flow in either direction.
    • Split Circuits: Some circuits in the building supplied by renewable energy technology and some supplied by the grid. The two electrical systems are in no way electrically or mechanically connected to each other.
    • Transfer Switch: The building/property can be fed by either the grid or the RESG, but the two sources are separated via a transfer switch. That is, the two sources are never tied to the load at the same time.
    • Off Grid: The building/property is totally disconnected from the grid, that is, no utility service wire or cable connected to the building.
Module Type
Photovoltaic (PV) Module Manufacturer
Model #
Single Module Power (Watts)
Quantity of Panels
Module Type
Wind Module Manufacturer
Model #
Single Module Power (Watts)
Quantity of Turbines
  • Here, you are expected to give the brand/make of the PV panels/wind turbine, its model number, the number of panels/turbines being used in the system, and the power/capacity of a single panel or single turbine in unitWatts. This would be the capacity value found on the data/specification sheet of the PV panel/wind turbine.
  • All information given here should match the information in the data/specification sheets.

Total System Photovoltaic (PV) panel capacity ___________ kW DC

Total System Wind Turbine capacity _________ kW DC

  • The total PV capacity/total wind turbine capacity of the system is calculated by multiplying the number of panels/turbines by the Single Module Power.

Example 1: 9 panels x 350 Watts per panel = 3150 W = 3.15 kW DC of total system PV capacity

Example 2: 1 turbine x 300 Watts per turbine = 300 W = 0.3 kW DC of total system Wind turbine capacity

Example 3: 20 Model A panels x 425 Watts per Model A panel = 8500 W

                    10 Model B panels x 395 Watts per Model B panel = 3950 W

                    Total System PV capacity = 8500 W + 3950 W = 12450 W = 12.45 kW DC

Does this proposed system have an inverter? YES NO

  • Here, you are to indicate if inverters are being used as a part of the installation configuration.
Module Type
Inverter Manufacturer
Model #
Single Inverter Power Rating (kW AC)
Quantity of Inverters
Rated AC Voltage (V)
Rated Frequency (Hz)
Listing Standard (e.g. UL1741)
  • If inverters are being used, indicate their make (manufacturer) and model number. This is required in the event more research beyond what is provided in your submitted technical documents is needed. This includes information on micro inverters that might be integrated with the solar panels in some cases. 
  • The value of Single Inverter Power Rating should reflect the capacity of a single inverter in unit kiloWatts. 
  • This would be the capacity value found on the data/specification sheet of the inverter. Inverters used must adhere to the UL1471 when installing and using a grid-tied system. All information given here should match the information in the data/specification sheets.

Total installed AC generation/Total system inverter capacity: ______________ kW AC

This is the total nominal AC output of the system. The total inverter (AC) capacity of the system is calculated by multiplying the number of inverters by the Single Inverter Power Rating (for each inverter model).

Example 1: 3 inverters x 11 kW per inverter = 33 kW of total installed AC generation

Example 2: 20 micro-inverter A x 250 Watts per micro-inverter A = 5000 W = 5 kW

                    2 inverter B x 5 kiloWatts per inverter B = 10 kW

                    Total Installed (AC) generation = 5 kW + 10 kW = 15 kW

Battery storage installed: YES NO Capacity (kWh) ______________

  • In this area, you must indicate if your system has battery storage and the total kiloWatt-hours (kWh) capacity of the battery storage system.

Off-Grid output capable (Backup Power Capable): YES NO

Here, you indicate if your system is capable of supplying power to the home when the utility supply is not available. This is not the usual mode of operation for a grid-tied system and generally requires a more sophisticated inverter arrangement.

Is there any existing Electric Generating Equipment at this location? YES NO

  • Indicate Yes if there is any other source of electricity (other than the utility) supplying the property. 
  • This includes but is not limited to emergency generators and other renewable energy sources.

If “Yes”, please provide details

  • Provide brief details of the existing generating equipment if you answered yes to the previous question.

N.B.: Applicants for grid-tied systems are hereby advised of the need to execute an interconnection agreement with the Public Electricity Supplier in their area, and of the possibility of further commissioning requirements implemented in order to ensure grid stability and safety.

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