Solar Energy in Gustavia
Gustavia is located at 17.9°N, 62.9°W in St. Barthélemy. Here's what solar energy looks like for homeowners in this area.
Annual Irradiance
2,091
kWh/m²
Peak Sun Hours
4.9
hrs/day
2.5 kWp Output
4,495
kWh/year
Solar Score
85
/ 100
What does this mean for your roof?
Gustavia receives approximately 2,091 kWh/m² of solar irradiance per year, which translates to 4.9 peak sun hours per day. This is excellent for residential solar energy production.
A typical 2.5 kWp residential solar system (6 panels) in Gustavia would produce approximately 4,495 kWh per year, sized for the average household in St. Barthélemy.
The best months for solar production in Gustavia are May – August, while the lowest production occurs during November – January. Being in the northern hemisphere, south-facing roofs capture the most annual sunlight.
Estimated savings in Gustavia
System Cost
€2,990
2.5 kWp, before incentives
Annual Savings
~€364
At €0.141/kWh
Payback Period
~8 years
Before local incentives
25-Year Net Result
~€8,610
Savings minus system cost
These are approximate figures based on a standardized household consumption of 5,000 kWh/year and an estimated electricity rate of €0.141/kWh in St. Barthélemy. Local incentives may reduce the upfront cost — check current subsidy, tax-credit, or VAT programs in St. Barthélemy, as these can meaningfully shorten the payback period.
Figures are estimates based on typical system assumptions and the latest available electricity-price and billing data for St. Barthélemy. Actual costs, tariffs, net-metering rules, and incentives vary by utility and change over time — confirm with a local installer or energy authority before making decisions.
How solar billing works in St. Barthélemy
Exports and imports are priced separately, usually at different rates.
In St. Barthélemy, rooftop solar appears to fall under a net-billing-style approach, where the energy you export and the energy you import are typically valued separately rather than simply cancelling out. Exports are often credited at a rate that may be lower than the retail price you pay for imported power, which generally rewards using your own generation as it is produced. The precise export and import prices vary by region and utility and change over time, so they should be confirmed locally.
Get your exact numbers
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Solar tips for Gustavia homeowners
Face panels south
In the northern hemisphere, south-facing panels capture the most annual sunlight. East-west split systems also work well.
Optimal tilt angle
For Gustavia, the energy-optimal panel tilt is about 18° from horizontal.
Size your system right
For the average household in St. Barthélemy, a 2.5 kWp system (6 panels) covers most electricity needs. Use our calculator for a personalized estimate.
Check local incentives
Local incentives may reduce the upfront cost of residential solar — check current subsidy, tax-credit, and VAT programs with your energy authority in St. Barthélemy.
Gear to prepare for solar
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Frequently asked questions about solar in Gustavia
How much do solar panels cost in Gustavia?
A typical 2.5 kWp residential solar system in Gustavia, St. Barthélemy costs approximately €2,990 before incentives — this is an estimate based on typical regional pricing. Local incentives such as subsidies, tax credits, or VAT exemptions may reduce the upfront cost; check current programs in St. Barthélemy.
How are solar exports valued under net billing in St. Barthélemy?
Under a net-billing-style scheme, exports from your system in St. Barthélemy are typically bought at one rate while the electricity you import is charged at another, and the two are usually not the same. Because the export credit may be lower than the retail import price, consuming your own solar power directly tends to be the most valuable option. Actual rates vary by region and utility and can change, so confirm the current figures with a local installer or energy authority.
How much electricity do solar panels produce in Gustavia?
A 2.5 kWp solar system in Gustavia produces approximately 4,495 kWh per year, based on 4.9 peak sun hours per day and 2,091 kWh/m² annual irradiance.
What is the solar panel payback period in Gustavia?
Based on St. Barthélemy's electricity rate of €0.141/kWh, a 2.5 kWp system in Gustavia pays for itself in approximately 8 years before incentives. After that, the electricity it generates is essentially free for the remaining panel lifespan of 25+ years.
Which direction should solar panels face in Gustavia?
In Gustavia, panels should ideally face south since it's in the northern hemisphere. The optimal tilt angle is about 18° from horizontal.
How many solar panels do I need for my home in Gustavia?
A typical household in St. Barthélemy uses the equivalent of a 2.5 kWp system (6 panels). With 4.9 peak sun hours per day in Gustavia, this covers most electricity needs. Use our calculator for a personalized estimate.