Hello to Bonaire!
I'm writing an article on the use of solar lights in Bonaire. Since I have not yet visited your beautiful island, I have no experience with how much energy costs are there. In Salt Lake City, Utah, my electric bill is about $30 per month. No doubt many people there have to run air conditioners, which is sure to be expensive, but can anyone say how electricity costs compare to those in the US? Is there more concern there about saving electricity so that sacrifices are made in terms of keeping beer cold or anything else? Excuse my ignorance, but I'm interested in whether significantly more economy is required. Also, do you see a lot of solar light usage? Thanks in advance for any information!

I pay more than $150 per month to run one airco, fridge, tv...it is very expensive compared to the US. Presently alternate energy sources are not common since the local authority does not allow private homes to be off the grid. I am sure there are other issues that also come into play.

If there ever was a place suited to be powered up almost entirely by wind and sun; Bonaire has to be it! The wind is blowing 11 months out of the year from the same direction and pretty much with the same force and the sun shines pretty much all the time! That ugly diesel facility north of town could be put in idle and only serve as a back-up. Maybe when the Dutch (like from Holland) take over, somebody will invest in wind and solar power.