Panama westech solar energy

Will Panama's solar thermal plan save the world?

When fully implemented, Panama’s National Solar Thermal Plan will prevent the release of 2.4 million tonnes of carbon dioxide and save Panamanians more than US$110 million annually on fossil fuel bills. Solar powered rooftop heaters are providing hot water for students and staff at the Hato Chami school in northern Panama. Photo: UNEP

Could solar hot water heating help reduce deforestation in Panama?

Alongside countering deforestation, solar hot water heating could also help Panama cut its reliance on fossil fuels, particularly liquefied petroleum gas. A driver of climate change, according to Termosolar Panama the fuel is used to heat most of the over 30 million litres of hot water Panamanians use daily.

What is Termosolar Panama?

Termosolar Panama is part of a wider Panamanian effort to move away from fossil fuels. This includes a national strategy to deploy 1 million square meters of solar thermal technology throughout the country by 2050.

Will solar energy help Latin America & Caribbean?

Moving towards renewable energy, such as solar thermal, could bring the wider Latin America and Caribbean region a net benefit of US$1.3 billion by 2050, or about 20 per cent of the 2019 regional GDP. “Termosolar Panama is helping bring thermal heating to the attention of Panamanians,” Colville said.

Does Panama need hot water?

“People think that because Panama is a hot country there is no need for hot water. They are often not aware about the need for heat, either for hot water, cooking or conditioning.” Hato Chami is not unique in Latin America and the Caribbean. Many schools, hospitals and homes are without hot water.