Antigua & Barbuda runs on some of the most expensive, carbon-intensive electricity in the Eastern Caribbean. At EC$0.45–0.50 per kilowatt-hour — and with the island receiving 4.8 peak sun hours per day — the economic case for rooftop solar has never been stronger. This article lays out the full XCD picture for Antiguan homeowners and businesses considering the switch in 2026.
The Electricity Cost Baseline
A typical Antiguan household consuming 400 kWh per month pays approximately EC$180–200 per month in electricity costs at current APUA rates, before fees. A business consuming 5,000 kWh per month pays upward of EC$2,250. These are not static figures — APUA has filed for a 6.8% base rate increase in 2026, and the monthly fuel surcharge has ranged from EC$0.08 to EC$0.19/kWh over the past year depending on global oil prices.
What a Solar System Costs in XCD
A fully installed 5kW residential solar system in Antigua costs approximately XCD 40,000–50,000 depending on panel brand, inverter type, and installer. The 0% import duty waiver on solar equipment — currently extended through December 2026 — eliminates one of the largest cost components. At the XCD 45,000 midpoint, and with annual savings of approximately EC$8,100 at current rates, simple payback is 5.5–8.5 years depending on self-consumption. After payback, the system generates approximately EC$8,000–9,000 per year in avoided electricity costs for the remaining 17+ years of system life.
Financing in XCD
ECAB offers solar loans at approximately 8.5% per annum over 7 years. Monthly payments on a XCD 45,000 loan are approximately XCD 700–720 — essentially equal to the monthly electricity savings, meaning the system is cash-flow neutral from the first payment. FirstCaribbean and RBTT offer comparable products at 9–10%. For most households, the choice between cash and financing comes down to liquidity preference rather than economics — both options deliver strong returns.
The 25-Year Picture
A XCD 45,000 investment in a 5kW solar system — paid in cash — saves approximately XCD 202,500 in electricity costs over 25 years at today's flat rate, and considerably more if rates continue to rise as projected. The net present value of those savings, discounted at 5%, is approximately XCD 115,000. Against an initial investment of XCD 45,000, the return on investment is strong by any Caribbean financial benchmark. Use the Wadadli Solar Calculator to model your specific scenario.