Xunantunich Archaeological Reserve Now Powered by Solar Energy

One of Belize’s most important Maya heritage sites is now being powered by clean energy for the very first time. The Belize Electricity Limited, BEL, and the National Institute of Culture and History, NICH, have officially commissioned a new solar power system at the Xunantunich Archaeological Reserve, bringing electricity to the site nearly thirty years after it first opened to the public.  The newly installed system includes a ten-kilowatt inverter paired with an eleven-kilowatt peak solar photovoltaic array capable of generating up to fifteen hundred kilowatt hours of clean energy each month. The project also includes a twenty-one-kilowatt-hour battery storage system, allowing for a steady and reliable power supply during nighttime hours and periods of reduced sunlight.  According to BEL and NICH, the project is expected to significantly modernize operations at the popular tourism destination. Officials say the electrification of the site will support the expansion of digital services, including e-ticketing systems and improved communication infrastructure.  The new energy system is also expected to enhance the overall visitor experience while improving working conditions for staff and safety personnel stationed at the reserve.  Beyond operational improvements, the initiative is also being highlighted as an important environmental investment. BEL and NICH say the solar-powered upgrade will reduce the carbon footprint of one of Belize’s most visited cultural landmarks, while helping to preserve the site for future generations.