The little island located in the Caribbean known as Barbados is making big waves in the world of green energy.

Exactly one month ago on June 5, it was World Environment Day (WED), and on that day Barbados hosted the WED conference for Small Island Developing States. Some of the media and countries of the world are looking at this island as perhaps the renewed vision for sustainable and clean energy of the future.

The theme at this year's WED conference was "Small Island Developing States and Climate Change," and the official slogan was "Raise Your Voice, Not the Sea Level." The world leaders converged in the capital Bridgetown, Barbados, for this esteemed celebration, Zee News reported.

This was a global conference that saw environmentalists, non-governmental organizations, and some world leaders making plans for their environmental future, and for Earth. While Barbados maybe a leader in the environmental front for solar energy, itself, and other small island developing nations are at the highest risk of climate change: it includes rise in temperature that could negatively impact agriculture, and a rise in sea level, Zee News reported.

It has been predicted by the United Nations that the small islands are most vulnerable to rising sea levels. But how does any of this promote positivity for Barbados? It is not only its solar energy, but also its sustainability in continued environmentalism.  

Barbados with its 270,000 inhabitants, and 166 square miles, the Island State has set a goal for providing clean and renewable energy, as well as favorable chances for green economic growth. For 2029, they have set a goal of providing 29 percent of all electricity consumption. The estimated outcome of this action could reduce carbon emissions by 4.5 million tons, the National Catholic Reporter confirmed.

Electricity is not free, but the sun's rays can be harnessed. According to the United Nations, Barbados' solar water heaters have made them a leader since the 1970s. As a result, Barbados ranks among the top users globally of that kind of technology. In 2002, it was estimated that there were 35,000 solar water systems in Barbados, which had earned $100 million in energy savings, while carbon emissions were reduced by 15,000 metric tons, the National Catholic Reporter wrote.

As of now, plans in the island are already in motion to have solar panels installed in 19 government buildings, nine schools, and in hurricane shelters.

Solar energy and its overall costs are causing others to take notice. Solar energy alone lowers electricity bills in under two years. And Barbados' latest venture is its desalination plant, which turns sea water into drinking water; the island is now adding photovoltaic arrays to it to reduce their own electricity bills.

A Solar advocate to the Barbados government, William Hinds, says that they are already some private investors interested in solar energy in Barbados, the Huffington Post reported. Hinds adds that within 10 years Barbados could switch to complete solar energy, but the market has it controls on that.

While solar energy can reduce electricity costs, electricity also hinders production. There are concerns about the electrical power grid. One of the main technical challenges is the integration from electricity to solar, and maybe even wind power. In other words, while solar or wind energy could work, the current system that supports electricity will have to be worked out in order for it to be stable without power problems, the Huffington Post reported.

Barbados could be the next leader in solar energy, once the rest of the world continues to take notes and grasp this sustainable concept.