Exploring your energy options

Pacific Islands Solar believes that the whole energy needs of a customer should be explored to determine the best way to provide an energy saving solution. For example, does the old refrigerator need to be replaced first, since it is an energy hog, or has LED lighting been installed to replace outdated, energy-consuming lighting? Would a solar thermal hot water system make sense first, since 30 percent or more of your energy usage goes to heat up your hot water? Would energy saving window treatments keep your home cooler, therefore lowering your energy consumption? These questions need to be asked prior to designing a PV solution for your home or business.

Heat in a home causes an appliance like a refrigerator to work harder to keep things cool. If the refrigerator is kept outside, it has to compete with the warm temperatures of the area in which it is placed. Working harder to do its job, it will not be as efficient. If it is an old refrigerator, it is even less efficient in doing its task. The bottom line is that replacing these old appliances with newer efficient models is the best choice. Ask yourself if you really need that second refrigerator or freezer.

Heat in the home can be lowered by addressing the window coverings that keep out the sunlight. Keeping the home cooler with window coverings keeps refrigerators and air conditioning efficient. Pacific Islands Windows Treatment can be reached at 216-2328 to show you window coverings from Hunter Douglas that not only keep the rooms cooler, but are also an attractive way of beautifying a room.

The type of roof system covering your home has affects its internal temperatures. Energy star rated roof coverings transmit less heat into the home from the overhead sun. White or reflective roof coatings reflect about 75 percent of the sunlight, keeping a home cooler. The construction division at Pacific Islands Construction has installed many energy saving roofs for customers — like the Post Office and Pearl Highland Shopping Center — lowering their energy demands.

LED lighting will reduce energy consumption by a great amount over incandescent, and is even more efficient than a CFL light bulb. CFLs should be replaced, as they contain about 5 mg of mercury, a neurotoxin. If a bulb breaks, you are exposing yourself and your family to something that should be avoided.

Ninety percent of CFLs are made in China (quality issues), and generally require twice the wattage they are rated. LED lighting uses very little electricity, is cool to the touch, and lasts for over 10 years. An added benefit is that the light is closer to natural outdoor lighting, and the living area is not being heated by the lights. Pacific Islands has a division that specializes in LED lighting, and the company can help you save energy by talking to one of its consultants.

Solar hot water systems provide a significant savings since so much of the energy bill goes to heating your hot water. Pacific Islands Solar installs Apricus hot water systems that use evacuated tube solar collectors, which are more efficient than flat panel collectors. If you already have a system, these collectors can be used when it is time to replace your current panels. Solar hot water systems should be considered first since after the tax credits and Hawaii Energy Rebate, the systems usually pay for themselves within two years.

A PV solar system is the most common way people have solved the high cost of electricity. Pacific Islands uses Kyocera modules in its systems due to their proven long-term reliability, with nearly 40 years of manufacturing solar modules. Quality does make a difference when considering how long you expect your system to last.

Pacific Islands Solar believes that there is a correct way to solve your energy needs, and it starts with keeping you, the consumer, first in the process. It also provides cleaning and system inspections for all types of solar equipment. Call 841-7756 to find out how Pacific Islands Solar can solve your energy needs.

PACIFIC ISLANDS SOLAR
contact // 841-7756
web // Pacificislandsconstruction.net