Secure a spot in the sun
How one PV firm is keeping solar within reach for Hawaii residents
If you’re thinking about installing a solar photovoltaic (PV) system, you’ve probably seen a few discouraging headlines lately: “Oahu neighborhoods reaching maximum rooftop solar capacity,” “HECO approval delays,” or “Potential added costs for interconnection studies.”
The flood of anxiety-producing news is leaving many families thinking they missed the boat on solar. Not only do people mistakenly believe that their window of opportunity has closed to tap into the grid and lock in a Net Energy Metering (NEM) agreement, but some also think they can’t install solar on their rooftops, period. This is not true. The “PV Pros” at Alternate Energy Inc. (AEI) have some good news: There is still no better time to go solar than right now.
In fact, customers should act now. Here’s why:
1. Hawaii’s attractive 35 percent solar tax credit, among the most generous in the nation, is still available for the foreseeable future. And that’s in addition to the 30 percent federal tax credit. Regardless of all the perceived hurdles these days, don’t overlook the fact that right now, the government will still pay for more than half of the cost of your system. But these credits are vulnerable and by no means guaranteed beyond this year.
2. The cost of fossil fuel-derived electricity from our local utility monopoly is only going up. The sooner you install solar, the sooner you free yourself from these ever-increasing rates.
3. Thanks to a genius new program from AEI, customers can reserve their place in line for HECO approvals without installing — or paying for — a system. For a nominal deposit (which will be credited toward purchase), customers can have a system fully designed and engineered, complete with roof measurements and shade studies, and start the all-important paperwork, permitting and HECO NEM Agreement process, all without risking any commitment. When the NEM application is approved, installation can immediately begin, increasing the chances that tax credits can be applied during the current year. Better yet, only then does the customer pay for the system!
Alternate Energy is the No. 1 residential solar contractor in the state. The company has been installing solar systems for Hawaii families for 20 years, always operating in the best interest of its customers, friends and family, and it pledges to continue to help residents install PV while complying with the current HECO guidelines. If reducing energy bills is the goal, Solar PV from Alternate Energy is still the best investment Hawaii homeowners can make.
Founded in 1993 as one of Hawaii’s oldest kamaaina solar companies, Alternate Energy is located in Mapunapuna at 803 Ahua St. Call 842-5853 (Oahu) and 872-9592 (Maui), or visit the company online at www.alternateenergyhawaii.com.
ALTERNATE ENERGY
contact // 842-5853 (Oahu) • 872-9592 (Maui)
address // 803 Ahua St.
web // www.alternateenergyhawaii.com