Catching up on the latest solar information

Pacific Islands Solar, a division of Pacific Islands Construction, feels that consumers need to understand the solar landscape.

Many consumers have rushed to sign net metering applications that will be sent to HECO, fearing that changes in the compensation for kWH (kilowatt-hours) will be reduced. A retail value for one unit of consumer-produced power at .34 versus a wholesale value of .17, or credit when returned by HECO, would be used for all unused power produced during the day by consumers. The consumer would get only half the value of power sent to the utility, thus having to pay the utility for power they have already produced. Consumers would not be able to break even on their bill unless they store the extra power produced in batteries, which adds another layer of costs.

Since the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) has ruled that this change will not take place until it has been fully reviewed, meaning that consumers that sent in applications are not obligated to install the system with the vendor they sent in the application with. Thus, consumers can ask for additional bids when they finally get approval to install.

Pacific Islands Solar believes that modules from Japan-based Kyocera, with more than 38 years of experience, are the best choice for solar. Kyocera is one of only five companies to have modules that passed level-six salt-water testing. Seeing that corrosion is a huge problem in Hawaii, only level-six-tested modules should be used, since corrosion to components can lead to failures and power-loss. Heavy reinforcement of the module frames and a potted junction box are features that in recent independent testing performed by GTM Research of tier 1 manufacturers, confirmed that Kyocera was the best-made solar module in the industry.

Pacific Islands Solar feels that reducing energy consumption adds to determining your energy needs. The company recently introduced the Fire and Ice system that utilizes heat exchange technology. The patent-pending technology provides multiple benefits, such as hot water production from a single solar hot water panel on the roof and the heat produced by your existing air conditioning equipment. Savings are seen not only from hot water production, but also from increased mechanical performance of the A/C system. The A/C system will require less electricity to change the refrigerant from gas to liquid due to this heat transfer, thus reducing the energy needed to cool your home. Anyone who has an air conditioned home knows the cost of running one’s A/C, and now there is a solution to lower this cost.

Pacific Islands Solar is offering a system cleaning and inspection service for only $100 on 30 modules or less ($25 more for every additional 10 modules). If you feel your system is under-producing, the inspection is a great way to ensure that everything is working properly.

Pacific Islands Solar and Pacific Islands Construction can be reached by calling 841-7756. Visit pacificislandsconstruction.net to find numerous articles on solar.

PACIFIC ISLANDS SOLAR
contact // 841-7756
web // www.pacificislandconstruction.net