Under the current HECO ‘grid-supply’ program, solar customers are credited approximately 15 cents per kilowatt hour for the excess energy their system sends to the utility grid. However, the grid-supply program does have a statewide cap. Maui has already reached its capacity, with Oahu and Hawaii Island quickly closing in at 77 percent and 90 percent, respectively.
So, if you’re thinking of getting solar PV now or in the near future, you should hurry and get your place in line. Once the grid-supply cap has been reached, the next program to roll-in will be “self-supply.” Solar customers will no longer be credited or allowed to export energy to the utility grid. Batteries will then have to be linked to PV systems, storing any excess energy for use later in the day. Energy needs beyond PV production and batteries can continue to be drawn from the grid.
The HECO/NextEra negotiations did cause some disruption, confusion and uncertainties, which may have delayed you from moving forward in getting solar. Rest assured that you can still get solar and you’ll be surprised how much solar can still save you, but “right-sizing” your system is key.
Every family is unique with their home electricity usage, so knowing the PV system size you will need is a big deal. With recent changes to connecting PV to the utility grid, it is more important than ever. Purchasing an oversized system can cost you thousands more for extra panels and end up wasting valuable power you generate. Undersized systems aren’t a good deal either. The low cost is appealing, but the low solar production will disappoint you.
How can you find that perfect fit? Allow Hawaii Energy Connection to right-size a KumuKit™ PV system for you with its exclusive PV SIZER™ tool to help you visualize the system size you’ll need, and better understand how to maximize its power. It’s an important par t of their no-pressure solar analysis. They’ll be at the BIA ‘Remodel It Right’ show at the Neal S. Blaisdell Exhibition Hall today,, Aug. 14, and will be conducting special seminar at 11 a.m. and 12:30 p.m., followed by a Q&A session. Be sure to stop by the booth to learn more about the future of Hawaii’s solar, too.
HAWAII ENERGY CONNECTION
contact // 524-7336
address // 99-1350 Koaha Place
web // hawaiienergyconnection.com
See more articles from: HAWAII ENERGY CONNECTION (KUMUKIT)