On Tuesday, the Hawaii Public Utilities Commission introduced two new programs to connect residential rooftop solar systems — Customer Grid Supply Plus (CGS+) and Smart Export. Similar to the popular CGS program, which reached its capacity limit in November 2017, homeowners are still compensated for any export of energy they generate with their solar system and send back to the grid under this new CGS+ program.
As utilities here and across the nation face growing electricity distribution and demand challenges, programs that could pay monthly incentives or reduced electricity rates to customers that install grid-helping technologies known as “demand response” are being looked at. The aim is to allow more renewable energy production and savings so that customers don’t pay more, regardless of whether or not they participate in a demand response program. To qualify for upcoming utility incentive programs, such as demand response, and to maximize overall energy savings, you’ll need a home energy management solution that can automate complex energy usage and grid interaction in the background. This transformational technology gives consumers more choices and control in their efforts to save money while using renewable energy.
Another solar interconnection program that’s currently in place is Customer Self Supply (CSS). CSS is intended only for solar photovoltaic (PV) installations that are designed to not export any electricity to the grid. Therefore, unlike CGS+, customers are not compensated for any export of energy.
Hawaii Energy Connection (HEC), the company also known as “KumuKit™” for its solar electricity and solar hot water systems, is the leader with its unique Energy Management technology, along with its top-tier panels, superior micro-inverters and its exclusive, highly innovative Energy Management Controller, whose sophistication is unlike any other in the market today.
HEC is actively involved in the forefront of interconnection programs and policies. Rest assure that the company is very knowledgeable and current on all the various programs and will make sure you are getting the maximum benefits on your solar PV system. Get an intelligent system that will provide you benefits now, adapting to your changing needs, unpredictable utility policies and coming demand response benefit programs — essentially future-proofing energy usage in your home or business.
With the ever-changing solar interconnection programs, it is important to point out that in order to maximum the benefi ts on your solar system, you must consider the right PV system size for your needs. Avoid purchasing a “packaged” PV system, which promises a monthly savings figure. You must take into consideration your unique situation, tax credit appetite, available roof space, budget and electricity usage. HEC uses its exclusive Right-Sizer™ tool to design a customized solution with “good, better and best” options that balance the cost of the system and the amount of savings you’ll enjoy.
Owning your PV system is better than leasing. Sure you’ll reduce your monthly electric bill, but the leasing company benefits most. Contract terms can “lock-in” tens of thousands in monthly payment increases over 20 years and complicate refinance or even the sale of your home. Lost tax credits, annual increases, pre-payment penalties and system buyout will cost you thousands more. When you own solar, you reap many more financial benefits.
You may have already applied or submitted an application for a PV system under the regular CGS or CSS program. Perhaps you already received your approval for your PV interconnection with either of these programs, but are unable to contact the contractor who you originally submitted your application with or they are no longer in business. Confused on which system is best for your home and needs? Would you like to get a head star into the new CGS+ program and still get compensated for excess energy you send back to the utility using your solar PV system? Let Hawaii Energy Connection help you every step of the way.
HAWAII ENERGY CONNECTION (KUMUKIT™)
CONTACT 524-7336 •
ADDRESS 99-1350 Koaha Place •
WEB kumukit.com
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