Customer Grid Supply Plus (CGS+) and Smart Export are the newest solar programs introduced by the Public Utilities Commission for homeowners wanting to install solar.
Similar to the popular CGS program, which reached its capacity limit in November 2017, homeowners who choose the CGS+ program will still be compensated by the utility for any export of energy they generate with their solar system and send back to the grid.
Another solar interconnection program that has been in place is Customer Self Supply (CSS), which is intended only for solar installations designed to not export any electricity to the grid. Therefore, unlike the CGS+ program, customers who choose CSS will not be compensated for any export of energy.
Hawaii Energy Connection (HEC), also known as KumuKit™ for its solar electricity and solar hot water systems, is one of very few companies that offers the CGS+ program.
HEC is an industry leader with its smart energy management technology, along with its top-tier, high-efficiency panels, micro-inverters and its exclusive, highly innovative Energy Management Controller (EMC) with sophistication unlike any other in the market today.
Get the 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. All KumuKit solar photovoltaic (PV) systems now come with batteries included, along with the EMC.
Many have asked how solar works with batteries? To put it simply, let’s use the analogy of a bucket to batteries. During the day, you are generating electricity from the sun with your solar PV system therefore supplying your home with electricity and any excess energy is then curtailed. When the sun goes down, you then rely on the utility during peak rate periods to supply your electrical needs when power is in demand and used the most — when people return home and begin cooking dinner, washing/drying clothes, bathing, watching TV, etc.
Using a solar PV system with batteries, you generate electricity the same way, except that your excess energy is not curtailed and you have a “bucket” to store the excess electricity that your solar system had generated during the day. Now, with full batteries, you are able to use this stored energy during the evening and peak period to offset your electricity without having to fully rely on the utility for your electrical needs. When the sun comes out the next day, the process starts all over.
If you’re considering a solar lease or power purchase agreement for your home, think again. 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.
Owning your PV system is a better option than leasing, as the cost of solar has come down considerably and is now more affordable, letting you reap more financial benefits.
Get your solar system with the CGS+ program and still get compensated for excess energy you send back to the utility. Call HEC to increase your electricity savings with a KumuKit!
HAWAII ENERGY CONNECTION (KUMUKIT™)
CONTACT 524-7336
ADDRESS 99-1350 Koaha Place
WEB kumukit.com
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