More homeowners are installing photovoltaic cells and solar water heating systems.As energy costs increase, many homeowners continue to seek alternative energy sources to provide power to their homes and explore ways in which they can reduce the amount of energy they use.
Some have gone “off the grid.” That means they have found another way to generate the electrical power they need—they are not attached to the local power system, in our case, Maui Electric Company (MECO). In increasing numbers, this is being done through the use of photovoltaic cells that can convert sunlight into energy. These can either be attached to the roof of the dwelling in panels, or be built directly into the roof.
If this seems exotic to you, energy experts expect that the relative cost of this technology will be reduced significantly as mass production techniques are applied to the production of the cells and the cost of carbon-based fuels, such as oil, becomes more expensive. With the number of sunny days in Hawai‘i, photovoltaic electric power generation could become a practical tool in the effort to make our state less dependent on oil and coal for our power needs.
However, homeowners need not wait until that day to begin taking steps now to make their homes more effective consumers of energy. One immediate action is the installation of a solar water heating system. By using a MECO rebate and federal and state tax credits, the cost of a $5,000 solar system could be reduced substantially.
Premiere Mortgage has offices on Maui and Kaua‘i and provides a wide range of services to the real estate community. Tricia Morris may be reached on Maui, in Kihei, at 874-8800, Wailea, at 891-8900, West Maui at 665-8800, on Kaua‘i at (808) 822-2300, or toll-free at (800) 813-7711.