An attractive investment for a homeowner or small business.With net metering now available in Hawai‘i and with substantial state and federal tax credit incentives available for solar applications 50 kilowatts (kw) or less, grid connected solar systems may be an attractive investment for a homeowner or small business and a way to help offset the rising cost of utility power.
Here’s how it works: A solar electric system consists of three main parts: the photovoltaic modules which produce direct current (DC) during the daylight hours, an inverter that converts the electricity to alternating current (AC) electricity, and an optional battery storage to store the solar electricity in case of a power outage.
When you generate more power than you can use, the surplus electricity is fed back into the utility grid for others to use. This is called net metering. Your electric meter spins backwards to credit you for all the kilowatt-hours sent into the electric grid. Your electric bill is then the difference between the power supplied to you and the surplus power generated by your grid-connected system.
If the power from the electric utility goes down, your system will also stop working. To avoid this, you can add a battery bank to your system to provide power to a number of critical load circuits in the event of power outage. This is not a problem if there is a power reduction from your PV system on cloudy days, only during a power outage. During overcast weather, your system will continue to produce power.
One benefit of a solar electric system is the lack of moving parts. Solar modules will produce power for decades, and most have warranties for 25 or more years.
Currently, a number of solar design companies offer pre-designed, packaged systems ranging in price from about $10,000 to $90,000, depending on your energy needs. State tax credits and federal tax credits—that have just been increased from $2,000 to $9,000 for a typical system—can help offset the initial cost. The system can also offset approximately $160 per month in energy costs. If you finance the system, and the monthly payment is the same or less than the avoided energy cost ($160), you could save money from day one.
Solar electric systems may not be for everyone, but with Hawai‘i’s wonderful sunshine, one energy solution may be right above our heads.
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.