Hawaii solar sector howls as grid-supply incentive

[ericlp]

http://www.utilitydive.com/news/growing-...ps/426149/

an interesting read and it seems no good solution at hand. No way is Helco going to invest in that kind of money.

[leilanidude]

Agreed, Ericlp.

Ironic that NextEra could, and was willing to... but the PUC refused their purchase of HELCO.

[kalakoa]

Ironic that NextEra could, and was willing to...

We have no idea whether NextEra would "actually" have invested.

I'm always amazed at the numbers presented in these articles -- $20K solar arrays, $40K storage systems, and the "problem" is that "people can't afford it" -- yet somehow I'm getting by on a system that cost 10% of that, while some of those same people are driving around in new vehicles which cost just as much (if not more) than a new system.

But, sure, let's blame HELCO and the PUC.

[leilanidude]

We have no idea whether NextEra would "actually" have invested.
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Maybe not, but they have been doing this scenario for years on the mainland, very successfully.

[kalakoa]

they have been doing this scenario for years on the mainland

Transplant "scenarios" often do not work out as planned.

[leilanidude]

Since everyone screams about HELCO's current scenario not working, why wouldn't we allow the leader in the industry to try and fix it?

[pahoated]

Everybody knew the government subsidy was going to end when it was decided solar panel electric didn't need to be propped up anymore. The same is going to happen with electric and hybrid cars in a few years now, their government subsidy will drop to zero just as wide acceptance starts up.

There is an interface box, it goes between the meter and its socket. It is a three-way switch, take the house off the main, connect to the main, or disconnect the main for a solar panel input. It is about to be approved but don't know when or if it gets approved here. It makes it very easy for an external solar panel electric system to switch in as main residence power. It is also a very inexpensive box. The battle now is the utilities want it to be a smart box standard also.

*Japanese tourist on bus through Pahoa, "Is this still America?*

[bluesboy]

Does anyone know if federal and state tax credits will be in place beyond 2016? did they get extended?

[shockwave rider]

quote:

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Originally posted by bluesboy

Does anyone know if federal and state tax credits will be in place beyond 2016? did they get extended?

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Federal did for sure, I think Hawaii too.