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Puna Geothermal currently has permits to double it's generating capacity. PGV generates electricity at a cost well below inported fossil fuels but HELCO operates with legislation which allows the PGV power to be charged at rates equal to those produced by oil burning plants. The original financial theory was that the cost incentive was needed to stimulate the geothermal technology and investment.
I am not a local expert on this so there may well be other knowledge out there.
Assume the best and ask questions.
Punaweb moderator
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You can read here why they haven't expanded.
http://www.punageothermalventure.com/New...re-in-bind
Another reason is that Helco does not have the transmission capacity to get the power to where it is most needed.
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thanks for the great answers!
My simple answer to everything is "follow the money." Which only poses more questions.
Is Helco too close to the State to challenge mineral rights? Does that mean they tax gravel from the rock quarry?
How much electricity does Energy lab produce for Kona side?
Also the generalized [?] posing NYT article-
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/09/15/scienc...html?fta=y
Other people want to make friends- I just want to make money.
James Cramer
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I got the following from Helco the other day regarding solar:
"The number of PV installations is having a noticeable effect on our island grind...On a system-wide level, the characteristics of PV inverters are affecting system frequency and reliability. In order to further evaluate and increase the number of PV systems that can be installed onto our island grid, we require the following prior to the installation of any new PV system (of any size): Contact Helco engineering before purchasing your PV system...."
I have not heard of any small home sized grid tie systems being rejected, but I have heard of some larger systems not being allowed. I read this to mean that without upgrading the grid there is no way to get Helco off oil.
Jerry
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That is standard practice of most mainland electric companies - their engineering must approve the design and the install before any grid-tie system can be connected. It is for your safety and theirs. There are way too many solar installers who "wing it" with their design and install.
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mdd7000,
What you are saying is already required. What the note I mentioned says is that in some places the grid is unable to accept any additional solar installations, regardless of design.
Jerry
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To add power to a grid you have to sync the frequency of the AC with the grid or your canceling out power. its a real trick even on a mainland grid.
I know the voltage wanders towards the end of the lines here( never had a reason to look at wave form). it would be hard for any system without an operator to keep matched up
