02-24-2010, 07:28 PM
Lavalot asked: What's better net metering or going off grid. We are open to being off grid but the upstart price is 25,000? Any advice for newbies?
I'd check with HELCO [Helco net metering engineer for east Hawaii is Chen Wu] about the potential for any net metering. A couple of weeks ago there was a discussion on the local NPR station indicating that HELCO AND MECO [Maui's power] have or will shortly be asking the PUC to allow them to immediately cease NET METERING hook ups, allegedly due to infrastructure limitations. If you are looking at PV Solar and if you decide to go off grid, please do your research on the actual radiation factor for your lot location and plan for adequate storage. This past 7 months have been outstanding sun exposure, but it is atypical weather. Most of east Hawaii is considered to be in the 4.25-4.50 zone. [The past few months have been more like 6] Best way to handle your needs would be to make sure you have more than sufficient panels and ample storage. Hope this helps.
" The greatest distance in the world is the 14 inches from our minds to our hearts."
--Agnes Baker Pilgrim
I'd check with HELCO [Helco net metering engineer for east Hawaii is Chen Wu] about the potential for any net metering. A couple of weeks ago there was a discussion on the local NPR station indicating that HELCO AND MECO [Maui's power] have or will shortly be asking the PUC to allow them to immediately cease NET METERING hook ups, allegedly due to infrastructure limitations. If you are looking at PV Solar and if you decide to go off grid, please do your research on the actual radiation factor for your lot location and plan for adequate storage. This past 7 months have been outstanding sun exposure, but it is atypical weather. Most of east Hawaii is considered to be in the 4.25-4.50 zone. [The past few months have been more like 6] Best way to handle your needs would be to make sure you have more than sufficient panels and ample storage. Hope this helps.
" The greatest distance in the world is the 14 inches from our minds to our hearts."
--Agnes Baker Pilgrim
"Q might have done the right thing for the wrong reason, perhaps we need a good kick in our complacency to get us ready for what's ahead" -- Captain Picard, to Guinan (Q Who?)