07-11-2007, 05:53 AM
Eric, I am pretty sure that with the HELCO plan, you do not get a $0 bill, they still do bill for the utility charge (still a deal, but not all the way to zero or a credit as some states/utilities allow)
Also, some people have have meter complaints (both mainland & here)... about the metering use versus panel production not being true... so it is something you should be looking at....
And when power is out on the grid, you do not have power at your house (this is to protect your system & the grid & any utility workers that are working on the lines when the grid is down.) For some this is no problem, but if you are looking at grid tied to also tide you over during a power outage, a basic grid tied system is not the way to go. (there are ways to isolate your system, but this adds $$ and some of the costs may or may not be included in the credits...
Also, some people have have meter complaints (both mainland & here)... about the metering use versus panel production not being true... so it is something you should be looking at....
And when power is out on the grid, you do not have power at your house (this is to protect your system & the grid & any utility workers that are working on the lines when the grid is down.) For some this is no problem, but if you are looking at grid tied to also tide you over during a power outage, a basic grid tied system is not the way to go. (there are ways to isolate your system, but this adds $$ and some of the costs may or may not be included in the credits...