solar hooked into grid

[lomaxArtz]

Can you hook up solar to feed into the grid in Puna?

We are thinking of hooking up solar tied into the grid to offset the house and kiln.

Is that feasible in Puna?

[Tolleys]

We live in Hawaiian Paradise Park (Puna) and have a solar system that is hooked into the HELCO grid.

Susan

[mdd7000]

It is certainly feasible, but you have to have your plans approved and verified by HELCO.
You just can't do it. plus, your meter won't spin backwards - HELCO doesn't have to pay you full retail for the power you generate, only wholesale.

[Tolleys]

lomaxArtz,

Well, HELCO did replace our conventional meter with an electronic meter so we don't see a wheel turn backwards. (However, the conventional meter was on for a week or so before we got the new one and it did turn backwards!)

HELCO does pay us the same rate for Kwh we produce as we pay per Kwh for their electricity. In addition, they bank our extras! We have a system that makes about 60% of our electric needs. In December we had a $0 bill and $6 in Jan 2011 because of what we had banked ...

Of course your best bet is to contact HELCO.

Susan

[lomaxArtz]

Thanks!

We want to offset electrical costs because my husband uses a kiln for fused and slumped glass. It is either that or go to a gas kiln (propane). But here in Santa Cruz, CA our propane and electric costs usually end up about the same per year. We are thinking it would be worth it if we can offset with solar.

I will look further into HELCO's information.

Anyone use solar ceiling fans?

[Kapohocat]

quote:

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Originally posted by lomaxArtz...We want to offset electrical costs because my husband uses a kiln for fused and slumped glass. It is either that or go to a gas kiln (propane).

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I would suggest you get 200 AMP service with Helco if you will be running a kiln, whether you net meter or not.

-Cat

Catherine Dumond
Blue Water Project Management 808 965-9261

Dakineworkers.com

[mdd7000]

HELCO IS now doing true net metering. Here's the link to their info:

[url][/url]http://www.helcohi.com/portal/site/helco/menuitem.cdc7db98e0a4d28884276c10c510b1ca/?vgnextoid=c8c32d52e2695110VgnVCM1000005c011bacRCRD&vgnextfmt=default

.

[lomaxArtz]

Just read the comments to my husband. He thought 200 amp service was probably a good idea. Apparently we have a 100 amp service here and we run over.

Thanks for the links and advice!