New Solar Rules

[bystander]

I saw this on the news. I just put in my application for NEM but I doubt I made the deadline. HELCO will pay a much lower rate for power from new solar installs.

http://www.hawaiinewsnow.com/story/30255...r-programs

[PaulW]

It's more complicated than just this, but here is an important sentence:

The proposed residential credit rate is
18.0 cents per kWh for Oahu, 22.5 cents per kWh for Hawaii,
23.1 cents per kWh for Maui, 27.5 cents per kWh for Molokai,
and 29.5 cents per kWh for Lanai.

http://puc.hawaii.gov/wp-content/uploads...-final.pdf

[beejee]

Thanks for posting that link Paul, much appreciated.

[lavarat]

There will also be a $25/month fee for solar customers.

A new option allows for fast-track installation if the customer does not export power to the grid and any unintended export will not be credited.

[bystander]

quote:

---

Originally posted by PaulW

It's more complicated than just this, but here is an important sentence:

The proposed residential credit rate is
18.0 cents per kWh for Oahu, 22.5 cents per kWh for Hawaii,
23.1 cents per kWh for Maui, 27.5 cents per kWh for Molokai,
and 29.5 cents per kWh for Lanai.

http://puc.hawaii.gov/wp-content/uploads...-final.pdf

---

The article in the link I posted has been updated. Originally it said Hawaii would get only 15 cents per kwh. Now it doesn't mention Hawaii island at all so I am confused. Also those numbers you posted are not the same as in the article.

From the article:
"The PUC's order cuts the credit new PV customers will get for sending excess energy to the grid from 26.8 cents per kilowatt hour to about 15 cents under a new Grid Supply program."

Under the new Grid Supply" system Maui customers will be credited at 17 cents per kilowatt hour. it will be 24 cents on Molokai, and 28 cents for solar customers on Lanai.

[bystander]

Okay I got this straight for the HECO website. Hawaii island will only get 15 cents per kwh for new installs. Bummer for me. What gets me is that people who got in early will still get the higher rate of about 28 cents.

From HECO website:
Grid Supply, which provides rooftop PV customers on Oahu and Hawaii island withcredits on their electric bills for excess electricity sent to the grid at a fixed rate ofapproximately 15 cents per kilowatt-hour. Customers on Maui would be credited atapproximately 17 cents per kilowatt-hour, Molokai at approximately 24 cents perkilowatt-hour, and Lanai at approximately 28 cents per kilowatt-hour.

[shockwave rider]

This just reduces the incentive to tie to the grid with a new system. Batteries keep dropping in price and if you are not grid tied you will still have power after an Iselle type event. Why even bother with HELCO now?

[kalakoa]

Why even bother with HELCO now?

Resale value, cable TV.

[shockwave rider]

quote:

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Originally posted by kalakoa

Why even bother with HELCO now?

Resale value, cable TV.

---

I know many people who have cable as well as independent solar systems so that part of your response is just off the cuff BS, and an independent system that will continue to work after a storm event or earthquake trashes the grid would have excellent resale value.

[lavalava]

Grid tie is a scam. Batteries are better every year. To hell with helco be your own utility!