Utilities and Solar

[Kelena]

I was lurking on the forum over on the pale, washed out, over-trafficked, dessicated side of the Island and there was an interesting thread about utilities. Monthly Hell-Co costs seemed to range from $150 with solar hot water to something closer to $540 a month for a place in Waikoloa with A/C.

What's your average electric? Also, why isn't solar used more in Hawaii? I understand the upfront costs may be prohibitive. Would solar work in Puna, or is it too cloudy for solar?

[Rob Tucker]

I have a family of four with propane stove, hot water and clothes dryer. My current electric bill is $115. I live in Pahoa Village.

[toucano]

I have friends that have an older (1980s) solar system in Puna. They are totally off the grid and it works for them, but cooking and WH is propane.

You might want to search this site for solar. It has been discusses quite a bit. I think I remember reading that now you need to submit engineering for your solar plans. There are solar credits available. A solar electric system might also need to installed by a licensed HI electrician. Someone here (like Cat), probably knows.

[Royall]

We're in a new all electric rental in HPP and electic has averaged right at $150.00 a month. The house I'm buiding has a gas range, dryer, and a gas tankless hot water system. I hope to save at least $75.00 a month on electic.

Royall

What goes around comes around!

[Kelena]

Okay -- I found the old solar thread. Verdict is that solar is impractical because it doesn't cost out. Maintenance is also an issue.

If solar IS working for you, please chime in.

[toucano]

I can't add anything about solar. Others probably will. But I think using propane for cooking, water heating, and maybe clothes dryer would probably pencil out.

[Kapohocat]

Our electric bill hit $380 - 1 stove, 1 dryer/washer / 1 water heater, asst PC's, TV's, microwaves, ceiling fans, 2 refridgerator - this is for 3 of us....... I suggested to our landlord who is 1 of the 3 - change to propane WH, Stove, Dryer...... $380!!!!! I turn lights & fans off when i leave rooms, etc....

Go solar. We did it in HA with solar & propane....

[Kelena]

Wow, Cat. That is outrageous. It can only get more and not less expensive. I am sure they burn fossil fuels to get electricity --or does that geothermal plant near Leilani supply? In any case, those are some outrageous bills. I pay about $89 a month in my 2100 square foot home here in Southern California. My partner turns lights out. I flip them back on! We have been going around like that for years. But for his flipping, I am sure it would be higher.

I would LOVE to go solar because I do like the idea of not being a slave to Hell-Co or any utility company. We shall see. It is a little premature for me to be making that decision, as I have never been to Puna! Coming, though...as Hattie McDaniels said "I don't know WHY Ise a comin', but Ise a comin'!"

[toucano]

HelCo web page explaining the solar water heater credit:

http://www.heco.com/CDA/default/0,1999,TCID=0&LCID=0&CCID=7549&CTYP=ARTC,00.html

You will need to copy and paste the WHOLE long link into your browser.



Edited by - toucano on 09/17/2006 19:03:31

Edited by - toucano on 09/17/2006 19:04:25

[Carey]

Glen, one of the big things is the initial high cost of the installation of Photovoltaic array. Here solar does compare out favorably if you have a property that does not have a power pole nearby...or a very long run to put in power to the homestead. These are things to figure when looking at properties here. Hubby & I have been able to keep our electric rates at near pauper levels for here, both now in our little ohana as we remodel the main house, and when we were renting a house in HPP.
We have never gone above $70/ month, but we super energy conservatives. All computers (have 4) are on LCD monitors, we have inkjet (with soy ink)for most of our printing, and a laser printer that is used very seldomly. We have one LCD TV which is not on much (to much other stuff to do..). All lights are flourescent, no dishwasher, big Trio refrig. (I look like it, but Jim is the one how eats alot) blender (smoothies & chopping up our compost) convection oven/micro, elec range top (not used alot) 2 ceiling fans, a flash elec water heater here, normal 40gal elec heater at the rental, but we did turn off its breaker most of the time. In this house everything is EnergyStar, but the rental, not. We almost doubled our normal months bill from Chicago of $45 (2100 sq ft house, used more lights most of the year - man it is nice having 12 hours sunlight daily + alot more fan use), but have also reduced our KW/day use.
Aloha, Carey