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http://www.westhawaiitoday.com/news/loca...ar-project
I find this somewhat ironic: industrial-scale PV farms that the residents do not want are a "permitted agricultural use" which can't be stopped, but small-scale commercial uses that the residents
do want are nitpicked to death through the permitting process.
Just another day in paradise...
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From the article:
"Solar Hub filed for the permits for the project in 2012 and contracted with Hawaii Electric Light Co. to sell the electricity at 23.6 cents per killowatt hour."
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That should be the reason why not to allow it. That price does nothing to lower the consumer's cost of electricity in Hawaii.
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But isn't that lower electric price a recent development? Of course, I agree it should be re-negotiated and could be since the cost of solar equipment is still dropping. That deal looked much better pre-$60 ppb oil, but it could still prove to be a smart mover over the long hauul. I wouldn't bet on oil staying cheap.
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That deal looked much better pre-$60 ppb oil
No, it always included having 2 acres of PV right next door to an existing "residential" development.
It's actually a wondeful example of the "fake residential" zoning problem.
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Their wholesale IPP rate to HELCO is pretty good for a solar PV system, they were averaging about 43 cents/kilowatt-hr a few years ago. The only thing is oil is down to the point the average is 16.7 cents/kilowatt-hr for residential rate right now. This island's electric rate is still 50% from burning oil plants. There is the prospect electric rates from oil will go down to single digit next year. The only competitive price source of power would then be hydroelectric, not much availability, and geothermal, available in many more areas. HOVE needs the power and that is the most economical way to get it around that solar power plant. That is the thing, look around it and see why that power is needed there.
"Aloha also means goodbye. Aloha!"
*Japanese tourist on bus through Pahoa, "Is this still America?*
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Doesn't make sense to me that they would have to waste land for the solar farm just to buy the power back. May as well come up with a plan to finance rooftop solar.
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quote:
Originally posted by Newgirl
Doesn't make sense to me that they would have to waste land for the solar farm just to buy the power back. May as well come up with a plan to finance rooftop solar.
There is a plan. You want it, you pay for it.
"Aloha also means goodbye. Aloha!"
*Japanese tourist on bus through Pahoa, "Is this still America?*
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there is no innovation at the county level because jobs/positions aren't skill based, but rather family/friend based. and nobody wants to piss off family.
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no innovation at the county level...
Never thought of it quite like that. Next largest employers after County and State are hotels, warehouse, retail ... none of which really need to innovate either.
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all industries need to innovate. it is what drives progress. the latter industries you mention all innovate, as they are driven by profit. no profit means no future.
