Hawaii leads the nation in solar power energy. Statistics indicate that 2.6 percent of the state’s residential and business owners have solar energy. Residents interested in becoming one of the statistics and obtaining Hawaii solar energy should fill out our quick and easy form.

Though the state fully embraced the energy renewal system and established credits to encourage property owners toward adopting solar energy, the abuse of credits eventually began depleting Hawaii’s revenue. In 2010, the state paid $35 million in credits. That number jumped to $173 million by 2013.

Under the current law, home and business owners purchasing and installing Hawaii solar energy systems may claim a tax credit for up to 35 percent. However, the maximum amount the owners of any one system may claim is $5,000.

One of the problems lie with the property owners who install more than one system or divide one system into multiple units and claim a tax credit for each. In 2010, the Tax Department attempted to alleviate the confusion by declaring that the number of photovoltaic systems would be determined by the number of independent connections attached to the circuit breaker or utility meter. Unfortunately, the clarification still brought confusion for property owners because contractors and electrical engineers also had varying opinions as to what constituted a single or multiple system.

The new guidelines limit the number of solar rebates for Hawaiian residents by basing credits on the output capacity of the system. In order to obtain one credit, a system must generate at least 500 kilowatts of power. The legislation also stipulates a capacity minimum for multi-family residences and business owners. Apartment complexes, for example, must have systems that generates at least 360 watts of power. Systems on commercial properties must produce at least 1,000 kilowatts of power to receive one credit. The new ruling goes into effect on January 1, 2014

When the new rules take effect, energy conservation groups estimate that the new regulations will reduce financial rewards by at least one-half, which may dissuade property owners from purchasing and installing an energy conserving system. The renewable energy group known as the Blue Planet Foundation notes that purchasing energy systems not only reduces the state’s use of fossil fuels, but also bolsters the economy. The organization indicates that 17 percent of the construction jobs are directly related to renewable energy installations. If sales and installations decline, the economy may face a dramatic shift.

Hawaii’s goal remains to obtain 40 percent of the energy used produced by renewable sources. Property owners may get a free estimate for energy renewable systems by filling out our quick and easy form.

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The Initial Step
Homeowners who are interested in signing a Hawaii solar lease need to contact a company that offers solar leases. Solar installers in Hawaii that offer leases, such as those located through SolarAmerica.org, will work with the homeowner ever step of the way to obtain the necessary permits and to complete the entire installation. Whether service is needed for Oahu solar installation or installation in another area of Hawaii, a solar installation team will work with the homeowner to determine which type of equipment is best, to structure the lease so that it is affordable for the homeowner and to ensure that all permits are in order. Keep in mind that there is typically not an up-front fee required to sign a lease. Unlike with a purchase where the homeowner needs to make a large payment for the purchase of equipment, the homeowner who signs a lease only needs to make affordable monthly payments.

The Long-Term Features of a Lease
The terms of a Hawaii solar lease can vary, so homeowners should pay close attention to the terms of their lease. They should take time to read through the lease and to ask questions if they are unclear about the terms. In many cases, Oahu solar leases and leases in other areas of Hawaii will extend for several years or longer in length. The leases typically will have an extension clause, and the homeowner may choose to extend the lease term once the initial term has expired, Many of these leases also enable the individual to purchase the equipment after the initial term has expired.

There are many benefits that homeowners can enjoy by signing a Hawaii solar lease rather than purchasing the equipment on their own. A lease is a more cost-effective and streamlined option to consider, and homeowners can easily locate reputable installers who can assist with the lease process through SolarAmerica.org.

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A Direct Purchase
A direct purchase of a Hawaii or Oahu solar energy system with a cash payment may be one option to consider, but it may cost thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars for a homeowner to purchase a system that will fully offset their energy needs. Once installed, however, the system may produce all energy that the home needs. Over time, the system may pay for itself. However, homeowners should crunch the numbers to determine how many years the system will need to be operational before the up-front cost has been recouped.

Financing Options
Even those homeowners who do not have the deep pockets necessary to make a direct purchase in a Hawaii solar energy system may still be able to purchase and install a system. With financing options, paying for the services of solar installers in Hawaii may be feasible. This is an option that essentially allows the homeowners to obtain a loan for the purchase of the system. The cost of services for solar installers in Hawaii as well as the rates and terms of a financing program can vary, so this option should also be explored in detail.

A Solar Lease
Signing a Hawaii solar lease is a final option to consider. The terms of a Hawaii solar lease can vary, but generally, homeowners may expect a Hawaii or Oahu solar energy company to pay for the cost of installation. The homeowner may have to pay a small monthly lease payment, and this may have a fixed payment over time. The amount of power that is generated by the home’s new system may offset the cost of the lease payments.

With each of these options, it is necessary for a homeowner to thoroughly review the costs, terms and benefits. Each offers benefits as well as drawbacks, and some options may be more feasible or cost effective for homeowners than others. While some options may be better for a homeowner than others, the variety of options makes it easier for homeowners interested in using solar energy to find a solution that is right for their needs and budget.

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The Growing Interest in Solar Projects
Before a homeowner contacts Hawaii solar installers to schedule service, it is important to consider the costs and benefits associated with solar Hawaii projects. The cost of solar panel installation can be expensive, but the state has offered rebates and other tax incentives to encourage residents to take advantage of the services of Hawaii solar installers. The government’s interest in promoting solar power projects has worked, and the number of individuals who are pursuing the installation of home solar projects has soared.

The Current State of Affairs
In fact, the government incentives were so successful that the state government has had to cut down on the incentives it is offering to local residents. In 2012, the solar Hawaii tax credits cost the state about $173.8 million in lost revenue. This is substantially higher than the figure of $34.7 million in lost revenue just two years before. Because of this huge increase in interest, the state has halted some of its credits and rebate offers for 2013, and Hawaii solar installers are now backlogged. In fact, some individuals have stated that the entire process for obtaining permits and waiting for installers to provide service is taking up to or more than a year. Some have stated that there is now currently too much solar energy in Hawaii. However, with how high the energy rates are for electricity in Hawaii, interest in Hawaii and Oahu solar energy is likely to continue.

Hawaii solar installers are now busier than ever, and the state has been forced to reduce its rebates and tax incentives on solar energy system installations due to the incredible popularity of solar energy in the state. However, the fact is that rising energy rates in the state coupled with the desire for homeowners to save money on their personal expenses may help to buoy demand for the installation of new solar energy projects in Hawaii despite the decreased financial incentives offered by the state.

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The sunny island state of Hawaii offers a solar lease that works much like any other lease, except that the upfront cost is very affordable. Median sized houses will cost you $15,000 to $25,000 to install. Leasing these panels will cost you nothing upfront. Instead of being out that huge chunk of money you can allow your energy savings to more than pay you for the price of the lease over time. Consider that in Hawaii you spend 36 cents per kilowatt of power consumed. For an average use household that’s over $75,000 dollars for the next 25 years. Leasing is an obvious way to save a vast sum of money without the upfront costs making it impossible to install. Hawaii solar power is installed in your home by the owners of the panel at no cost. When the solar lease is completed you start saving instantly!

Hawaii solar energy includes very durable panels that won’t disrupt the flow of your life in the slightest. They are built to last and carefully installed. Maintenance will never be a concern because there simply won’t be any. Once the Hawaii solar energy panels are installed there is little else to do. There is no reason to use energy any differently than you normally would.

Most state and local governments offer tax rebates and credits for using Hawaiian solar power. While users need to look into whether or not the owner of the panels is planning on claiming this credit for themselves, the majority of those leasing will be eligible to save even more. Should you not use all of the electricity that you produce, energy credits can be sold back to the power company because you are producing electricity with every moment of sunshine. Perhaps the most substantial benefit of Hawaii solar power is that when a storm or downed power line knocks your grid offline you will still be fully powered from the energy your panels will produce. This is an invaluable tool in protecting your property and ensuring that you will be able to stay safe in a world where electric power is the difference between darkness and light.

If you want a simple way to talk to different Hawaii solar companies that offer a solar lease, Solar Hawaii can put you directly in touch with these providers to help you go solar easily and economically.

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Rising Sun Solar is one of the best Maui solar companies for a number of reasons. Since they have a reputation for only the best quality and service, this company has striven to be the number one choice to hire from the list of Maui solar companies. They have been operating for over nine years, and during this time they have been constantly been in the headlines, including etting their name into Inc Magazine’s top 500 companies.

If you are looking for a company that has been around in the industry for a very long time, you might want to look at Haleakala Solar. This company has been around for decades, and to top things off they are now merging with another leading brand, Solar Wave, to control close to around two thirds of the market in Maui. This really makes them the biggest and most well-known brands among Maui solar companies. You can be ensured that your solar panel installation will not have any problems for years to come.

Maui Solar Energy Systems is another company that you can look into, if you are looking for both design and functionality. They have been installing solar panels for high end homes for close to three decades. They are known to use solar panels that are smaller, lighter, and more efficient. This makes the panels they are using value for money, and by being more efficient your energy requirements will be taken care off. The best thing about using their panels is the fact that they look beautiful on any roof; this is something that not many other Maui solar companies will be able to achieve.

Sunrun is also a company that is making headlines in the local papers for being the best value for money. They are certainly one of the top solar companies in terms of service and the solar packages that they are offering. If you are on a budget, but you are thinking of getting solar power, this really is the company you want to get in contact with as they offer very attractive leasing packages. Paying a small monthly fee to have a solar panel installed is one of the best deals on the market.

There really is no shortage of companies that you can choose from. Maui solar installers are easy to find and you can always compare all their rates before hiring them. Before you decide on hiring the Maui solar installers you are interested in, look at all the special deals, which they are offering. You will also want to check if they offer any warranties that come along with the solar panels. Most Maui solar installers will offer these warranties for a very long time, and this gives you the ease of mind that you will be able to enjoy clean energy for a long time.

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1. Turn Up the Thermostat – One of the biggest users of electric supply in a home or business is the air conditioner. While it is nice to have a cool place to relax in, the constantly running air conditioner can quickly drive the electric bill price high. Property owners can see tremendous savings in their monthly bill just by turning up the thermostat a few degrees. The higher temperature will allow the unit to be off for longer periods of time and reduce the amount of work it has to do to cool off the building.
2. Keep the Air Conditioning System Clean – The more efficient an air conditioner system works, the less amount of energy it needs to do its job. The system can be kept in tip-top working order by cleaning a few parts on a routine basis. The air filter that cleans the air prior to it entering the ducts can become clogged. Clogged filters make it difficult for the unit to draw air into the system. The filters should be replaced on a monthly basis. Additionally, the coils around the condenser should be kept clean at all times. The coils are where the hot air is exchanged with cool air. If the coils are clogged, the air exchange does not happen easily.
3. Increase Insulation – Insulation keeps the interior of a home at a constant temperature. The house will stay at a comfortable temperature for a longer period of time the higher rated the insulation is. Homeowners can see a dramatic reduction in their electric bills if they replace inadequate insulation with a higher rated product. This project requires a small investment up front, but will pay for itself in a few short months.
4. Energy Efficient Appliances – Another source of energy consumption in the home is appliances. Dishwashers, clothes washers, ovens, television, dryers, and many others draw a large load of electricity on a daily basis. Current appliances are designed to be much more energy efficient than those from years ago. Replacing outdated appliances with new efficient ones can reward the owner with lower electric bills.
5. Change Light Bulbs – Perhaps the quickest and easiest way to reduce an electric bill is to replace the old incandescent light bulbs with new compact fluorescent bulbs. Switching one bulb can save $35 dollars over the life of the bulb. This seemingly small amount can add up when it is multiplied by the total number of bulbs in a home.

There are many ways to lower Hawaii electric bills. Following these few steps will help get every home and business owner on the path to significant savings in the future.

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1. Petroleum-Based Energy – According to the Environmental Protection Agency, over 82 percent of Hawaii’s electricity is produced through petroleum-fired power plants. This essentially means that as gas prices in areas across the country have skyrocketed, the price of electricity in Hawaii has also skyrocketed. It is interesting to note that petroleum-fired power plants account for the smallest source of electricity in the United States with the exception of Hawaii where it is the main source of electricity.
2. Importing Petroleum – As you might imagine, petroleum must be shipped onto the HI islands for use as gasoline for cars as well as for use in petroleum-fired power plants. The need to import the state’s main fuel source only adds to the cost associated with use electricity in their homes. The islands are located in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, approximately 2,000 miles from the mainland. Importing oil from the mainland or from other countries can be significantly expensive.
3. The Climate – Another key element to consider with regards to the high cost of electricity in Hawaii is the climate. The islands are known for their generally warm and sunny climate. With their location sitting in the middle of the ocean, Hawaiian islands also experience high levels of humidity. In order to remain cool and comfortable inside their homes, Hawaiians generally run their air conditioning system year round. The air conditioner is one of the largest sources of energy consumption in a home. It is estimated that the average home in the mainland United States uses about 2,500 KWHs each year in electricity. In Hawaii, however, the average house uses approximately 4,300 KWHs.

You can see that electricity in Hawaii is more expensive to generate and use, and it is also in higher demand in Hawaii than in many other areas of the United States. These combined factors create a situation where many Hawaiians are paying far more for their electricity bill than their counterparts on the mainland. One option to consider to make electricity more affordable is to use HI solar power. Solar power allows homeowners to generate their own source of electricity locally. With the abundance of sunshine the state enjoys, solar energy is a great solution that can save homeowners money on their electricity expense.

The post Top 3 Reasons why electricity is so high in Hawaii appeared first on Solar Hawaii.

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It is the largest project of its kind in the state, according to HECO officials.

SunPower Corp. officials say its solar panels will be installed to move and follow the sun to capture 25 percent more energy than fixed-tilt systems on land leased from the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands. Energy advocacy groups such as Blue Planet Foundation believe this is just the beginning of something bigger. “It means less money leaving state to buy oil, more local jobs and most importantly security for the price of electricity over time,” said Blue Planet Foundation Director Jeff Mikulina.

The Hawaii Public Utilities Commission has approved for SunPower Corp. to initially sell energy to HECO at less than 20 cents per kilowatt hour. That’s less than what HECO currently charges customers. “In the very near term prices will not go down, but in the long term this is a fixed contract at set prices,” said Rosegg.

HECO says it currently gets only 10 percent of its energy from renewable sources, including wind and sun. By 2030, Hawaii law will require it to increase that number to 40 percent. “We’ve got law to motivate us, but we want to go much further than that,” said Rosegg.

Construction is scheduled to begin before the end of the year and be completed in five months. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the solar farm will produce enough renewable power equivalent to removing 37,600 cars from Hawaii’s roads over the 20-year agreement.

Via KITV.com

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