Love Lost in Hawaii: Energy Monopoly Deters Solar Energy

[Jason]

Just as news arrives that solar panel systems are being installed in record numbers and at reduced prices all over the world, Hawaii is sticking out like a sore thumb. After having continuous years of solar energy growth, Hawaii has hit a brick wall with a 90% drop in sales in 2013. The Hawaiian Electric Company may be to blame due to unreliable, out of date grids with overvoltage safety issues and unnecessary restrictions while making it more difficult for customers to own photovoltaic systems. Looking towards the future, more focus must be put on balancing the politics as well as efforts to improve engineering and design of solar energy systems and their effect on the grid. Solar and other renewable energy may be part of the solution to ending fossil fuel dependence and getting back on track in Hawaii to meet the demand for solar power should be a priority.

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[J.P.M.]

Just as news arrives that solar panel systems are being installed in record numbers and at reduced prices all over the world, Hawaii is sticking out like a sore thumb. After having continuous years of solar energy growth, Hawaii has hit a brick wall with a 90% drop in sales in 2013. The Hawaiian Electric Company may be to blame due to unreliable, out of date grids with overvoltage safety issues and unnecessary restrictions while making it more difficult for customers to own photovoltaic systems. Looking towards the future, more focus must be put on balancing the politics as well as efforts to improve engineering and design of solar energy systems and their effect on the grid. Solar and other renewable energy may be part of the solution to ending fossil fuel dependence and getting back on track in Hawaii to meet the demand for solar power should be a priority.

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While not as informed about the Hawaiian situation as those who live there, I'd think this mess may serve as a heads' up for the rest of us as site solar generation approaches or passes grid parity. I suspect not much will come of it until a breaking point is reached.

[SunEagle]

There have been a number of discussions on this forum concerning at what point a Utility will determine it to be a break point of % RE to % Base Generation.

Some say it will be as low as 10% RE. Others say 25% to 50%. While those that do not like how Base Generation is being made using fossil fuels want RE to be 100% which is impossible.