Alternative Energy

Atop the Hanalei Center’s green corrugated metal roof is a 10,000 watt photovoltaic system. The panels made up of crystal silicon cells is set up as what known in the alternative energy industry as a “net metering system.” This means the system is tied directly into the Kaua‘i Island Utilities Cooperative electric grid. On the rare day when the center’s shops are idle the system returns energy to the grid and is given a credit against its power bill.

However, the real savings comes from state and federal tax credits given to buyers of commercial photovoltaic systems, as well as depreciation tax write offs.

The Hanalei Center systems was installed by Charlie Cowden, owner of Hanalei Solar.

Cowden said his installation at Hanalei Center was the largest of its kind on Kaua‘i when it was installed in 2002. Now a system being used by King Auto Center in Lihu‘e is probably the largest on island, and is rated at about 25,000 watts.

He said home and commercial users who install a net metering system can have the advantage of not needing batteries for their system to function, thus eliminating substantial insulation and maintenance issues related to the use of storing energy in batteries for future use.

Another type of installation is known as a “stand alone,” or a system where electricity is collected and then stored in batteries for future on-site use such as in the evening. This type of system is financially viable if the home is far away from electric lines, saving the cost of installing power poles and stringing electric lines.

Cowden said the rising cost of oil is driving interest in installing photovoltaic systems. He said more support from the state and federal government would help the industry to grow and reduce Kaua‘i’s dependence on off-island sources of fuel.

He also suggested that homeowners price out the cost of installing a photovoltaic system. Cowden said they will find tax credits are helping to lower the cost, making installation and use of such a system financially feasible for more and more homeowners and commercial building owners. Homeowners face about a 15-year pay back, while commercial building owners can see their sytem paid off in about five years, he said, due to depreciation paybacks and tax credits that are only available to commercial businesses.

“Environmental and social responsibility is another reason to install a system,” he said.

“Some say, if I don’t who will,”

Chris Cook, Editor, can be reached at ccook@pulitzer.net or 245-3681 (ext. 227).