LIHU‘E — Wind, sun and water. The three natural resources abound on Kaua‘i, but the island still relies heavily upon the burning of fossil fuels and the importation of foreign oil. “We have all the resources at our fingertips,” said
LIHU‘E — Wind, sun and water.
The three natural resources abound on Kaua‘i, but the island still relies heavily upon the burning of fossil fuels and the importation of foreign oil.
“We have all the resources at our fingertips,” said Jared Smith of Smith’s Electrical Contracting in an interview at The Garden Island Wednesday afternoon.
To demonstrate just how easy using wind as a clean, renewable energy source is, Smith, along with business partner Dane Eirhart, came up with an idea which they’ve been proudly parading around town in recent days.
In fact, many people might have noticed the “energy ball” perched in the back of their black pick-up truck this week because it has apparently been generating quite a buzz.
“We’ve been getting more smiles than we have ever seen before,” Smith said.
The ball of energy is reportedly the first of its kind in the state and what makes it different from other wind turbine models is it won’t harm birds and is whisper-quiet, Eirhart said. So, all the misconceptions people have about wind turbines are no longer valid, he added.
Based on a physics concept — the Venturi Principle — air is taken from around the outside of the blades and passes to the inside before it shoots out as vibrational energy, Smith explained. And because of the way it spins, birds view it as a solid object, thus avoiding it. In addition, “It won’t irritate your neighbors,” Smith said.
Originally created in the Netherlands, the idea has already exploded across the Mainland and when Hawai‘i pays the highest fees for electricity in the nation, it “only makes sense” to bring it to the islands, Eirhart said.
While the goal is for Kaua‘i to be 70 percent fossil fuel free by 2030, according to the Kaua‘i Energy Sustainability Plan, Smith said there is no reason it has to take over 20 years to become 30 percent shy of optimum self-sufficiency.
Kaua‘i Island Utility Cooperative also proposes in their 2008-2023 Strategic Plan to be using “at least 50 percent of its electricity renewably without burning fossil fuels within 15 years.”
KIUC could not be reached for comment by press time.
In addition, Smith cites the County Council’s delay in passing Bill 2290 — which would make it easier for residents to construct small-scale wind energy systems — as an added hindrance in increasing island sustainability.
Though there are many obstacles yet to overcome, Smith added, “It’s clear to us that people in Hawai‘i are very interested in green technology.”
While the “energy balls” are costly and current economic conditions may not be ideal, Eirhart said it’s an investment that would produce savings within the “very first month.”
Costing anywhere from about $15,000 to $30,000 depending on individual energy needs, the ball comes with instant rebates, including 30 percent for enterprises and 20 percent for residences, Smith said.
With an approximate lifespan of 20 years, it’s a purchase that would take less than the products’ life expectancy to pay for itself, Eirhart said.
For more information, visit www.smithselectricalcontracting.com.
• Coco Zickos, business and environmental writer, can be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 251) or czickos@kauaipubco.com.
