Solar electric net metering a hit in Hilo

 

Under net metering, a small renewable energy generator hooks up to the grid and receives full retail credit for surplus power produced by the system. The systems can be no larger than 10 kilowatts AC in capacity. ProVision Technologies, Inc., a Hilo-based solar electric company, announces the completion of the first solar electric net energy metered system in East Hawaii. ProVision recently installed a grid-connected 1.28 kilowatt photovoltaic system at their office and warehouse in order to reduce their electric bill and provide a back-up power supply in case of utility power interruptions. Under net metering, a small renewable energy generator hooks up to the grid and receives full retail credit for surplus power produced by the system. The systems can be no larger than 10 kilowatts AC in capacity. Tapping into the power of the sun was a no-brainer for our business, said Jessica Schweig, ProVision's Office Administrator. Not only are we demonstrating that solar electricity makes sense for businesses and homeowners even in wet Hilo, we'll also have a large emergency power system for our office computers. According to Schweig, the solar electric system will meet about 25 percent of ProVision's daily electrical demand. The cost of the system was $17,000. After the generous tax credit incentives from the state of Hawaii and federal government, ProVision and other businesses are able to get back up to 49 percent of the system cost within the first year. The payback period for this type of solar system can be as low as four years. Still, only time will tell. For more solar and renewable energy news [SolarAccess.com]