Solar Power on Maui - We're embracing the power of the sun here in Hawai'i, and businesses in Maui County have been busy installing solar panels to reduce their energy costs and footprint.
The Realtors Association of Maui is currently covering their rooftop with as many panels as will fit, in hopes of saving a whole lot of money for members. Rising Sun Solar is installing some uniquely shaped panels in addition to the regular rectangles we're familiar with. The job is not done yet, so no word on how much is being saved, but I will post updates.
Haleakala Solar Inc. are also busy this week installing sections of photovoltaic receptors on the roof of BJ Furniture Store in Kahului Maui. The project on the 22,000 square foot roof includes 810 panels, the largest photovoltaic system ever installed on Maui. It will generate the amount of electricity used by 60 average households. According to the Maui News, Haleakala Solar President Jim Whitcomb said the Kahului area is a good one for sunshine, with a 480 sunshine zone rating. Kihei is Maui's highest-rated zone at 500.
Our Governor, Linda Lingle, has been very proactive on the energy front, forming the Hawai‘i Clean Energy Initiative - aiming to supply 70 percent or more of Hawai‘i's energy needs by 2030.
What is your town doing to decrease dependency on fossil fuels? I'd like to hear about it.
Aloha from Maui - Georgina M. Hunter R(S) e-Pro - 808 283-0635 - www.EastMaui.Com
Georgina, this is amazing and wonderful. I do wish more of our overall tax dollars would go towards saving our ecology as we know it. Our town is still in the dark ages. I'm not sure what to worry about more, the election or the destruction of the Rain Forest or the end of the world as we know it!
GBU, Later in the rain~Deb
Georgina - Now that is a progressive Association... I wish that ours would get on board with ideas like that!
P.S. - I love the photo, Sunflowers are one of my favorites.
Georgina- What a gorgeous flower! Great photo!
I love Linda Lingle! Who says a GOP Governor can't be proactive in alternative sources of energy! Our Governor Crist and our past Governor Jeb Bush, are both awesome with the environment, the everglades and solar energy and wind energy solutions.
Deb - we are in a unique situation where we are WAY too dependent on oil, and it has to stop.
Debbie - our Assn is so progressive, we even own the building.... why pay rent right? We, as Realtors, should know that renting just doesn't make sense.
Katerina - she's really making a bold move that is long overdue
Georgina - that is great that Maui is becoming more dependent upon solar power. Sounds like you have an awesome Governor, hopefully her efforts will be noted by others.
we're 'fortunate' to have such high electricity rates that relatively expensive solar panels actually make good economic sense.
Sharon - you're right about that.
Hi Everett! Thanks for commenting here. You found me! hahaha Days like this we could all use a few more panels.
Hi Georgina,
Great story on Maui's move to solar power. Let's hope that more of us will do our part to find alternative sources for energy!
I am glad we are making some efforts towards renewables, but am hopeful that we will become more aggressive on our timelines for renewables. It would be good for our environment and offer an opportunity for economic diversification.
Jordon - here in the islands we are lucky to have a pro-active Governor who knows what's good for us in the future.
Pete - yup, it would be a great boost for the economy
Let's hope that the current and probably short-lived decrease in the price in oil doesn't dampen any of the investment enthusiasm. We have to go green fast or we will kill the planet.