What’s the sun good for?
Related Content
Jodie Yamashiroya
December 21, 2009
Filed under Features
The scorching sun in paradise shines its rays on tanning tourists, working construction men, and on photovoltaic and solar heating panels on the roof of Carl Schroers’ home.
Schroers, ‘Iolani School’s athletic director, in August, installed two solar heating panels—for hot water– and eighteen photovoltaic panels—for electricity– on the roof of his home Kaimuki.
Although it is noticeable when the water temperature decreases due to a couple of cloudy days, Schroers does recommend other people to get solar panels as well.
“Hawaii should be leading the solar panels because of the amount of sun we get,” said Schroers.
Not only do Mr. Schroers and his family use solar panels as their source of power, people and places across the island of Oahu do too.
Hawaiian Electric Company’s Director of Special Programs, Earl Ifuku said more customers are purchasing and installing solar panels for both heating water and for electricity. According to heco.com, there was an increase from an 11 percent achievement in the amount of consolidated renewable energy in 2005 to 16.1 percent in 2007.
A number of incentives have been provided by the federal government, the state government and HECO that have contributed to this increase in sales of renewable energy at Hawaiian Electric Company. Because of the high oil prices, according to Ifuku, the federal government provides a 35% tax credit to those purchasing solar panels.
However unlike Schroers, Ifuku would not necessarily suggest other people should get solar panels.
“It depends on the family size and how much energy and electricity they use,” says Ifuku. “If it is just one person, it really isn’t necessary.”
In addition to families and individual people installing solar panels, Ifuku mentions large commercial buildings and companies, such as Costco and Walmart, also use solar panels as their source of energy.
Many people around Oahu are also looking to convert their power and energy to a more “green” source. It was like this for ‘Iolani senior Garrett Chan and his family. About seven years ago, the Chans installed solar heating panels on the roof of their home.
“We basically got the panels just to cut down the costs of our electricity bills,” said Chan.
Like Schroers, Chan agrees and recommends other people to get solar panels as well.
“What could go wrong with it?” said Chan.
‘Iolani School will also be converting some of its energy sources from gas to the sun. One-hundred-and fifty solar panels will be installed on the roof of the dance rooms and will heat the pool water.
“How does it save us money? It costs about $45,000-$50,000 to heat the pool for six months,” says Glenn Ching, ‘Iolani School’s director of finance.
“Within two to three years, we will be able to pay off the $90,000 lease we have with the Bank of Hawaii,” Ching said.
The panels are awaiting the permit and will hopefully be installed at the end of this month, ready to heat the pool for the winter season.
“We’ve been talking for about switching to photovoltaic panels and doing a major project in a few years,” said Ching.
Whether it’s for cutting electricity bills or going green, solar panels is a must! Like Chan said, “What could go wrong with it?”
Loading ...