Why Solar Power?
Right here, right now: there’s no better place or time
Hawaii is the most oil-dependent state in the country. Over 90% of our electricity is petroleum-derived, and the majority of our petroleum is imported. With shipping costs ever on the rise and the compounding effects of rising gas prices, Hawaii residents pay more for electricity than anyone else in the United States. And these energy sources aren’t going to get any cheaper.
Hawaii’s energy production is far from ideal
On top of being the most fossil-fuel-dependent, Hawaii is also one of the highest atmospheric carbon polluters for the electricity we produce. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, our state emits more than five times as much carbon per kWh of electricity produced than states like Oregon and Washington. Hawaii also emits more nitrogen oxides (NOx) than virtually any other state, and we score poorly when sulfur dioxide (SO2) emissions as well. To put things in perspective: on average, for each 1,000kWh of electricity generated with Photovoltaic power, you will reduce SO2 emissions by 8lbs, NOx emissions by 8lbs, and CO2 emissions by 1400lbs.
Solar power in Hawaii isn’t just a wise choice for consumers; it’s a wise choice for the islands themselves.
Be sustainable. Be independent. Be exemplary.
Converting to a Sunetric solar PV installation will let you take back control of your budget by offsetting or completely eliminating your electric bill.
Even more important is the benefit you’ll leave to future generations. By converting to solar energy, you’ll turn our state’s most abundant renewable resource into clean energy and help to reduce Hawaii’s dependency on foreign, environmentally unfriendly oil.
Do it Now!
Change is on the horizon for both the state and federal solar tax incentive programs. Currently federal incentives are available as either a 30% tax credit or as a 30% cash grant, but the cash grant program expires at the end of 2010. Similarly, Hawaii’s state incentives are available as either a 35% tax credit or 24.5% refundable tax credit. Unfortunately, not only is the federal grant expiring, but there is significant uncertainty as to how long the state refund program will last as well. Combined, these incentives can offer up to 54.5% cash back, or a 65% tax shield depending on your tax appetite.
In a slowly recovering economy, safe investments are few and far between, and even fewer are those predominantly paid for by the government, but you must act soon to benefit from both the state and federal ‘cash-back’ programs.
