Hawaii Net Metering
| Program Type | Performance-based Incentives |
|---|---|
| Technologies | Photovoltaics, Solar Thermal Electric, Wind, Biomass, Hydroelectric |
| Amount | Up to 100 kW for most customers, 50 kW for some customers |
| Required Documentation | Net Energy Metering Agreement (with applicable utility) |
| Official Web Site | NA |
Hawaii is transitioning to a state-wide feed-in tariff performance-based incentive system for grid-tied solar and renewable generators. As of July 2010, no reimbursement rates have been specified for customer/generators. However, in 2008, an energy agreement was signed by Governor Linda Lingle, the Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism, Hawaii’s electric companies (Hawaiian Electric Company, Hawaii Electric Light Company, and Maui Electric Company) and the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs.
The new program will create the Clean Energy Infrastructure Surcharge, which will help finance a host of new initiatives, including providing bi-directional net meters to customer generators, like homeowners with grid-tied solar power installations. Under the energy agreement, reimbursement rates for customer/generators also will be determined, though at this point, the rates have not been set. Hawaii’s public utility commission will help determine what the appropriate rates will be.
Under the current net-metering program, utilities provide customer generators with a bi-directional meter that allows the customer to feed electricity back into the grid. For excess net generation (more power made than used) the customers are given credits toward their next billing statement. However, at the end of a 12-month period, any electricity generated over the customer’s usage is credited to the utility unless a purchase agreement for excess generation was made with the provider.
The net-metering program is offered on a first-come first-served basis, though none of the power companies have reached their limits of distributed generation at this point. Most utilities agreed to have up to 4 percent of their power come from distributed-generation sources like customer/generators. The net-metering program covers most systems up to 100 kW, but customer/generators of the Kau’i Island Utility Cooperative can only install systems up to 50 kW and still be enrolled in its net-metering program.
To find out more, and to apply, customers must contact their individual power provider.
