Hawaii Now Accepting FIT Applications
Hawaii has started accepting applications for its new Feed-in Tariff program, which seeks to encourage the installation of renewable energy systems by householders, businesses and developers. The program offers pre-set rates and standardized contract terms for selling renewable electricity to the grid via utility Hawaiian Electric. The rates set for the feed-in tariffs vary by…
Hawaii has started accepting applications for its new Feed-in Tariff program, which seeks to encourage the installation of renewable energy systems by householders, businesses and developers.
The program offers pre-set rates and standardized contract terms for selling renewable electricity to the grid via utility Hawaiian Electric.
The rates set for the feed-in tariffs vary by size of project and by the technology being used.
The 20-year contracts are designed to make it easier to sell clean energy to the grid from small-scale solar photovoltaic systems, concentrated solar power technology, onshore wind or in-line hydropower installations.
The program will accept enough projects to provide up to 60 megawatts total capacity on Oahu, 10MW on Hawaii Island and 10MW in Maui County.
Feed-in Tariffs have been under development for Hawaii since a 2008 clean energy agreement between the state and utilities, and aim to help the state reach its target to generate 70% of its electricity from renewable sources by 2030.
Hawaii has had a net metering program in place for projects up to 10kW since 2001 and 50kW since 2004, where homes and businesses could offset some of their utility bills with power they generate on-site.
The new feed-in tariff will allow them to go a set further and feed in power to the grid for sale to their utility.
Source: Brighter Energy
