Hawaii, the solar energy revolution in the United States has its capital in the famous islands, where the sector has grown so much in recent years that it has put electricity grid operators in crisis. Solar power is gaining ground everywhere in the States, but in Hawaii by a very massive amount
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Hawaii: a solar revolution is underway that is putting the electricity grids in crisis
Hawaii the revolution ofsolar power in the United States has its own capital in the famous islands, where the industry is it has grown so much in recent years that it has put electricity grid operators in crisis. Solar power is gaining ground everywhere in the States, but in Hawaii by a very massive amount.
The favorable tax credit generated i the nation's highest average electricity rates products thanks to renewables and the most aggressive clean energy program adopted by a state.
Many home and business owners have opted for PV, by installing a large number of modules on their roofs. To give an idea of the boom, just think that the number of photovoltaic systems throughout the island it has doubled every year since 2007, with approximately 20.000 units installed. But with a production of approx 140 megawatt – the equivalent of a midsize power plant - 'solar' tax credits are seriously disrupting the state budget, which is why Hawaiian lawmakers and electric utilities are attempting to curb the ongoing energy revolution.
I solar tax credit they cost the state $ 173,8 million this year alone, compared to $ 34,7 million in 2010. Hence the decision by the tax authorities to halve the tax credit starting January 1, 2013.
L'Hawaiian Electric Co. on Oahu, which manages utilities on Maui and the Big Island, warned that the explosion of solar DIY could threaten the power grid with the possibility of fluctuations or dips and sudden surges. For the problem, if you can call it that, some time ago the Hawaiian power company had proposed one moratorium on solar systems, a plan that met with immediate outrage and was quickly withdrawn. "The past three months are turning into a solar asylum here on Oahu," he said Peter Rosegg spokesperson for Hawaiian Electric.
Historically, power is provided by large central power plants, which handle peak demand, but it's not as simple as that with natural energy sources like wind and sun. For example, how to do it on a sunny day, when solar systems are on roofs produce more energy than the grid is able to use? The problem is particularly relevant to Hawaii, where each island has its own isolated power grid and cannot compensate quickly with the power generated elsewhere and vice versa. The consequences? Power surges (in case of excess generation), flickering lights, isolated blackouts. What to do then?
One thing is certain. The state has set a objective: get the 40% of its energy generated locally from renewable sources by 2030. Already, Big Island produces 44% of its energy this way and could reach 100% by the end of the decade.
The premises for the Hawaiian solar revolution they are all there.
Francesca Mancuso
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– Tokelau: the first nation in the world powered entirely by solar energy
