×

Solar technology must be separated from politics

The Dec. 1 article “Who pays? Solar fairness community issue” is an excellent discussion on how Maui wants to proceed in generating electricity.

We know that converting the sun’s radiant energies adds quality to our lives while improving Earth’s atmosphere. Last year, Maui achieved the highest renewable power produced per meter in the U.S.

Contributing to increased photovoltaic systems are lower and more favorable loan financing options and loan rates and generous federal and state tax credits. Residents choose investing in a PV system, delaying a vacation and buying a new vehicle.

Unfortunately, the Arakawa administration is maligning clean energy with inflammatory language such as “Robin Hood in reverse” and questioning the fairness of solar.

First, separate solar technology from political issue-making. How much distributed power has Maui County contributed? The amount renewable power reduced taxpayers’ energy costs of running our county? Why has our county not reinvested in installing more renewable systems, reducing costs of governing and operating services for Maui taxpayers?

Secondly, how closely has Maui County worked and implemented grid-interfacing systems collaboratively with Maui Electric Co. engineers? Have the county’s renewable efforts been to saturate grid with renewable power or enhance/increase grid’s capacity to accept more renewable power from neighboring residential systems?

Alternate political financing includes community loaning and the Berkley System. Condominium and rental arrangements could fund installing renewable power generating systems.

Political opportunities abound for the administration and council – beside throwing stones onto PV panels. Consider community input.

Warren Shibuya

Kula

NEWSLETTER

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox

I'm interested in (please check all that apply)
Are you a paying subscriber to the newspaper?
     
Support Local Journalism on Maui

Only $99/year

Subscribe Today