HONOLULU -
Significant advances in battery storage technology, not to mention significant cost reductions, will chart the way for Hawaii's troubled solar industry.
It seems more and more credible that the way forward may involveit-
Your own solar users are still thriving, completely out of the grid.
Although the main problem is still the pace of cost, technology and adaptation to a well-off societythe-
Grid solar energy, it is important to have a possible way forward.
The industry has created thousands of new jobs in Hawaii and helped the state achieve its renewable energy goals, but after years of historic growth, the industry is experiencing a sudden
Solar sales began to decline for the first time this year.
Residential sales fell by 9% compared to last year, while commercial sales fell by 50%, according to statistics from Hawaii's ministry of commerce, economic development and tourism.
Now, companies find themselves competing in a shrinking market as they struggle with the limitations of utilities that have power grids in Oahu, Big Island and Maui counties.
Power companies sometimes seem to be the biggest obstacle to innovation, because before engineers worry that too much energy can cause power outages, power companies can only house so much intermittent solar energy on their electricity networks that endangers the safety of utility workers.
As things get worse, executives at some solar companies have even warned that the solar industry could collapse, or at least a major contraction.
Some prominent solar executives say the time has come to saturate the grid.
"I am very pessimistic," said Mark Duda, an executive at Honolulu . "
RevoluSun, based in downtown Honolulu, said Thursday in a panel discussion on the solar industry.
"I think it's actually something we 've been worried about in the past, but I think we 've been successful now.
"One reason why solar sales suddenly lag behind may be that utilities are getting more and more restrictive on those who are trying to connect the solar system to the grid, Marco mangdorf, President Hilo-
The square Club told the panel that solar energy was available at the headquarters. (
A group of solar executives spoke at the forum, as did Scott Sue, vice president of Hawaii electric power.
Mike shanpley, member of the utilities committee. )
In this case, a change in the rules of the game will involve an affordable battery storage technology that can store the energy of a large number of solar panels in homes or businesses.
Battery storage can free customers from the limitations of power companies
And the price is high.
Completely out of the traditional grid, enjoy a steady flow of electricity even at night or when it rains.
That's why the solar industry has long seen the transformation and upgrading of battery storage technology as a holy grail that will illuminate the path to large-scale solar adoption.
But traditionally, the price of battery storage is too high, and the technology is cumbersome and requires a lot of maintenance.
The result is that very few people install batteries.
"Traditionally, if you want to leave
The grid, or you want to spare the batteries, you did this crazy scientific experiment with all of these batteries by the side of the garage, "said Joseph satonia, president of Honolulu Pacific energy.
"You have to go out once a week and check the water level.
This is just something ordinary consumers don't want to do.
And it's expensive.
"With the benefits of multiple parties, this may change now
Millions of dollars of R & D filters into the market, resulting in a new generation cheaper and higher --
Capacity battery.
Saturnia's company has just released a simpler new battery storage system that is housed in a compact metal box.
He described it as trouble.
You can use solar panels freely on the roof.
The downside is that the system is still expensive.
For the average home, the battery storage system can run between $10,000 and $25,000. But with long-
Long-term financing options and solar PV prices are down, and the final cost may be calculated at a price that competes with HECO power, says Saturnia.
Not all solar executives believe battery storage technology is ready.
Worried that these systems are still a hassle, Mangelsdorf suspects that high prices will make the technology quickly adopted on a large scale.
He's probably right.
On the other hand, electricity prices in Hawaii are three times the national average, and consumers are getting angry about it, and many solar users are getting frustrated by their efforts to connect their systems to the utilities grid, this increases the temptation to get rid of the grid.
As solar and battery storage costs fall further, it is likely that it will be more difficult for power companies to convince customers to "keep the grid-
Duda said they were tied when they could turn to a simple new choice.
As the number of solar energy on utility circuits grows, customers seeking to connect panels to the HECO grid are experiencing increasing delays, obstacles and costs.
Residents can be charged a fee for learning to ensure that their systems do not break the grid or charge for circuit upgrades.
The utility has recently taken steps to reduce this burden for its customers by conducting a study for multiple systems and raising the circuit thresholds that trigger the study.
But, Champley said, "we hit the wall before we solve the grid problem.
Seu of Hawaii Electric Power said: "about 200 solar customers are currently on the edge of the solar market as the company is looking at how to safely connect these systems.
He pointed out that the focus of utilities is to upgrade the grid to accommodate more solar energy, but stressed that it faces increasing challenges as more and more people turn to solar energy.
"It's getting harder and harder. . .
From a technical point of view . "
"It's getting harder and harder from a business perspective.
From the customer's point of view, this becomes more and more difficult.
"A large number of customers leaving the grid could disrupt the current business model of utility companies.
But improved battery storage and other technologies can also help utilities smooth power when they enter the grid, integrating more solar energy, says Seu.
This is the point that Saturnia agrees.
In addition to disconnecting from the grid using Pacific Island Energy's battery storage technology, the battery system can also function while maintaining the connection.
Saturnia believes that the private sector should play a key role in innovation, rather than putting all the burden on utilities in response to current grid constraints.