Hawaiian Electric’s Clean Energy initiative is driving Maui, and all of Hawaii, to a future of 100% renewable energy by the year 2045. Reducing and eliminating Aloha State’s dependency on expensive imported fossil fuel will help make Hawaii more affordable for everyone.
For the homeowner or small business, both PV and thermal solar solutions are available and are useful depending on your needs. Here, we’ll discuss the difference.
How They Work
Both PV or photovoltaic, and thermal solar systems harness the sun as raw energy and use it to generate suitable electricity. However, they are two distinctly different systems.
Most people are familiar with the ubiquitous solar panels attached to rooftops but may not realize the difference.
• Thermal solar systems are primarily for water heating. While it still uses roof-mounted solar panels, the emphasis is on collecting heat and utilizing it for water rather than a separate electric water heater. (It’s also useful for heating swimming pools.) Thermal solar saves money, space, and harvests energy 70% more efficiently. However, it may not be as efficient in the winter months.
• PV systems are used for generating electricity for use throughout the house. Rooftop panels with photovoltaic cells capture sunlight and convert it to clean, usable energy with semiconductors. When generating your own energy, you’ll buy less electricity from the grid, saving money on your electric bills. Add a battery, and your system also stores energy to be used anytime, day or night, or when the sun doesn’t come out for a generation. PV can generate as much as 60% of an average home’s energy use.
o Hybrid PV systems that include wind for extra power generation, such as when the sun isn’t out.
While you may be considering one or the other, many people utilize both thermal and PV for a complete home energy system. At the outset, however, there may be a considerable capital outlay for a new system, as well as installation. Over time these costs will be mitigated by long-term energy savings.
Why Go Solar?
There are many reasons you might consider adding one or both types of solar power generation to your new or existing home. The most obvious is saving money on utility bills. In Maui, and throughout Hawaii, that can be a significant saving.
Other reasons to go with PV and/or thermal solar:
• You’ll support the development and use of clean, renewable energy in Hawai’i
• Add value to your home, during ownership as well as at the time of sale (“curb appeal”)
• Protect yourself against increasingly expensive energy costs
• Sunlight is free and available!
• Extra energy may be sold to utility companies
• State and federal tax credits may help offset the purchase and installation costs
Keeping your solar panels clean and functional will protect your investment for years to come.
Call Pro Draft for All Your Architectural Design Needs
If you’re considering adding alternative energy creation to your Maui home, Pro Draft is ready to help. We can help with architecture, drawings, blueprints, permits, and answer all of your questions before the construction begins. We will work to ensure your project is exactly the way you envision.
Call Pro Draft today at (808) 579-9050 or 1-800-499-4699 from the Mainland
