Hawaii solar power rule hints at U.S. battle

[questionmark]

(Reuters) - When Gloria Adams signed a contract to install a rooftop solar power system on her Oahu home in late August, she looked forward to lower electric bills and a return on her investment in the years ahead.

She never dreamed that she would have to stop the project, get the Hawaiian Electric Company's permission before she could proceed, and possibly help pay for any upgrades to her neighborhood's electricity circuits to handle the extra load.

The regulation requires homeowners on Oahu - Hawaii's most populous island - to get the utility's approval before installing photovoltaic (PV) rooftop solar systems.

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[Myles]

My gut reaction was that Gloria was being treated unfairly. After reading about it a bit, it seems that the HEC might be justified. I don't agree that she should have to pay for any upgrades. But having people notify the HEC before any of these are installed seems logical.

Seems that they need a game plan to move forward.

[Taun]

The way I think it should go is that if you tie into the grid - you need permission.. But if you are separate from the community grid all you should need to do is

get it inspected by a qualified electrician (for safety)...

In Oklahoma we have a lot of wind 'mills' and some people have even installed them in their yards for personal use... OG&E (Oklahoma Gas and Electric) - the largest provider in the state -

use to pay the home owner for any excess electricity generated - I don't know if they still do or not...