Friday, April 10, 2015

Maui: A Solar Community

A lot of ecologically-savvy people are calling the time we’re now living in a “solar era,” and they’re right. More and more people are turning to solar energy because they realize the problems that have been caused by dependence on fossil fuels. And, though solar energy is popular in many areas, it hasn’t yet been embraced everywhere, especially not in the same way it has been in Maui and in Hawaii in general.  



The state is unique in that the majority of its electrical energy is from the sun. In fact, it relies on the sun more than any other state in the nation. There are even many entirely solar-powered homes and businesses there. While there are a wide range of historical and pragmatic reasons for Hawaii’s dependence on solar energy, the reasons really don’t matter when one considers the benefits. Owners of solar homes and businesses enjoy greatly reduced or even eliminated electric bills and tax credits for having solar-powered homes, which often pay for the cost of having the home “solarized” in just a short amount of time. Though there are some small problems with switching to a mainly solar-powered system, such as a less effective grid, those kinks are being worked out slowly but surely, and many think California will soon be following in Hawaii’s bold footsteps, especially since many of the problems, such as paying out too much in tax credits, have simpler solutions, such as more strict tax laws or reduced credits.

If you are interested in building a green home in Maui or really anywhere in Hawaii, the bottom line is that you will be given the chance to save money long-term by opting for a solar-powered home. And, though you may face a few challenges, it’s well worth it to embark on this money-saving, and, more importantly, planet-saving journey.


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