Safer is Smarter - Kauai Island Utility Cooperative

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By Shelley Paik Photos by Shelley Paik ENERGY WISE Solar Programs a Great Member Benefit 4 KIUC CURRENTS KIUC board member Steve M. Rapozo, right, receives verification paperwork from KIUC Residential Energy Services Specialist Claurino Bueno, left, for the replacement of his 21year old existing solar water heating system.. Everyone who is able should take advantage of KIUC’s solar loan or solar rebate program because the process is so simple. The solar loan program is a zerointerest loan available to member/customers who want to change their existing electric water heater to a solar water heating system. The loan also is available for members who want to replace an existing nonfunctional solar water heater that is at least 15 years old. KIUC pays the interest for the participant. The participant repays the principal over five years. No down payment is required. KIUC has partnered with Kaua‘i Community Federal Credit Union and the County of Kaua‘i Housing Agency to provide funding for the loans. The solar rebate program provides an $800 incentive for members who want to replace their existing electric water heater with a solar water heater. The rebate also is available for members who want to replace an existing nonfunctional solar water heater that is at least 15 years old. New construction no longer qualifies. For the $800 rebate, the member must contact a contractor on KIUC’s Participating Solar Contractors list. A price is agreed upon, and the contractor pulls all the permits. The contractor also completes and submits all documentation to KIUC so customers don’t have to do anything.
Installation is scheduled with the contractor, who can discount $800 off the final invoice for the rebate so the member does not have to wait for KIUC to issue the rebate. After the installation is complete, KIUC is contacted for final verification. Residential Energy Services Specialist Claurino Bueno verifies the system is operational and in compliance with KIUC’s solar water heating standards and specifications. With the KIUC rebate—combined with a state tax incentive of 35 percent and a federal tax incentive of 30 percent—Claurino said many of the new solar water systems will pay for themselves in less than three years. The process is simple. I was having problems with my 21plus year old solar system. The unit was installed when I built the home in 1988. With the tax incentives offered at that time, this old solar unit probably cost me about $3,000. It started to malfunction and leak. I thought about repairing the unit, so I called Triple T Plumbing—which is KIUC certified—for a cost quote of some specific repairs. I also asked Triple T for a quote on a more efficient unit with larger panels. The repair was to cost me about $1,200 just to get the unit working properly. I also did a cost analysis of a new unit. With the $800 KIUC rebate and the 35percent state and 30percent federal tax incentives, my outofpocket expense would be about $1,800. There is nothing like a new unit. Triple T filed all of the necessary permits with the county and went so far as doing the KIUC rebate. Two weeks later, I was hooked up. My solar water heater saves me an average of $90 a month. If you multiply my monthly savings by the 21 years of service and subtract my original investment, I probably saved about $15,000 to $20,000. The estimated payback is less than two years. In my view, spending $1,800 to save $18,000 is a good deal. The process was easy. I encourage our members to take advantage of KIUC’S solar programs. KIUC no longer allows new construction to participate in its solar programs. Only retrofits qualify. Requirements to be eligible for the KIUC solar program: ◼ Water heater needs to be a conventional electric water heater or a malfunctioning solar water heater 15 years or older ◼ Active residential accounts only ◼ Installer must be on the KIUC Participating Solar Contractors list (contractor list is available online at www.kiuc.coop or by calling 246.8280) No gas water heating retrofits are allowed. By Steve M. Rapozo Member Solar Rebate Program Testimony KIUC Residential Energy Services Specialist Claurino Bueno inspects KIUC board member Steve M. Rapozo’s new solar installation with the help of family pet Duke. OCTOBER 2010 5
Page 1 and 2: October 2010 Safer is Smarter
Page 3: October 2010 Volume 7, Number 5 Tab
Page 7 and 8: I have heard it said that “first
Page 9 and 10: All holiday lights, whether LED or
Page 11 and 12: Although a KIUC vehicle may be a co
Page 13 and 14: Photos by Shelley Paik KIUC’s ele
Page 15 and 16: Old GT2 control cab enclosure. A ma
Page 17 and 18: Director Ben Sullivan gives his rep
Page 19 and 20: Members enjoy chili and rice plates
Page 21 and 22: ONE OUT OF EVERY FOUR AMERICANS BEL
Page 23 and 24: Pharmacy Discount Frequently Asked
Page 25 and 26: TrickorTreating Tips A parent o
Page 27 and 28: 3. Papaya Seed Dressing Ahi 1 bottl
Page 29 and 30: KIUC submitted a revised Short Term
Page 31 and 32: County of Kaua‘i Charter Review C
Page 33 and 34: Avoid tree and utility conflicts to
Page 35 and 36: Trees can be a power line’s worst
Page 37 and 38: TARIFF RULE NO. 16 INTERRUPTION OF
Page 39 and 40: Photo by Shelley Paik Between KIUC
Page 41 and 42: We listened to our members during t
Page 43 and 44: LAST PAYMENT AMOUNT: 75.00 RECEIVED
Page 45 and 46: Request for Patronage Capital Refun
Page 47 and 48: PETERS, LEONARD PHILLIPS, EDWIN PIA
Page 49 and 50: STOCKSDALE, KAMANAWA L STUART, FORR
Page 51 and 52: TAY, PENG HWEE TAYAMEN, PATRICIO TA
Page 53 and 54: MURAYAMA, DENJI MUROFF, MITCHELL MU
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Simple Pleasures Kekaha Sunset Phot
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Safer is Smarter - Kauai Island Utility Cooperative

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