I launched Hawaii Energy Options 14 years ago while taking a mini vacation on Maui from our home on Oahu -- back in the days of my Hawaiian Electric sojourn. Solar and other technologies sparked my interest to write this blog from 2008 to 2012 -- and now again in 2020. (Click here if you want to see what made me go ballistic in March 2008.)
And I'm about ready for lift off again!! Check out this Facebook post by my son Eric, Chief Innovation Officer of RevoluSun, Hawaii's leader in the solar and "smart home" market:
FB Ohana...Take a break from arguing with "that" person you went to high school with — and haven't talked to in 20 years — about Bill Gates, Trump, Biden, Murder Hornets, Fox News, Liberal Media, Youtube videos, etc etc. The following post is waaaaaaay cooler, more productive and will have a huge impact on our island home.
Hawaii was able to lessen our Covid-19 impact in terms of severe illnesses and deaths, due to being in the middle of the Pacific. Our isolated home has allowed us to slow down the arrival of people to our islands, lessening the health impacts in our community.
However, being isolated is going to cause our economy to be hit harder than most mainland states.
Here is the ask: The State Solar Tax Credit is on the chopping block on Monday.
Some people think that the solar tax credit is a burden on our economy, when in fact, the state almost doubles its investment.
CUTTING THE CREDIT will do the following:
1. Increase unemployment (solar industry is 4,000+ strong).
2. Increase the economic burden on the state via unemployment claims, etc.
3. Slow down our clean energy momentum.
Solar Energy is a good thing for Hawaii. Studies show that for each solar tax credit dollar spent, the state receives $1.97-$2.67 in additional tax revenues.
It's literally a win-win-win.
The state almost doubles its investment, we keep people employed, and we generate clean energy for our island home.
Please help me save the Solar Tax Credit.☀️
Here is a link to send an email to the powers that be (it's already written; you won’t get put on a list and you won't get spammed). https://sierraclubhawaii.org/blog/solar-tax
It's unthinkable that Hawaii would abandon its leadership role in home solar development. The state is far and away the per-capita success story in the USA thanks to many solar companies and their supporters, including -- I'm proud to say -- Eric Carlson and RevoluSun. (With a name like that, there's no innovation competition!)
Please do your part and keep Hawaii on the path to sustainable energy development!
Way to go, Eric. Go Sierra Club Hawaii. And readers, please go to the link to send your email to support renewable energy via home solar!
