A new solar pricing plan from SolarCity has sent shockwaves through the Hawaiian energy generation market by undercutting traditional utility grid electricity prices. Hawaii has the highest energy prices in the US and the new rates will bring solar electricity to residential and business users on Oahu, Maui, Kauai and Lanai from as little as US$60 per month.
"Hawaii is one of the best places in the world for solar. Homeowners pay some of the highest electricity rates in the country and with the abundance of sun throughout the year, solar makes both financial and environmental sense for local residents," said Pete Cooper, SolarCity's regional director in Hawaii. "SolarCity is making it simple for Oahu homeowners to switch to clean power for less than they pay for electricity from the power company."
To support the expansion of operations, SolarCity has opened a 19,500 square foot warehouse in Mililani and expects to hire up to 100 people to help staff the facility.
The Mililani site will also help coordinate construction of Solar City's 1.2M installation at Hickam Communities' Pearl Harbor Air Force base in Kapahi. This is expected to be one of the largest PV developments in Hawaii and will see panels installed on approximately 600 rooftops.
