Renewable Energy

With the end of a federal tax credit for rooftop solar on the horizon, some players in the solar industry want lawmakers to retool a state-level incentive. HPR's Savannah Harriman-Pote has more.

Hawaiʻi’s solar energy market has been flooded with residents trying to install systems before a major tax credit expires. HPR’s Savannah Harriman-Pote has more from across the islands.

The energy developer AES Hawaiʻi is hosting a community meeting on Kauaʻi on Wednesday to discuss a proposed solar farm. Its Kauaʻi project, called Kaawanui Solar, is slated for Makaweli.

A new fee goes into effect this month on Hawaiian Electric customers' bills. HPR's Savannah Harriman-Pote explains what's behind the surcharge.

A federal tax credit for rooftop solar is going away at the end of the year. Hawaiian Electric says it's seen a spike in applications for new systems as customers try to beat the deadline. HPR's Savannah Harriman-Pote has more.

Some Molokaʻi families living off the electric grid are getting a major upgrade through a local program. HPR's Catherine Cluett Pactol has the story.

Shifts in federal policy towards clean energy are expected to raise electricity bills. A new initiative from the Hawaiian Council is designed to help residents reduce energy costs in their homes. HPR's Savannah Harriman-Pote speaks to the program's lead.

About 10 years ago, the Hawaiʻi Department of Education was given $100 million to install air conditioning in 1,000 classrooms. A recent report by the state auditor found that the department not only fell short of its goal, but also had serious lapses in accounting for the funds.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is planning to end a major source of funding for state-level solar programs, which could jeopardize several community solar projects in Hawaiʻi.

Hū Honua Bioenergy and the Hawaiʻi Electric Light Company are in negotiations to revive an agreement to bring a controversial biomass plant into operation on Hawaiʻi Island. HPR's Savannah Harriman-Pote reports.