The state of Hawaii is located in the Pacific Ocean about 2,000 miles away from the mainland. It expands over an area of 6,423 sq mi. Hawaii is one of the leading states that have adopted solar energy at an astonishingly fast pace. Among all states of the US, Hawaii has one of the highest per-capita production rates of solar energy. The motivation and effort for the rapid proliferation of solar energy stem from the following factors:
- High cost of electricity from imported fossil fuels, mainly coal and petroleum.
- An abundance of solar energy and high rates of insolation in Hawaii.
Following are some incredible milestones achieved by Hawaii in terms of solar proliferation:
- Hawaii is the first US state that has achieved grid parity for photovoltaics. Grid parity can be defined as a state wherein alternative energy sources generate power at costs equal to or less than the price of power generated from the electricity grid.
- Hawaiian Electric, which provides electricity to 95% of the population, has committed to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2045. This makes Hawaii the first American state to set a target for generating 100% of its electricity from renewable energy sources, mainly wind and solar.
- Currently, solar power contributes to more than half of Hawaii’s total renewable electricity generation. There has been a three times increase in power generation through small-scale, customer-sited solar panels since 2015.
- According to Hawaii’s Renewable Portfolio Standard, by 2030, Hawaii will meet 40% of its electricity needs through renewable energy. The Hawaii Clean Energy Initiative (HCEI) reaffirms that by 2045, all energy should come from renewable energy sources.
Following statistics shed light on the state of solar in Hawaii:
- Total Solar Installed (MW): 1,455.3
- National Ranking: 16th (28th in 2020)
- Percentage of State’s Electricity from Solar: 17.02%
- Solar Jobs: 2,365
- Solar Companies in State: 98 (3 Manufacturers, 66 Installers/Developers, 29 Others)
- Total Solar Investment in State: 3.8 billion
- Prices have fallen 11% over the last 5 years
- Growth Projection and Ranking: 1,109 MW over the next 5 years (ranks 28th)
- Number Of Installations: 95,435
Need for Solar Panel Disposal Solutions
The increased rate of solar installation in Hawaii also raises the important question of the disposal of solar equipment. Solar panels have a useful life of 25 years, after which their operational capacity decreases considerably. Recycling of end-of-use solar panels is being regarded as the most feasible disposal solution
Due to high energy prices and occasional power cuts, Hawaii is experiencing a state-level drive to become energy independent, and solar energy is the right way to do it. If you are looking for decommissioning or large-scale solar panel recycling solutions in Hawaii, contact We Recycle Solar. We provide recycling solutions for solar panels, batteries, and other equipment. Our processes are safe, efficient, and compliant with all federal and state laws.
Looking for decommissioning or large-scale Hawaii solar panel recycling solutions?
Unless otherwise noted, all data from SEIA/GTM Research U.S. Solar Market Insight