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The number of photovoltaic permits issued in Hawaii County rose 6 percent in June to reach the midyear point significantly ahead of last year’s pace.
There were building permits issued for 83 solar electric systems last month compared with 78 in June 2017, according to Marco Mangelsdorf, who tracks rooftop solar permits and is president of Hilo-based ProVision Solar. Through six months, permits issued are up 45 percent, to 514 from 354, from the year-earlier period.
The top three solar companies to pull permits on the island year to date have been Sunrun, ProVision Solar and Regis Electric.
“Even more roof top solar PV may be in the cards in the months to come given rising HELCO (Hawaii Electric Light Co.) rates due higher oil costs, having to burn more of it due to the loss of Puna Geothermal Venture and a recently PUC (Public Utilities Commission) approved base rate increase,” Mangelsdorf said.