Solar, wind power output shown online

Hawaiian Electric Co. has put online graphs that show how much solar and wind power is being generated on Oahu, Maui and Hawaii island throughout the day and how much the renewable sources contribute to total power consumption.

The utility wants consumers to understand the variable nature of solar and wind power and the important role of the so-called "firm" power generated at HECO plants.

"To maintain reliable electric service for all customers, utility engineers must adjust the output of firm sources of generation up or down as the output from variable sources like solar and wind rises and falls throughout the day," HECOsaid in a news release.

The online graphs show the measured output from large wind and solar facilities combined with the estimated output from residential rooftop solar systems. Nonvariable renewable energy generation such as geothermal on Hawaii island, bagasse-fired generation on Maui and HPOWER on Oahu are not shown.

Here are the links::

» Oahu: hawaiianelectric.com/images/OahuReWatch.png

» Maui: hawaiianelectric.com/images/MauiReWatch.png

» Hawaii island: hawaiianelectric.com/images/BigIslandReWatch.png