Commercial and Residential Alternative Energy Systems

Lotus Cafe’s electricity cost on their HELCO bill last month was zero. Energy Specialists Hawaii, Inc. and their partner Rising Sun Solar, Inc. .installed two 33kW photovoltaic systems (for a total of 66kW) on the roof of the Lotus Cafe in December By leasing the solar electric system, owner, Howie Simon was able to have the system installed with no investment other than the first and last month’s lease payment. After his monthly lease payment, Simon enjoys a positive cash flow of approximately $1300.00 per month at current HELCO rates. At the end of the seven year lease, Simon will make a nominal lease pay-off on the system, which has a panel warranty of 25 years and a life expectancy of 35 to 40 years. From that point forward, while other businesses will most likely be paying even more than they are now for electricity, Simon’s electricity will normally be totally free.

While Simon is enjoying the benefits of lower monthly energy costs, the environmental benefits impact everyone. Photovoltaic systems produce energy from light creating no air pollution or hazardous waste. The system that Simon installed will decrease Hawaii’s carbon footprint by 290, 874 pounds of carbon monoxide emissions annually, the equivalent of driving a car 257, 820 miles.

Simon adds, that in addition to installing the PV system, “We have super insulated our building; we rely on energy efficient air conditioning; and we’ve switched to energy conserving light fixtures & water conserving appliances. We use locally grown, fresh-picked organic produce and make all our sauces from scratch. In addition to serving awesome food, we support the development of a strong local food economy based on sustainable farming techniques. We use only compostable take out containers; we recycle all our cans, bottles and glass, and we support many environmental groups here in Kona that are trying to make this island more sustainable. Our goal is to put the money we save each month on our electric bill into other green products for the cafe that might not be affordable otherwise.”

The recent rate hikes make it even more advantageous for every business owner to get into a PV system according to Bill Brooks, president of Energy Specialists Hawaii, Inc. “With a lease, the system pays for itself and creates an immediate positive cash flow with no up-front costs, making it possible for those who can’t take advantage of the tax incentives or don’t have the up-front money themselves,” Brooks says. “Lotus Cafe was already an environmentally-conscious business and now, through this 66kW system, they have gone even further by demonstrating their commitment to helping Hawaii reduce its carbon footprint and become more sustainable. They are setting an example of what everyone can do if they want to put these principles into action.” (December 2007)

Back to Projects