Maui Renewable Energy Monitor Available Online

Maui Renewable Energy Monitor

By Wendy Osher

Maui Electric Company has launched an online monitoring tool where the public can track daily activity relating to renewable energy generation on the island.

The Maui display is updated throughout the day and shows both wind and solar level production on the island, as well as output from residential rooftop photovoltaic systems.

The company says the display shows how resources can vary significantly depending on weather changes, time of day, and region.

According to data posted at 7:45 a.m. on Thursday, March 20, Maui photovoltaic generation was listed at 3.6 megawatts, and islandwide wind generation totaled 7.5 megawatts.

“Hawai‘i is blessed with abundant sunshine and strong winds. With the ‘Renewable Watch’ displays, anyone can see at a glance that these are extremely productive resources with output that varies throughout the day,” said Scott Seu, Hawaiian Electric vice president for energy resources and operations in a company press release. “With the help of these resources and others, we reached a record 18% renewable energy percentage in 2013.”

Seu said the information can help the company integrate higher levels of renewable energy more effectively.

Similar online monitors have also been set up for O‘ahu and Hawai‘i Island.