Sunny disposition: Solar power rules

BY PAULY SUBA
Journal Staff

Solar power is rising in popularity for businesses and the residential market.

Forty-eight solar projects were submitted for building permits from November to January.

Of the 48, Long Huang, owner of Huang Construction LLC; had nine projects, all of which are for his personal properties. Generation Renewable Inc. boasted the most projects, at 18. Atkins Kroll Inc. has the largest solar project in the three-month span with the installation of 238 panels and seven inverters.

Ernie A. Galito, business development director of Atkins Kroll; said the company has a proactive approach towards reducing its carbon footprint and promoting sustainability. As a key player in the automotive industry, Galito said it is important that AK prioritizes environmental responsibility as part of its corporate strategy.

"Mobility, especially carbon emissions from vehicles, accounts for about 27% of total CO2 emissions globally," he said. "We aim to lead by example and demonstrate our dedication to responsible business practices."
The company's ambitious targets include a 5% reduction in CO2 emissions by 2024, with a long-term goal of slashing overall carbon footprint by 46% by 2030, based on 2019 baseline figures. Galito outlined the multi-faceted approach adopted by AK, encompassing both operational and infrastructural improvements to achieve these objectives.

One of the primary initiatives involves the integration of solar energy systems to power their facilities, effectively reducing dependency on the Guam Power Authority. Galito said, "Our solar panel project, installed atop our warehouse, generates approximately 100 kilowatt-hours of alternating current, offsetting 25% of our current GPA bill at this location."

In addition to solar power, AK has implemented various energy efficiency measures, such as transitioning from High Intensity Distribution lights to Light-Emitting Diode lights, and upgrading heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems for improved energy performance to minimize refrigerant emissions.

Looking ahead, AK aims to expand its solar infrastructure across other company properties, including body shops and service bays. Galito said the company is committed to continuous improvement, acknowledging the evolving challenges associated with carbon reduction efforts.

 "Every ton of carbon saved presents new challenges," he said. "We're exploring innovative solutions, such as motion sensors and human behaviors, to further optimize energy usage and waste management."

Galito said AK is likely to remain connected to the GPA grid since the company lacks sufficient space for solar panels to achieve complete independence. However, he said AK is exploring options for its dealership in Puerto Rico, Saipan, where the group is constructing a new building set to be completed around 2025. “We’re considering installing solar panels on the rooftops to potentially go completely off the grid in Saipan,” Galito said.

Despite the initial upfront costs, Galito highlighted the long-term financial and environmental benefits of these initiatives. He said, “There’s going to be some financial savings in the long run, obviously. However, it’s more important for us to reduce the carbon footprint.”

Long Huang, owner of Huang Construction LLC, is a small contractor doing business in Guam. Huang said he operates primarily in residential and commercial construction.

The venture into solar energy stemmed from the escalating power costs and the potential for more load shedding. He said, "It's a free energy source. Of course, I’ve had to spend money upfront on equipment, supplies and installation.”

Huang said outsourcing another company to install a solar energy system is expensive. He is currently managing nine projects that have solar energy systems, so he sourced materials and learned how to install the systems himself. By doing so, he effectively cut down expenses and adapted to the local market.

Navigating variations of solar integration, Huang acknowledged challenges in sourcing US-standard materials, particularly from China. However, with meticulous research and guidance from local electricians and GPA, Huang was able to comply with regulations and was able to integrate his properties seamlessly.

The transition to solar power has yielded tangible benefits, which were seen in reduced power bills for his tenants. Huang said one tenant’s monthly power bill dropped from $300 to nothing after installing solar panels.

Despite the appeal of grid independence, Huang remains practical, pointing out the high costs of battery technology. He said, "Battery prices are expensive," and although he’s interested in advancements, investing in batteries isn’t feasible due to certain regulations.

He does look forward to the emerging hybrid inverter technology, imagining a future where integrated systems improve the energy distribution and resilience that is looking to be less costly.

Sharing his careful approach, Huang remains reluctant to burden his tenants with increasing the rent at his properties now that he has installed solar power. He understands that the cost to rent in Guam is already high. Huang said, “It will be hard to get my investment back. But I’m still happy to spend the money to help my tenants with keeping their power bills low with free energy.”

Jeffrey Voacolo, chief operations officer and Joseph A. Rosario, business development director of Generation Renewable Inc., told the Journal that the cost to rent and to purchase a home is high. They also shared similar challenges that their customers are facing regarding high utility costs.

Rosario highlighted the financial strain faced by many families in Guam. "With a typical new three-bedroom, two-bath home costing around $420,000, this pricing makes it difficult for average families to afford both housing and utility bills, alongside other expenses like car payments and internet bills."

Voacolo emphasized the role of renewable energy, particularly solar power, to alleviate the financial burden on tenants. "Integrating solar energy into rental properties can eliminate power bills for tenants, allowing them to save money towards home ownership," he said. "Even renters with solar-equipped homes can benefit from reduced expenses, which can be allocated to other necessities."

Both Rosario and Voacolo advocate for incorporating solar energy systems into home loans and mortgages to facilitate affordability for new homeowners. Rosario said at this point there aren’t many reasons not to invest in solar. He said, “Generation Renewable has positioned ourselves in the market where we wanted to try to be able to eliminate any concerns, like financial up-front costs.”

Generation Renewable Inc. offers various programs to accommodate homeowner needs, including zero-down payment options, loan programs, and lease programs. Rosario said the company's is commited to providing accessible renewable energy solutions to homeowners, regardless of their financial situation.

Despite the benefits of solar energy, Voacolo acknowledged the ongoing challenge of educating homeowners and businesses about its advantages. "Many individuals still lack awareness of the benefits of solar energy and energy storage systems," he said.

In addition to solar energy solutions, Generation Renewable has a slate of products.

It introduced the EnWall Energy Storage System, a groundbreaking technology that utilizes supercapacitors for long-duration energy storage. The company partnered with Harnyss of Fort Worth, Texas.

Rosario highlighted the system’s durability and sustainability. He said the energy storage system is nothing like traditional batteries. In fact, the system isn’t a battery at all. The EnWall Energy Storage System has the potential to revolutionize energy storage for homeowners.

According to their presentation and harnyss.com, supercapacitors outshine lithium-ion batteries with a longer calendar life, handling more charge and discharge cycles, and boasting a higher power density. Supercapacitors demand less maintenance and have a longer lifespan, reducing overall ownership costs. Supercapacitors take the crown for safety, lacking flammable components and avoiding thermal runaway issues. Supercapacitors win with a smaller footprint, wider operating temperature range, and environmental friendliness. Their systems are marketed as a “Microgrid in a Box.”

For commercial businesses, Generation Renewable offers hydrogen storage technology that addresses energy security and sustainability challenges.

Also a product out of Harnyss is the Oasis H2. The unit combines hydrogen storage with supercapacitors, providing a reliable, off-grid power source for commercial businesses," Voacolo said. "This technology has the potential to transform energy infrastructure in Guam and other regions, reducing reliance on external fuel sources."

Harnyss provides low-pressure hydrogen storage solutions like the Oasis H2 to its customers using a patented process. Harnyss uses non-rare earth minerals in its production. The technology can be used to create a hydrogen power system that is able to capture water from the atmosphere and then be used to produce hydrogen that is stored until a fuel cell converts it into electricity.

Rosario said companies in the region are investing in the Oasis system and are ready to install it sometime this year. He said, “We’re working with a few companies in Guam and the CNMI.”

The company is working with the Commonwealth Healthcare Corp. and the Saipan International Airport in the Northern Mariana Islands to make this the primary power source for both.

They said they have had positive feedback from Joint Region Marianas when they presented the technology to them. Vuocolo said after typhoon Mawar, the Department of Defense is looking for a more stable power source. “The military loves this because they can throw this unit with solar technology on a C17 cargo plane, land it somewhere remote, and roll out this unit, which doesn’t need water and doesn't need diesel. It’s low maintenance, and now they have power for their troops,” he said.

Rosario said, “This is where the solar industry is headed.” However, even with the most advanced technology in their inventory, they both said they are only as effective as the workforce available to them. Workforce development is crucial to support the growth of renewable energy projects.

Rosario said, “I don’t care who you talk to, whether it’s the big construction companies to medium size construction companies, even to smaller construction companies. They’re bringing in foreign workers because they don’t have the workforce to meet the demand.”

Voacolo said Generation Renewable wants to employ local skilled workers. “Most of the guys we have right now are local; 98% of our workforce is local. We pride ourselves in employing local.” mbj