Your Conservation and Efficiency Program

Russell Castagnaro lives, breathes…and even donates energy savings!

When Russell Castagnaro wanted to help out his church, he didn’t make the traditional monetary offering.  He and a friend pooled their dollars to donate a solar water heater instead.

When he and his wife Kristine bought their home in Nuuanu, their first big home improvement project wasn’t new carpeting or furniture. Along with a solar water heater, they invested in five photovoltatic panels (PV) that made enough electricity from the sun to power some lights and small appliances.  

Six years later, the Castagnaros have their own home power plant. A total of 36 PV panels—a few added each year to take advantage of 30% state and 35% tax credits—now generates enough power to run two TVs, two refrigerators, a freezer, six computers and all lighting. In fact, the Castagnaros are exporting electricity they make and don’t need to Hawaiian Electric Company. Through a program called net metering, home and business electricity producers get credit on their utility bill for the power they contribute to the electric grids on Oahu, Maui and the Big Island. They pay a small fee to be connected to the electric company, which acts as a back-up when the sun isn’t shining or an emergency occurs.

“It’s all worth it when I get my electric bill,” says Russell.  “While some people are paying $200 a month, my bill average is just $18 a month and that covers the cost to be connected to the grid.” 

Russell works as general manager for eHawaii.gov, the state’s internet portal where you can file taxes, get forms and permits, and find information on state offices and programs. His fascination with saving and generating energy grew when he visited his uncle’s totally off-the-grid Hamakua home. He’s volunteered with the Hawaii Natural Energy Institute at the UH, founded a nonprofit Renewable Energy Foundation, runs a small solar firm and lobbies as a private citizen for energy-related bills at the state legislature. His children, Zaffron and Luyanda, are being taught energy-saving basics, like turning off the TV and the lights and not wasting water. 

Energy Hero Tips

While not everyone can produce electricity at home, our Energy Hero believes there are lower-cost actions anyone can take to save energy. Here are some of his tips:

• Get a voltage indicator, like Kill a Watt Electricity Usage Monitor, from a home improvement store or online ($20-35). Find out where you should cut your electricity use by plugging the monitor into the wall next to your electric appliances to see how much energy is being used.
• Use LED lights where you can. LEDs are even more efficient than CFLs.
• Purchase LCD instead of plasma flat-screen TVs. LCDs are more energy efficient.
• ENERGY STAR® is the way to go when it’s time to replace your appliances and electronics. You can get Hawaii energy rebates for your ENERGY STAR® purchase.
• Solar water heaters are no brainers. With tax credits and Hawaii Energy rebates, 65% of your system is paid for. The rest pays for itself through electric bill savings in about four years.

And if you plan to make a charitable contribution to a school, libraries or other facilities, think solar.

“We don’t have to wait to become more energy self-sufficient,” Russell says. “We already have all the technology and knowledge here in Hawaii to achieve this.”