Microinverters Playing Big Role in Hawaii

HEC's primary solar electric product is the KumuKit, a packaged solution containing all the necessary solar electric system components, as well as a variety of energy efficiency products. Every KumuKit uses Enphase Microinverters to convert the direct current (DC) electricity from solar modules into the alternating current (AC) electricity used in homes and businesses.

"We founded HEC to prove that solar could -- and should -- be simple, easy and cost-effective to implement," said Steve Godmere, co-founder, HEC. "We quickly realized that a solar kit was the best way to achieve this goal."

Enhpase announced earlier this year that it had secured US $40 million in funding, with Bay Partners leading the equity financing. This round of financing also includes participation from Horizon Technology Finance, Bridge Bank and existing investors Third Point Ventures, RockPort Capital Partners, Madrone Capital Partners and Applied Ventures LLC.

In April, the company said that its microinverter technology is powering two solar systems installed on San Francisco affordable housing properties Hayes Valley North and Hayes Valley South. Combined, the two systems produce 221kW of power.

“This project is an important example of how the Enphase Microinverter System can benefit larger commercial solar projects,” said Andrew Nichols, vice president of sales for Enphase Energy. “It's gratifying that as we bring the value of microinverters to different sizes and types of solar systems, we are also helping bring clean energy to our community and creating jobs.”

The multi-million dollar solar systems at Hayes Valley North and South were developed by Sunwheel Energy Partners, a provider of turnkey solar energy systems for urban and community partners, and integrated by Real Goods Solar.