September 12, 2010: Safety first at American Electric
September 12, 2010
Honolulu, HI - Many homeowners are looking for ways to upgrade their energy systems these days. We want our houses to be more efficient, eco-friendly and cost-effective.
Adding photovoltaic panels [PV] that turn sunlight into electricity is one smart way to do it. But before going solar, homeowners should consider a thorough inspection of their electrical wiring.
Why? Because putting PV panels on your home is essentially
installing a mini power plant on your rooftop. And when it comes to older homes, adding new technology to
existing wiring could create a hazardous situation.
Faulty wiring’s not something to take lightly. According to the U.S. Fire Administration, it causes one in three electrical fires in urban areas, resulting in more than 500 deaths and $800 million dollars in annual property damage. And the fact that wiring problems are often invisible because they are hidden behind walls, means conventional inspections often are unable to detect such problems.
One local company believes so strongly in the importance of taking this safety step that it’s offering free, state-of-the-art inspections with the purchase and installation of any of its residential PV systems.
American Electric’s CurrentSAFE program uses infrared and
ultrasonic technology to detect any weaknesses in your home’s wiring. The company is also equipped to fix
these potential problems before they become real hazards.
To work most effectively, PV solar systems shouldn’t be approached as a “one size fits all” or “do it yourself” project.
“While we certainly appreciate people’s enthusiasm for solar energy, we feel homeowners will benefit from working with a company like ours, with the proper training, credentials and experience,” says American Electric president, Ray Hose’.
And working with expert technicians means your system will
be optimized. It will be
configured and installed to best address your home’s unique design and
location, and your present and future energy needs.
So if you’re considering adding solar energy to your home, taking advantage of American Electric’s free CurrentSAFE inspection makes a lot of sense. And with over 65 years of experience in Hawaii, American Electric will be here today and tomorrow to meet all your electrical needs.
You can learn more, or schedule an appointment by calling 440-5098 (toll free 877-440-5098), or by visiting the company’s website at AmericanElectricHomes.com
This article first appeared in the Honolulu Star-Advertiser's Hawaii RENOVATION, September 12, 2010.

