Few incentive programs are meant to last much beyond the point where they accomplish their intent. Along with tax breaks on the purchase of rooftop solar systems, net energy metering (NEM) has accomplished its intent: the growth of solar energy installations. NEM allows the homeowner to sell back to the utility whatever excess energy the system generates.

Now NEM is being phased out, and the gold-rush proliferation of solar companies is coming to an end, too. Let’s hope innovation shifts to battery technology. That way, excess energy could be applied to future needs — savings for the ratepayer. Of course, once battery storage systems become affordable, customers will be able to go off the grid altogether.

Football to follow UH hoops success?

Buoyed by impressive showings by both the men and women’s basketball teams, University of Hawaii sports fans are daring to hope again — this time, for the long- overdue football team.

Spring practice started Tuesday at UH-Manoa, and, as always, anticipation runs high. But this year, there’s more: renewed energy at the UH Athletics Department under new director David Matlin, and statewide pride from the NCAA March Madness games, thanks to freshman men’s coach, Eran Ganot, and women’s coach, Laura Beeman.

And while it’s still five months till the Aug. 27 football season opener — in Sydney, Australia, of all places — UH fans are rooting for new Coach Nick Rolovich and his team to provide an exciting season, at least.