We can’t say it often enough — go vote

Yes, we know the state of political engagement in this state is bad. But Election Day looms, so it’s time to hear it again.

WalletHub.com, the personal finance site that loves ranking things, has put Hawaii as No. 51, among the states plus D.C., for its percentage of registered voters in the 2012 election, and 50th (just ahead of West Virginia) for its percentage of the electorate that actually voted in that election. There’s one chance to change that talking point, and it comes Tuesday. Go vote.

Home is where the electricity is generated

The next era of rooftop solar energy is emerging, as Hawaiian Electric Co. reported that solar “self-supply” applications went from 50 in early October to more than 200. Sure, it’s the only option left, as PV owners can no longer send their excess energy to HECO’s grid for credit. But as technology makes battery storage cheaper, more homes could become energy self-sufficient, bypassing the utility. That would be a game-changer.