Earlier this month, SolarCity and the Hawai‘i State Department of Transportation (DOT) celebrated the completion of a 112-kilowatt solar photovoltaic (PV) system at the Kona International Airport with a traditional Hawaiian blessing.
The system is set to provide the airport wastewater treatment plant with power and is the first of eight SolarCity projects planned to be completed as part of the DOT’s renewable energy efforts.
There are currently seven other DOT sites being developed in addition to the eight SolarCity-specific projects, with all 15 projects totalling 3.4 megawatts of solar electricity generation capacity, which could produce enough renewable electricity to power up to 630 homes and reduce the need for 15,000 barrels of fuel every year.
“This initiative advances the state’s continued leadership in reducing our dependency on imported fossil fuels and moves us toward Hawai‘i’s goal of 70 percent clean energy by 2030,” said DOT Director Glenn Okimoto. “The solar projects at our state airports, highways, and harbors are a win-win situation for both the DOT and state taxpayers. Using renewable energy to power state facilities is a smart investment that will pay off for years to come.”
SolarCity’s other projects with the DOT include:
- Maui Highway Baseyard. The recently completed 88-kilowatt system on the roof of the administration building at the Maui Highway Baseyard powers the building, adjacent workshops, and a truck storage facility.
- Kahului Harbor. The soon-to-be-completed 78-kilowatt system will help power lighting and air conditioning for the cruise ship terminal.
- Lihue Airport. The airport’s cargo will be powered by a 56-kilowatt system that is currently being installed on its building rooftop.
- Lanai Airport. Construction is underway on a 117-kilowatt system on the airport terminal’s roof.
- Hilo Highway Baseyard. Construction is underway on a 35-kilowatt system on the design and lab building. Once completed, the installation is expected to offset most of the electricity used by the design and lab facility.
- Keanae Highway Baseyard. Construction is under way on a 16-kilowatt system on the administration building. Once completed, the installation will provide power to the administration building and detached garage.
- Waimea-Kohala Airport. A 21-kilowatt system will be installed on the roof of the main terminal.
“The state of Hawai‘i is a national leader in developing clean, homegrown energy and the DOT is making a significant contribution to a cleaner environment through its many solar installations across the state,” said Jon Yoshimura, SolarCity’s director of government affairs in Hawai‘i. “We’re pleased to do our part in helping the DOT, and Hawai‘i as a whole, reach its sustainability goals.”
Source: SolarCity
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