Hawaiian Electric Proposes Shared Solar for Molokai

Hawaiian Electric News Release

Hawaiian Electric’s proposal to launch shared solar or Community-Based Renewable Energy (CBRE) programs and projects on Molokai and Lanai featuring solar photovoltaic (PV) paired with battery energy storage systems (BESS) will be the topic at separate community meetings. In consideration of the pandemic safety precautions, both meetings will be held virtually, Dec. 2 and 3 from 5:30 to 7 p.m., on webex.com.

For the Molokai meeting on Wednesday, Dec. 2, callers can dial 1-844-992-4726 (Toll-Free) and enter WebEx meeting number: 146 449 2132, Password: 2qqQjCYmr52

The live format will include a presentation by company officials followed by audience questions. The public also can tune in via Facebook Live (facebook.com/hawaiianelectric) and Akaku Maui Community Media Channel 54. Questions may be sent in advance to MolokaiCBRE@hawaiianelectric.com or LanaiCBRE@hawaiianelectric.com for the respective projects.

Shared solar allows utility customers who cannot or do not want to put solar panels on the rooftop of their home or business to benefit from renewable energy savings through a subscription to a generation facility on their island in exchange for credit offsets on their electricity bill. Eligible participants include homeowners or businesses not currently enrolled in any other Hawaiian Electric solar program such as Net Energy Metering.

On Molokai, Hawaiian Electric’s proposed self-build project – that is, a project developed, constructed and owned by the utility – will be sized up to 2.5 megawatts (MW) of solar PV paired with a four-hour BESS. The project would be located on approximately seven acres at Hawaiian Electric’s Palaʻau Power Plant in Kaunakakai.

Hawaiian Electric’s proposed self-build project for Lānaʻi will be sized up to 17.5 MW on approximately 73 acres near Hawaiian Electric’s Miki Basin Power Plant. The project will supply enough energy annually to meet the electricity needs of the entire island. Up to 3 MW of the facility’s capacity will be available to subscribers.

“Community feedback is essential to helping us create programs that provide the most benefits to our customers,” said Jack Shriver, Hawaiian Electric’s self-build team lead. “We believe shared solar has the potential to stimulate the local economy, reduce fossil fuel use, and help us accelerate achievement of Hawaii’s clean energy goals. Holding these meetings will provide us with keener insight into community concerns and issues, as well as the type of subscription models, fees and savings that will be attractive to our customers if our projects are selected.”

If selected through the RFP process, the Lanai project will still need approval from the Hawaii Public Utilities Commission (PUC). Shared solar projects under 2.5 MW on all islands except Oahu will not need PUC review.

For more information about shared solar, visit hawaiianelectric.com/sharedsolar.