SolarCity installs Hawaii’s largest PV system

December 16, 2011
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SolarCity, in partnership with Honolulu Builders, has installed one of the largest on-site renewable power centres in Maui, Hawaii.

The five-year project will produce 463kW, with close to 2,000 panels, has been installed on the Maui Arts & Cultural Centre.

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“We are proud to have this large scale solar installation at the MACC. As a non-profit it is essential to find ways to reduce overhead in order to maintain our ability to provide the maximum products and services delivered to the community. This installation will meaningfully reduce our energy costs and contribute to a more sustainable environment by significantly reducing our carbon footprint,” said MACC President and CEO Art Vento.

As part of the power purchase agreement, SolarCity installed the system at no cost to MACC. The centre will pay for the solar power the panels produce at a rate lower than they currently pay for electricity. This is the first major commercial project to be completed by SolarCity in the state of Hawaii.

“We’re honoured to be able to provide an organization that serves Hawaii like MACC with a green energy solution and look forward to additional opportunities to spread economical solar powered energy to other non-profits across the state,” said Pete Cooper, SolarCity’s regional director in Hawaii.”

A dedication ceremony on December 14, 2011 included a traditional Hawaiian blessing and remarks by Hawaii governor Neil Abercrombie, Maui Mayor Alan Arakawa and representatives from the project partners.

“We’ve been involved in the construction of MACC from the very beginning,” added Tom Ryan, principal at Honolulu Builder, LLC. “It is great to be able to see the project achieve its vision of being green and environmentally friendly.”

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