Maui Dedicates Largest PV System, First PV Carport

Solar panels. File photo by Wendy Osher.

By Wendy Osher

The County of Maui will dedicate its largest photovoltaic system and the island’s first-ever commercial-size carport photovoltaic system on Monday.

The newly-installed array of panels at the Kihei Wastewater Treatment Facility sets a record as the largest PV system on Maui; and the carport PV system at the Kihei Aquatic Center is the first of its kind on Maui.

The systems at both locations were installed as part of a Power Purchase Agreement between the county and Bosch Solar Energy. The systems were installed for Bosch by Haleakala Solar and Mangan Renewables, Inc.

Both systems will be dedicated by Mayor Alan Arakawa at 9 a.m. on Monday, Jan. 14, 2013 at the Kihei Aquatic Center.

“This is an exciting time in the history of Maui County as we lead the state in implementing the use of clean energy sources at government facilities – even in parking lots,” said Mayor Alan Arakawa in a statement released this morning.

“These two major projects reflect the county’s commitment to actually installing renewable energy systems, not just talking about them. I am proud that our county administrators and council leaders have shared the vision of capturing the natural energy sources we have readily available to us, and have supported the funding requests necessary to move forward with construction,” said Mayor Arakawa.

According to the mayor, the investment is expected to save the county more than $10 million, and even more if electricity rates continue to rise.

Since 2011, the County of Maui has installed PV systems at 15 facilities, that combined will produce more than 3 million kilowatt hours annually.

The PV systems at county facilities include: (3) Public Works / Highways division baseyards; (2) Wastewater treatment facilities; (2) Park facilities; (4) Maui Fire Department facilities; (1) Maui Police Department facility; (1)  Department of Water Supply facility; and (2) senior centers.

Director of Economic Development, Teena Rasmussen, said that the projects are a good indicator for the future of clean energy jobs in Maui County. “As we continue on the path of economic recovery, it’s important that we diversify into the energy sector.  I’m proud to say that the County of Maui is leading the way with projects such as these,” she said.

***Supporting information courtesy County of Maui.