Cost-Saving, Renewable Energy Upgrades Underway at J Walter Cameron Center

Construction is underway for a renewable energy improvement project at the J Walter Cameron Center in Wailuku.  The project will move the nonprofit incubator closer to its goal of becoming 100% renewable energy.

The JWCC is installing a 148 kW solar PV system plus 244 kWh of energy storage from EnSync Energy Systems. The center has also signed a 20-year power purchase agreement with EnSync. The project has the capability to export power to the grid in the future.

The installation will also include technology that assesses external variables such as weather forecasting, served load requirements and market price signals to model energy pricing in real time.

In addition to the PV and energy storage system installation, the JWCC has undertaken numerous energy improvements including conducting an investment grade lighting audit, installing LED lights in the facility, parking lot and upgrading facility space to be more energy efficient.

In past years, the JWCC was using approximately 800,000 KWh, of electricity. By 2017 that number was reduced to 560,000 KWh per year. By the end of 2018, the goal is to reduce energy usage by an additional 50,000 KWh which would mean the center would be running off of 75% renewable sources.

“Our goal has been to address the functional needs of our site and serve mission to improve Maui and support the nonprofit organizations that call the JWCC home,” said JWCC Executive Director Cesar Gaxiola. “The money we will save by going green will allow us to continually improve our facilities and offer low cost services to Maui’s nonprofits. It’s a win for the planet as well as a win for the people.”

JWCC provides office space across six buildings to 17 nonprofit agencies and community service organizations that provide health and human services to over 30,000 Maui community clients annually. In addition, more than 250 community groups, ethnic clubs, government agencies, non-profit organizations, and private businesses use the center’s meeting rooms throughout the year attracting over 30,000 attendees.

J. Walter Cameron Center Moves to Renewable Energy. Photo: courtesy.

J. Walter Cameron Center Moves to Renewable Energy. Photo: courtesy.

J. Walter Cameron Center Moves to Renewable Energy. Photo: courtesy.