Kapolei Arenas Turn to Solar for 80% of Energy Needs

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The Kapolei Inline Hockey Arenas on the island of Oahu in Hawaii announced they have installed two solar power systems on their roofs that will provide 80 percent if their energy needs, according to a company press release.

These two systems produce over 400,000 kWh, equivalent to offsetting 287 metric tons of CO2.

Hawaii currently provides a 35 percent state tax credit to help offset the cost of installing a solar power system, or 24.5 percent for companies that do not generate sufficient tax liability, in addition to the existing 30 percent federal cash grant. The state credit has a cap of $500,000.

The roof-mounted project was installed by REC Solar. The company said it has performed several other installations for Hawaiian businesses, including four Costco Warehouses, four at Tony Auto Group facilities, two at Longs Drugs stores, and systems at Kauai Community College, Pioneer Hi-Bred, Intl on Kauai and Waikoloa Village Golf Course.

In the last 24 months, REC Solar has installed more than 16MW of retail, commercial-scale solar systems throughout the US, according to the company, including a new system at three Albertsons stores in California, an electronic billboard in Times Square, New York, and a Nestle Purina plant in Denver, Colorado.

Meanwhile, POP Fishing and Marine said it had signed a contract to install a $500,000 system on the roof of its facility, which will provide an estimated 68 percent of its energy needs, with savings of up to $40,000 a year on its electrical bill, according to Pacific Business News.

The paper reported that the number of solar installations in Hawaii have soared, with agreements to provide 13 MW of power throughout the state. Six community colleges are planning on installing solar panels, while the state’s Department of Accounting and General Services is building a $3 million installation. Hawaii’s department of transportation is planning to install photovoltaics at 15 airports and five harbor facilities.

Hawaii has announced a goal of generating 40 percent of its power from renewable resources by 2030.

Environment + Energy Leader