SOLAR POWER IN HAWAII

Department of Hawaiian Home Lands and Keahole Solar Power partner for 5 megawatt concentrating solar power project
September 16, 2010 (Keahole Solar Power)

"Keahole Solar Power, LLC signed a lease agreement with the State of Hawaii, Department of Hawaiian Home Lands (DHHL) for land in Kalaeloa. The land will be used as the home for Hawaii’s largest Concentrating Solar Power project the 5 Megawatt 'Kalaeloa Solar One.'"

[Kaulana H.R. Park, Chair, Hawaiian Homes Commission:] “This partnership…[is a result of the] Hawaii Clean Energy Initiative…Kalaeloa Solar One will incorporate the latest generation in solar technology, provide income revenue rent for the department, and a portion of the lease rent proceeds will fund an educational renewable energy program for native Hawaiians. This project will also support the Hawaii economy by creating local jobs…”

The Keahole Solar Power concentrators (click to enlarge)

"Concentrating Solar Power is a very unique approach to solar power generation. The technology uses mirrored reflectors and optics to intensify solar energy, which raises the system’s energy efficiency. The solar panels track the sun through-out the day which increases the amount of kilowatt hours the system produces annually and the field includes thermal storage which enables energy to be produced during clouds or at night."

[Edward Lui, Board of Directors member, Keahole Solar Power:] “KSP’s goals are to bring 30 megawatts of solar power to Hawaii by 2015…[W]e believe the low cost and thermal storage benefits found in Concentrating Solar Power technology are especially good for Hawaii’s ratepayers and the Smart Grid…”

Kalaeloa Solar One (click to enlarge)

"The project is expected to break ground late 2010 and is estimated for completion by 3rd quarter of 2011.

"In 2009, Keahole Solar Power inaugurated “Holaniku at Keahole Point,” Hawaii’s first Concentrating Solar Power. That facility, based on the Big Island of Hawaii, produces 2 megawatts of thermal energy and incorporates 2 hours of thermal energy storage. Energy from Holaniku is sold to the Hawaii Electric Light Company (HELCO) grid under a Power Purchase Agreement approved by the Public Utilities Commission…"