Hawaiian Electric announced Tuesday it has selected seven solar projects to help lower the electric bills of low- and moderate-income customers who are unable to install privately-owned rooftop solar.
The projects are part of the shared solar program, also known as community-based renewable energy, and were selected through a competitive bidding evaluation process, according to Hawaiian Electric.
Three projects on Hawaii Island, three projects on Maui, and one on Oahu were selected.
On Hawaii Island, Kalaoa Solar A, Kalaoa Solar B, and Naalehu Solar were selected and will be developed by Nexamp Solar. They will each be able to provide up to three megawatts of solar energy and battery storage.
On Maui, Lipoa Solar will be able to provide three megawatts of solar energy and battery storage, and Makawao Solar and Piiholo Road Solar will each provide 2.5 megawatts of solar energy and battery storage. They will all also be developed by Nexamp Solar.
On Oahu, one solar project was selected, Kaukonahua Solar, which will be able to provide six megawatts of solar energy and no battery storage. The project is being co-developed by Nexamp Solar alongside Melink Solar Development.
Once the projects are available on Hawaiian Electric's CBRE portal, low- and moderate-income customers – including those who are renters or live in apartments – may become subscribers to a facility on their respective island. After the projects are finished and online, subscribers receive credits on their monthly electricity bill.
The electricity supplier will now work with the selected developers to finalize the 20-year contracts.
“Our proven track record as a long-term owner/operator has made us a trusted partner in hundreds of communities today and our seven new Nexamp projects in Hawaii will help the state move toward its decarbonization goals,” Zaid Ashai, CEO of Nexamp, said in a statement.
“Dedicated to low- and moderate-income residents, each of these shared solar projects will ensure equal access to participate and lower their electric costs while reducing the islands’ fossil fuel dependence. We look forward to making our popular community solar program and other consumer decarbonization services available to all residents of Hawaii in the years ahead," Ashai said.
