Hawaiian Electric launches shared solar phase for approved projects on Hawaii Island, Maui and Oahu
For community-based renewable projects large and small, Hawaiian Electric last week opened up a shared solar application process for developers.
Size affects how applications run. For small projects of up to 250 kW, a four-month application window will be granted on a first-come-first-served basis, up until the program’s capacity limit is reached for Hawaii Island, Maui, and Oahu, respectively. Separate, similar requests for Lanai and Molokai closed earlier this year. As for large-scale projects of 250 kW and above, a formal request for proposals (RFP) process will be undertaken.
Hawaiian Electric specifically called for projects that could benefit low and moderate-income customers in the mix.
“We’re excited to launch shared solar, designed to bring savings and a chance to participate in the renewable energy movement to many more customers, especially those who aren’t able to install a private rooftop solar system,” Lani Shinsato, director of customer energy resources, programs. “To get the most out of shared solar, we need subscriber organizations – including nonprofits, homeowner associations, and churches – to get involved so that these groups and those they serve can share in the benefits.”
Once signed up, subscribers can benefit from solar electricity generated by facilities on their respective islands. Residents who live near larger shared solar projects will be given priority and first shot at becoming subscribers. In general, though, the electricity generated will be pushed onto the island grid to further renewable energy goals while granting subscribers credits on their monthly electric bills. This credit will vary based on their level of participation.
The shared solar program will reach a capacity of more than 250 MW, and while some projects will be limited within that capacity, mid-tier and large projects for low and moderate-income customers will not be capped in the same way. Organizations that primarily serve such customers can apply to become subscriber organizations dedicated to recruiting participants and/or anchor tenants to directly participate in the solar savings.
