by Brianna Crandall — January 6, 2012—SolarCity and the Maui Arts & Cultural Center (MACC) recently celebrated the installation of a large solar project to provide renewable power on-site at the Center. The 463-kilowatt system, with close to 2,000 panels, is one of the largest to date on Maui, the second largest of the Hawaiian islands.
SolarCity’s photovoltaic installation is a component of the MACC’s overall environmental plan. Initiated five years ago, the MACC’s plan targeted reduced energy consumption and upgrades to higher-efficiency equipment, as well as integration of biodegradable products and an integrated recycling plan.
As part of the power purchase agreement, SolarCity installed the system at no cost to MACC, and MACC will pay for the solar power the panels produce at a rate lower than they currently pay for electricity. The project for MACC is one of the first major commercial projects completed by SolarCity in the state of Hawai’i. The construction of the project was completed in partnership with Honolulu Builders, and is being interconnected to the utility grid by Maui Electric Company.
“We are proud to have this large scale solar installation at the MACC. As a nonprofit it is essential to find ways to reduce overhead in order to maintain our ability to provide the maximum products and services delivered to the community. This installation will meaningfully reduce our energy costs, and contribute to a more sustainable environment by significantly reducing our carbon footprint,” said MACC President and CEO Art Vento.
SolarCity provides solar power engineering, financing, installation, monitoring and energy efficiency services for homeowners, businesses and government organizations from a single source, with 24 operations centers in several states. The company’s SolarLease and Power Purchase Agreement (SolarPPA) options can reportedly make it possible for clients to switch to clean, solar power for less money than they currently pay for electricity.
