Kupono Solar launches on Oahu, providing solar and battery power

Posted on June 17, 2024 by Chris Galford

This month, Ameresco, Inc. held a dedication ceremony for Kupono Solar, celebrating the commencement of commercial operations for a 42 MW solar energy storage facility and a 42 MW battery storage facility at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam West Loch Annex, Hawaii.

This renewable resource will benefit Hawaiian Electric’s grid on Oahu, providing enough power to keep 10,000 homes in operation. It is located on 131 acres of land owned by the U.S. Navy under a long-term lease and will ultimately benefit both the Department of Defense and the state. It is currently the largest solar and battery storage facility on Oahu, and according to Hawaiian, in addition to meeting the state’s clean energy goals, it will help stabilize energy costs and reduce fossil fuel use.

“Congratulations and congratulations to Ameresco, the Navy and everyone who worked together to bring this project online, even in the face of challenges that included a global pandemic,” said Shelee Kimura, president and CEO of Hawaiian Electric. “These strong partnerships move us closer to energy independence and help build a more resilient Hawaii.”

The dedication took place on Ewa Beach. At the conclusion of the event, it was Ameresco’s first utility-scale solar project in Hawaii – a project that began work in October 2022.