Kūpono Solar
The project delivers 42 megawatts (MW) of clean, renewable energy to Hawaiian Electric Company’s Oʻahu grid. This photovoltaic (PV) solar project energizes a 42-MW, four-hour battery energy storage system to provide solar after sunset. Kūpono Solar delivers sustainable, renewable energy to power approximately 10,000 homes on Oʻahu, reducing more than 50,000 tons of carbon dioxide annually from Hawaiʻi’s environment—the equivalent to offsetting emissions from 12,000 cars every year. Kūpono Solar achieved commercial operations in June 2024.
Clean, Renewable Energy
Homes Powered on Oʻahu
Tons of Carbon Reduced Annually
Project Benefits
The project provides clean, renewable energy and helps stabilize energy costs, reduce dependence on fossil fuels and provide a pathway to increased energy independence. Renewable electricity generated by this project will replace energy generated by burning fossil fuel, thereby reducing emissions and greenhouse gases. Moreover, Kūpono Solar is aligned with critical goals and mandates in Hawaiʻi, including the state’s energy goals of 100% renewable electricity by 2045 and the state’s goal to be carbon-neutral by 2045.
- Economic Boost: Stable cost of energy passed on to Oʻahu utility customers
- Solar After Sunset: Battery storage enables renewable energy to be dispatched when needed most, utilized during the peak evening hours.
- Employment: Local construction, other project-related jobs and ongoing operational employment
Economic Boost
Stable cost of energy passed on to Oʻahu utility customers
Solar After Sunset
Battery storage enables renewable energy to be dispatched when needed most, utilized during the peak evening hours.
Employment
Local construction, other project-related jobs and ongoing operational employment
Community Engagement & Approach
Kūpono Solar understands the importance of community engagement and outreach. We listen first, and then we act — with integrity, intention and transparency. It’s our commitment to the community to engage thoroughly, listen with intent, provide information transparently, mitigate concerns and be a good, quiet neighbor. Learn more about our ongoing Community Outreach Plan here.
Environmental Information
The project is located on land leased from the Navy in accordance with its policies and procedures. Because the property is owned by the Navy, the facilities are subject primarily to federal requirements and any other applicable requirements. As the long-term owner and operator of the project, Ameresco, Inc. is committed to serving as a good steward of the environment and community completing the project in compliance with all applicable permitting processes.
City Zoning and Land Use Classification
- City & County of Honolulu Zoning: F-1 (military and federal), AG-2 (general agriculture), R-5 (residential)
- State Land Use Designation: Agriculture, Urban on federal land
Permit or Consultation | Agency or Stakeholders | Complete |
National Environmental Policy Act – Memorandum for Record | Department of the Navy | ✔ |
National Historic Preservation Act Section 106 Consultation | State of Hawai‘i Department of Land and Natural Resources, State Historic Preservation Division | ✔ |
National Endangered Species Act Section 7 Consultation | United States Fish and Wildlife Service | ✔ |
Coastal Zone Management Act (CZMA) De minimis acknowledgment | State of Hawai‘i, Office of Planning and Sustainable Development, Coastal Zone Management (CZM) Program | ✔ |
Notice of General Permit Coverage (NGPC) National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) | State Department of Health, Clean Water Branch | ✔ |
Explosives Safety – Quantity Distance Review | Department of Defense Explosives Safety Board | ✔ |