The Maui Arts & Cultural Center and SolarCity 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. Maui Arts & Cultural Center President and CEO Art Vento said, “We are proud to have this large scale solar installation at the MACC. As a non-profit 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’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, LLC, and is being interconnected to the utility grid by Maui Electric Company Ltd.
“We’re honored to be able to provide an organization that serves Hawai’i like MACC with a green energy solution and look forward to additional opportunities to spread economical solar powered energy to other non-profits across the state,” said Pete Cooper, SolarCity’s regional director in Hawai’i.“A dedication ceremony on December 14, 2011 included a traditional Hawaiian blessing and remarks by Hawaii Governor Neil Abercrombie, Maui Mayor Alan Arakawa, and representatives from the project partners.
