Through an innovative public-private partnership, MECO, Flyers Energy and Pacific Power Renewables teamed to leverage Hawaiis feed-in tariff (FIT) program to build and develop this solar project. Flyers Energy contracted with MECO for a 20-year power purchase agreement for the BioReal power plant. This project will help MECO reach their goal of powering Maui with 40% renewable sources by 2030.
The solar system was designed and installed by Pacific Power Renewables, using state-of-the-art, low concentration Solaria photovoltaic modules operating on PPRs proprietary single-axis, ground-mounted tracker, SunViper. The SunViper tracks the sun across the sky, increasing the energy yield by up to 25% more than fixed tilt systems. The BioReal system will generate 1,180,700 kWh per year of clean electricity the equivalent energy to power 200 households.
"Flyers Energy and Pacific Power Renewables are proud to have financed and developed this significant solar installation. Thanks to a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with MECO, Maui will enjoy clean electricity generation with no upfront capital expenditures, noted Alan Breeze, Finance Manager for Flyers Energy.
Working with MECO, Flyers Energy, Solaria and its partners, Pacific Power Renewables has built an emissions-free solar power plant that will serve this region well, said David Dwelle, President of Pacific Power Renewables. We applaud MECO and Maui officials for their vision in working with us on this milestone solar installation, which demonstrates that solar makes good financial sense for utility customers today.
"Were excited that the BioReal project partners selected Solaria's technology to expand the use of solar power Hawaii," said Solaria CEO Dan Shugar. "Hawaii has been a visionary in solar deployment and in harnessing smart renewable energy solutions. This new solar power plant will provide Maui with a cost-effective, reliable, non-polluting solar power system that will add to MECOs renewable power portfolio over the next 20 years."
