Hawaii Prepares for 34 Megawatts of Photovoltaic Projects

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http://www.solarbuzz.com/News/NewsNAPR981.htm

Governor Linda Lingle today announced an historic plan to develop large solar power arrays at 12 locations around the state, highlighting her Administration’s commitment to developing renewable energy in Hawai‘i and her mandate that state government lead by example.

Under the plan, the state Department of Transportation (DOT) – Airports Division is soliciting proposals from private companies to develop photovoltaic systems that could generate as much as 34 megawatts of electricity at 11 DOT sites, as well as the Hawai‘i Foreign-Trade Zone in downtown Honolulu. The DOT plans to have all 12 systems completed and operational within the next 24 months.

“This is one of the largest, if not the largest, state government solar initiatives in the nation,” said Ted Liu, director of the Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism.

34 megawatts of photovoltaic systems would reduce Hawai‘i’s need for approximately 130,000 barrels of fuel oil per year and would generate enough power to supply about 9,000 homes per year.

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