A 1.2MW solar farm and 500kW battery storage system have been completed for macadamia brand Mauna Loa.
The installation, delivered by solar solutions firm DSD Renewables and Mauna Loa’s parent company Hawaiian Host Group, will directly power 85% of Mauna Loa’s processing plant in Kea‘au, Hawai‘i with solar energy.
According to DSD, this is the largest operating PV project dedicated to a private company in Hawaii.
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The system will generate 1.55 million kWh of solar energy annually and comprises 2,916 solar panels laid out across three acres on Mauna Loa’s macadamia nut farm.
“Hawaiian Host Group’s sustainable vision and leadership made the Mauna Loa project a great opportunity for DSD to apply our expertise in solar and storage development,” says Eric Pollock, Chief Commercial Officer at DSD.
“It’s exciting to be a part of this momentous project and we’re happy to play a part in helping Mauna Loa further reduce its environmental footprint.”
Mauna Loa emphasises sustainability in its operations, by growing its Hawaiian crop of macadamias with only rainwater, and cleanly burning the nut shells to create renewable energy.
The solar installation was completed in partnership with Maui-based No Ka Oi Energy, and DSD will be the long-term owner and manager of the assets.
Mauna Loa is now powered by 100% renewables, according to DSD.
