KEAAU — Hawaiian Host Group and DSD Renewables on Monday announced the completion of a 1.2-megawatt solar farm and 500-kilowatt battery storage system for Mauna Loa Macadamia Nuts.
The installation will directly power 85% of Mauna Loa’s processing plant in Keaau with solar energy, according to a press release. The addition complements existing clean energy sources at the facility, which will now be powered by 100% renewables.
As the largest-operating PV project dedicated to a private company in Hawaii, the system is expected to generate 1.55 million kilowatt-hours of solar energy annually, avoiding over 1,000 tons of carbon dioxide equivalent each year.
The solar installation, completed in partnership with No Ka Oi Energy, includes 2,916 solar panels laid out across three acres on Mauna Loa’s macadamia nut farm.
“Hawaiian Host Group’s purpose is to make the islands’ future flourish, and partnering with DSD has allowed us to fulfill a large portion of our vision for a clean energy future,” said Ed Schultz, president and CEO of Hawaiian Host Group, the parent company of Mauna Loa.
The ribbon-cutting ceremony and traditional Hawaiian blessing for the project was Feb. 10.
“We need to have brands like Mauna Loa that are stepping up to be an example — not just to Hawaii, but to the rest of the world,” Mayor Mitch Roth said in the press release.
No Ka Oi Energy in Maui brought the project to DSD and assisted in development. DSD will be the long-term owner and manager of the solar and storage assets.