Brigham Young University-Hawaii will launch the second phase of its university solar project, which will enable the campus to meet 100% of its electricity demand through solar power. Upon completion, the project portfolio will not only power the university but also provide renewable energy services to the nearby Polynesian Cultural Center (PCC) and the Hawaiian Laie Temple.
The second phase will include new ground-mounted solar panels located in the southwestern part of the campus, as well as additional solar canopies near the PCC Pacific Theater parking lot in the southeastern corner of the campus. It will also feature an energy storage system, which BYU-Hawaii stated will provide up to five days of emergency battery backup power for critical services.
In 2022, the university installed three rooftop solar projects, five solar carports, and 7 MWh of energy storage equipment. The first phase met 39% of the university's energy demand, while the second phase will bridge the remaining gap.