The Hawaii Department of Education has entered a contract with Hawaii Pacific Solar LLC to install solar panels on some public schools, at no up-front cost to the department.

Five schools will be equipped with the panels by the end of 2010, initially saving the department between $3,500 and $3,700 per school on an annual basis. It is the beginning of a two-year program initiated by the department to bring solar power to public schools statewide. The use of renewable energy resources will help save the department money, among other things.

The Power Purchase Agreement allows Hawaii Pacific Solar to install the panels and receive a tax credit. The first installations will take place at Kaimuki High (Honolulu District), Aiea High (Central Oahu), Waianae High (Leeward Oahu), and Kahuku High and Intermediate (Windward Oahu).

The school sites were selected based on their substantial electrical use, maximum sun exposure and outstanding roof repairs.

Over the life of the project, the DOE projected it will save at least $1 million.

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