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Highlights of  

Local Island Innovations

Solar Energy Independence 

185 Hawaii Island households, farms, non-profits and small business have received USDA grant funded solar energy equipment to help lessen dependence on costly imported fuels. The most important - and unexpected - impact of the project was improving health and safety by providing solar off grid refrigeration. We honor these local Heroes! 

Learn more at the WHSEP web site

Over 2,500 Hawaiian residents benefited from the WHSEP project that served 159 households and 26 farms, schools, non-profits and small businesses. Cost savings are above $1.528 million over 5 years, and greenhouse gas emissions are being reduced by over 1,521 tons. 21 green jobs were created or retained.  WHSEP was managed by One Island under USDA funding. 

Outcomes of the project include:

* 108 adopted solar renewable energy for the first time
* 37 added to an existing solar system
* 48 installed their first non-gasoline-generator electricity systems
* 41 installed solar electric refrigerators to improve health and nutrition for their families (18 of those received their first-ever refrigeration, 23 replaced a propane fridge)
* 25 received solar ovens
* 81 applicants were off-grid where regular electric service is not available or is cost prohibitive
* 2 installed solar compost toilets
* 8 installed irrigation pumping
* 14 installed household water pumping

Solar oven grantees

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Light Wave Bamboo Pavilion, Holualoa

Algood Bamboo and Clay Barn, Hawi

Hi'ilani Eco House, Honoka'a 

Bamboo House, Honaunau