In 2015, the **Hawaiʻi Legislature** took a bold step by introducing the shared solar program. The concept was as straightforward as a garden: create **off-site solar farms** that middle- and low-income residents could access, all while reducing their electric bills. But for **Stephen Gates** and his company, Neighborhood Power, the reality is far more tangled, akin to a Gordian knot.
Gates’s firm had successfully launched community solar farms across the continental U.S., but their recent project in **Kawela Plantation** on Molokaʻi proved to be an uphill battle. With just **15 subscribers** out of a potential pool, the farm is operating at a mere **30% capacity**. Most of the generated power flows to **Hawaiian Electric Co.**, which sells it at a rate of around **50 cents** per kilowatt-hour—a far cry from fulfilling the program’s promising goals.
Does the Program Live Up to Its Promise?
Gates voiced a sentiment shared among many: “Let us out, please. We just want out.” While the initial vision was clear—expand access to solar energy for everyone—the execution has been anything but seamless. According to Gates, **Hawaiʻi’s shared solar program** has proved exceptionally complicated, leaving residents frustrated and underserved.
When lawmakers pushed the initiative through, they paired it with an ambitious goal: **100% renewable energy by 2045**. Yet, for renters and low- and middle-income families, this vision remains largely out of reach. With the program representing a mere **0.26%** of all renewable power output in the state, advocates feel that the promise of community solar has not been realized. “It ended up like a bridge to nowhere,” said **Michael Colon**, director of the **Ulupono Initiative**.
Regulatory Oversight and Unmet Targets
Concerns voiced by energy regulators echo those of local environmental advocates. In a white paper, the Public Utilities Commission asserted that the **Community-Based Renewable Energy (CBRE)** program has failed to deliver on its core mission: helping those without rooftop access save money on their energy bills.
Despite the challenges, the structure of the program itself is meant to encourage third-party developers to create solar farms. Yet, some farms have fallen short of the required **85% subscriber threshold**, leading to potential penalties and difficulty financially sustaining the projects. Even with approximately **five facilities** operational and others planned, the anticipated benefits remain elusive.
Struggles with Subscriber Acquisition
The shared solar arrangement requires subscriber organizations to manage their customer bases effectively. These developers must find and maintain subscribers to utilize the power generated at the farms. However, the reality is that many are struggling. For example, **Altus Power** disputes claims regarding subscriber issues while others like **Tritium3** admit that their projects could benefit from a simplified approach. “We could do a whole lot better if the program was simplified,” said founder **Ryan McCauley**.
This complexity has led to widespread dissatisfaction. The question remains: How can the system be improved to foster the growth that has so far eluded it?
The Road Ahead for Shared Solar
The future of community solar in Hawaiʻi hangs in the balance. In January, Governor **Josh Green** issued an executive order aimed at accelerating the state’s decarbonization efforts. While the order doesn’t specifically address shared solar farms, it signals a push towards reducing energy costs and enhancing access to renewable energy.
As the sector continues to evolve, **Hawaiian Electric Co.** is moving forward, having signed on for **seven new projects** under the program’s second phase. Nonetheless, the **Public Utilities Commission** has noted the significant hurdles developers face in complying with complex regulations. “Nearly all the developers…have struggled mightily,” they reported.
As we await the outcomes of these efforts, one thing remains clear: the dream of **affordable, renewable energy** for all in Hawaiʻi is still alive, but whether it can flourish depends on action, innovation, and a willingness to adapt.
*Civil Beat’s coverage of climate change and the environment is supported by The Healy Foundation, the Marisla Fund of the Hawai‘i Community Foundation, and the Frost Family Foundation.*
