Impact Spotlight

Installing 15 off-grid residential solar systems for Native Hawaiians

Workforce development training, apprenticeship hours, and work experience for local Renewable Energy Technician trainees

Energy justice and local power ownership for the people of Molokai

About

Up to 200 households on Molokai lack access to electricity, and many rely on expensive diesel generators and coolers. Many of these families are Native Hawaiians and pay $400 to $1400 per month to fuel their generators and produce ice for their coolers. Though connection to the grid is technically feasible, the typical cost is more than $40,000 per home,and consequentially, unaffordable for most residents.

Hoʻāhu Energy Cooperative Molokai was born out of grassroots community efforts to shape the island’s energy future via community-developed and owned renewable energy projects. Through partnerships, education, community organizing, renewable energy workshops, and job training, Hoʻāhu Energy Cooperative Molokai works in collaboration with their community to influence the future of energy access on the island.

“Together we can create, on our own terms, an energy future that is reflective of the resilient and resourceful nature of Molokai and its people.”

— Todd Yamashita, Community Stakeholder

HF Partnership

To increase equitable access to energy, Hoʻāhu Energy Cooperative Molokai will use Honnold Foundation funding to launch a Residential Nano-grid Pilot Program. The program will provide 15 families with clean, affordable, and reliable solar and battery systems, and each system will be installed by graduates of Hoʻāhuʻs workforce development programs, helping them gain the experience and hours they need to graduate their apprenticeships.

Electricity will be provided at a subsidized, nominal monthly fee; Fees will ultimately maintain existing systems and install new ones for more off-grid families, with the ultimate goal of providing clean, affordable electricity to all off-grid families.