Ni‘ihau Island School recently installed a 10.4 kW photovoltaic power system with battery storage, making it the first school in the state to be powered by solar energy. “The basic need for electricity at Ni‘ihau Island School has been one
Ni‘ihau Island School recently installed a 10.4 kW photovoltaic power system with battery storage, making it the first school in the state to be powered by solar energy.
“The basic need for electricity at Ni‘ihau Island School has been one of the many challenges for the community,” Bill Arakaki, Kaua‘i district superintendent for the Department of Education (DOE), said. “Now the new photovoltaic system will enhance the educational environment with a reliable power source for a variety of technological hardware and refrigeration appliances. Many thanks go out to the people that persisted and kept the vision in mind.”
Ni‘ihau Island School serves approximately 30 students; the daily count varies because some students travel to Kaua‘i to attend school.
Before the photovoltaic system was installed, it was difficult to keep fresh fruits and vegetables, dairy products, meat, fish and poultry on hand. Most meals consumed by staff and students were prepared from dry and canned goods.
Learning equipment was also limited. Computers were not always available and only battery- or generator-operated electronic teaching aids could be used.
“When partnerships are formed for the benefit of others, a lot can be accomplished,” Mayor Bryan Baptiste said. “We’re very pleased that Ni‘ihau Island School is now equipped with a power system that will help improve the health and nutrition of the students and staff and upgrade educational opportunities for the students.”
The total cost for the entire system was $207,000. Most of the funds, $150,000, were provided by a Community Facilities Economic Impact Initiative Grant from the USDA Rural Development. Matching funds were also contributed by the County Energy Extension Service and the DOE.
Kaua‘i County will retain ownership of the system for approximately 10 years and the DOE will be responsible for maintaining the system.
“This is a positive step for the island of Ni‘ihau with the new photovoltaic power system for the school,” Lorraine Shin, state director for the Hawai‘i and Western Pacific Region, USDA Rural Development, said. “A partnership was created with the State of Hawai’i, Department of Education, County of Kaua‘i and the USDA Rural Development. We hope to continue this endeavor on many future projects.”
The project was made possible through collaborative efforts by the County of Kaua‘i, the DOE, Seattle-based DPK, Inc., G ay and Robinson, Inc., Ni‘ihau Helicopters, Inc., Ni‘ihau Ranch, Ron’s Electric and the USDA Rural Development.
“This project shows that renewable energy self-sufficiency can be achieved in our DOE schools through the cooperative efforts of the community, government and business,” Bruce Robinson said. “A special thanks goes to the Ni‘ihau parents and students who put so much effort into this project, along with all the other contributors.”
Services provided by Ni‘ihau Ranch included the construction of a concrete battery/control building, labor and materials and construction of the stone wall that serves as a windbreak.
• Rachel Gehrlein, staff writer, can be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 225) or rgehrlein@kauaipubco.com.
