Haleakala Solar workers install photovoltaic panels at AAAAA Rent-A-Space.

HONOKOWAI — AAAAA Rent-A-Space, a storage facility and commercial center in Honokowai, has begun construction on the largest commercial photovoltaic power generation system in Maui County.

The 600-kilowatt system will contribute to the state’s “feed-in tariff” program, with the capacity to feed 2,880 kilowatt-hours — enough clean, renewable energy to power up to 220 Maui homes — into the island’s electrical grid each day.

AAAAA Rent-A-Space will also install a “Level 2” electric vehicle charging station, affording the public one of the fastest vehicle charges available.

Haleakala Solar began construction on the system in June. Completion is expected in September.

“Our family has done business in the Maui community for almost three decades,” said Michael Knuppe, co-owner of AAAAA Rent-A-Space.

“We feel we have an obligation to be good stewards of the island and take the role of being positive, progressive members of the community very seriously. This project provides clean, quantifiable benefits to our center’s merchants, our community and Hawaii as a whole.”

Once completed, the project will support the Hawaiian Clean Energy Initiative, which aims to have 70 percent of the state’s energy for electricity and ground transportation come from clean energy by 2030.

“Maui Electric is pleased to partner with AAAAA Rent-A-Space in embracing renewable energy and bringing our state closer to realizing our clean energy goals,” said Maui Electric Company President Ed Reinhardt.  

“We recognize that weaning our state from imported oil will require a diverse portfolio of clean energy sources, and this project is yet another step in the right direction for Maui.”   

In related news, the Maui Chamber of Commerce’s August “Business After Hours” networking session will be held at AAAAA Rent-A-Space, 3600 Lower Honoapiilani Road, on Wednesday, Aug. 17.

Join the chamber for an afternoon of socializing and Korean barbecue. 

For information, e-mail office@mauichamber.com.