West O’ahu Solar + Storage

O'ahu, Hawai'i

Spanning 66 acres, the West Oʻahu Solar + Storage project is producing 12.5 MW of renewable energy for the island of O’ahu.

Located on 66 acres of leased land from the University of Hawai’i West O’ahu (UHWO), the West O’ahu Solar Photovoltaic (PV) and Battery Energy System Storage (BESS) project serves as a collaboration between the renewable energy sector and UHWO. By feeding clean energy into the Hawaiian Electric Company (HECO) utility grid, the project not only contributes to the state’s commitment to sustainability but also aligns with UHWO’s 2035 net-zero mandate. The 25-year Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) encompasses decommissioning provisions, ensuring the return of the project area to its original condition. 3J provided civil engineering and water resources services to design improvements for the 12.5 MW-AC ground-mounted solar plant that includes 50 MWh lithium-ion BESS, and substation.

To learn more about the project, visit: https://www.aes-hawaii.com/ west-oahu-solar-storage-project

  • Client

    AES Solar

  • Completion Date

    March 2024

  • Services

    • Civil Engineering
    • Water Resources

3J's Water Resources team provided a 2D Floodplain Analysis to assess the onsite hydrologic and hydraulic response during multiple design storm events. Design included multiple road - culvert crossings, as shown here.

The site is highly compatible with agriculture. The project team partnered with local shepherds and beekeepers early on in the design process to incorporate sheep grazing and honey production into the site plan. The sheep help keep the grass short beneath the panels, which decreases the need for mowing.