GOALS   The goals of the West Hawaii Sustainable Energy Project are to lower our energy costs by 1) assisting with acquiring and upgrading solar PV/thermal/UV/pumping equipment that fosters energy independence and improves public safety, and  2) to strengthen our local community capacity to increase energy efficiency and conservation.

OBJECTIVES   The immediate project objectives are to provide technical assistance and grant or loan funding for equipment to assist local residents in implementing practices that lower their energy costs and create more self reliant power systems. We are serving residential, small farm, non-profit, and small business locations.

METHODS   Methods the WHSE Project will deploy include energy conservation practices, cost saving energy efficient equipment and practice installations, and a main feature are solar renewable technology installations including hot water, water purification, and off-grid /grid-tied energy generation. The project’s technical assistance services, grant and loan awards, and pre/post award energy analysis is focused on providing physical equipment and tools that result in measurable energy savings for rural residents.

SPONSORS   The Energy Project is being managed by Heritage Ranch, Inc., a 501c3 non-profit and is based at the One Island Sustainable Living Center. The  USDA Rural  Development Service is the primary funding source for WHSEP with additional support from HUD Rural Housing and Economic Development.