Lieutenant Governor Sylvia Luke, along with Holu Hou Energy (HHE) and Island Palm Communities (IPC), marked an important milestone today at the Aliamanu Military Reservation (AMR). They announced the installation of renewable energy systems in 200 homes, bringing advanced solar photovoltaic (PV) technology and energy storage solutions from HHE to military families on Oʻahu. This project is a significant step in improving sustainability and energy resilience for the community.
The 200 energy storage systems are powered by HHE’s innovative EnergyCluster technology, which connects multiple homes in an energy network or “cluster.” This setup allows excess solar energy from one home to be shared in real time with others, ensuring that 75 to 80 percent or more of the residents’ energy needs are met without sending power to the utility grid. The event took place in a section of AMR where attendees could see the technology in action at nearby homes. Around 50 people attended, including Hawaiʻi Chief Energy Officer Mark Glick and military officials.
Lt. Governor Luke stated, “This project exemplifies the forward-thinking approach we need to achieve our state’s energy goals. It is a true kākou effort, demonstrating how collaboration can drive innovative solutions that benefit our communities and protect our environment. The clustered approach to energy storage and solar generation is a game-changer – we not only enhance the resilience of our military families but also create a model for sustainable living that could be replicated across the state.”
HHE, along with its equity partner Irradiant Partners, provides solar and energy storage systems from design to service, while Lendlease, a leading real estate and investment group, manages nearly 8,000 homes for the U.S. Army on Oʻahu. The project’s success highlights the benefits of clustering energy systems for financing tenant and rental housing. By adopting a collective approach to energy generation and storage, significant cost savings and enhanced energy resilience have been achieved. The savings are being reinvested to improve housing and amenities for military families.
Col. Rachel Sullivan, U.S. Army Garrison Commander, said in a statement, “Sustainability and environmental stewardship are not just ideals for the Army—they are imperatives. Aligning with Hawaii’s green energy goals, the Army prioritizes initiatives that protect and preserve the environment while enhancing our operational capabilities. Hawaii’s unique ecosystem and finite resources demand our collective responsibility to lead in these efforts.”
Ted Peck, HHE President, commented, “The installation of our first 200 systems at Island Palm Communities is a major achievement in our mission to deliver cutting-edge renewable energy solutions that directly benefit residents. Our EnergyCluster technology not only ensures that homes are powered more efficiently, but it also demonstrates the power of collaborative innovation in creating resilient, sustainable communities.”
“This project is a testament to the success of our partnership with Holu Hou Energy. This project not only enhances the energy independence of military families at Island Palm Communities but also contributes to a more resilient and stable electric grid in Oʻahu,” said Justin Kern, Lendlease Executive General Manager, U.S. Communities.
HHE’s EnergyCluster technology has proven effective in optimizing energy use, with about one-third of the electricity generated being shared among units in the cluster. This helps address issues like vacancies and varying energy needs of residents. Each unit in the cluster is equipped with around 10kW of solar power and 25kWh of energy storage, providing backup power during grid outages and reducing the demand on Oʻahu’s electric grid. Construction is ongoing at AMR, with additional installations planned across Oʻahu to meet the project’s ambitious goals.
