Kukui Plaza’s 200-kW system needed 47 helicopter lifts for the rooftop installation, 280 feet off the ground*

Kailua, HI — Sunetric, Hawaii’s leading solar design and installation company, has proved that no contract is too tall an order, even if it’s 32 stories tall. Sunetric is installing a 200-kilowatt (KW) photovoltaic (PV) system to energize Kukui Plaza’s two 32-story towers in the heart of downtown Honolulu.

With about 6,000 people living, working or passing through the complex every day, maintenance fees for owners at Kukui Plaza continued to rise with a large portion of it attributed to utilities. The property’s management proposed going solar to the Association of Owners’ Board of Directors, who agreed with the change.

Sunetric began installation of the system on Aug. 12. The system is expected to produce 397,545 kWh a year, offsetting about 32.2 percent of electricity in the complex’s common areas, which include walkways, elevators, a 2.6 acre park, and a 1,811-stall parking garage.

The installation was a bit trickier than your average project, and required 47 helicopter lifts to move the panels and other materials from a nearby parking lot up to the roof, about 280 feet off the ground. Once completed, Kukui Plaza’s PV system will be perched at a higher point than any other in the state relative to ground level.

“We needed to find a way to offset those rising utility costs, and Sunetric provided an avenue for us,” said Henry Urquhart, Kukui Plaza operations manager. “Since 1981 Kukui Plaza has been a self-managed property, and it only makes sense for us to be self-sustaining too.”

Each year, Kukui Plaza will be looking at $22,870 in savings due to the solar Power Purchase Agreement. After 20 years, Kukui Plaza will retain 100 percent of the savings from energy generated from then on.

“When it comes to installations, we love a good challenge, and we couldn’t wait to start on Kukui Plaza’s system,” said Alex Tiller, Sunetric’s chief executive officer. “What’s really significant about this project isn’t so much the height of the project though. It’s the complex’s decision to opt for a more sustainable, livable future. Honolulu is one of the densest cities in the U.S., and we can only hope more condominium projects in the city will join Kukui Plaza’s smart planning. Sunetric stands ready to rise to that challenge as well.”

Kukui Plaza is a mixed-use condominium project built in the 1970s to revitalize Honolulu’s central business district and address critical housing needs for Oahu. It is comprised of 908 condominium apartments, a 2.6-acre park for residents and a shopping mall with about 30 locations for stores, restaurants and other businesses tailored for residential convenience. Kukui Plaza is a self-managed property, run by its Association of Owners. Visit www.kukuiplaza.com for more information.

Coverage

• Sep. 6, 2012 — KITV: Hawaii solar company installing tallest photovoltaic system
• Sep. 6, 2012 — Star-Advertiser: Kukui Plaza will cut electricity costs with high-rise PV system
• Sep. 6, 2012 — Pacific Business News: Sunetric’s Kukui Plaza PV system is the state’s tallest
• Sep. 7, 2012 — Star-Advertiser: Kukui Plaza goes solar to offset rising cost of energy
• Sep. 7, 2012 — Star-Advertiser Blogs: The Green Leaf: Reaching new solar heights
• Sep. 18, 2012 — KHON Be Green 2: Aaron Cook of Sunetric talks about project
• October 2012 — Building Industry Magazine: Sunetric Installs Highest PV System in Hawaii (PDF)

Sunetric was featured among the top local solar companies mentioned in an editorial published on the Honolulu Civil Beat website on July 17.

Over the first six months of 2012, 114 different companies pulled over 5,000 PV electrical permits according to data from the City and County of Honolulu Department of Planning and Permitting.

In 2011, two companies dominated the PV scene on the island—RevoluSun & DEP Hawaii (controlled by the same individuals) and Sunetric. The founders of Sunetric, Sean Mullen and his wife Beth-Ann, started the company in 2004 as Elemental Energy and Suntech Hawaii before changing the name to Sunetric in 2009.

Read the story in full on the Civil Beat website.

Honolulu, HI — ABC Stores has flipped the switch at 13 store and office locations where the local company is now generating their own clean solar electricity. Sunetric, Hawaii’s largest locally owned and operated solar company, completed the solar photovoltaic installations on the 13 ABC Store locations across four Hawaiian islands, all with the world’s most efficient solar panels available from SunPower.

Hawaii-based ABC Stores is now operating seven stores on Oahu, four on Maui, one on the Big Island, and one on Kauai — all with clean solar electricity. As a locally based Hawaiian company who opened their doors in Waikiki in 1964, ABC stores made the switch to solar electricity to do their part in preserving our environment. The company will now be offsetting 982 metric tons, or 1.97 million pounds, of greenhouse gas emissions every year.

Combined, the 13 installed solar systems total 700kW, producing 1,291,966 kWh of solar electricity. The largest installation, 188 kW, was installed at ABC Stores’ Central Warehouse in Honolulu and will generate 27,600 kWh of electricity each month, offsetting 76 percent of the warehouse’s electricity consumption.

“ABC Stores was born in Hawaii, and our family calls the islands home,” said ABC Stores President and Chief Executive Officer Paul Kosasa. “Working with Sunetric, we want to do our part reducing our dependence on fossil fuels.”

“With a partnership of this magnitude, there’s no question the impact this will have to the sustainability of Hawaii’s environment,” said Sunetric CEO Alex Tiller. “And with this many projects, it’s as clear as day that the state will benefit too, with all the jobs and accompanying tax revenue that will be realized. It’s the ABCs of good economics.”

The following ABC Store locations will have Sunetric installations:

Coverage

• July 26, 2012: The Star Advertiser
  
  

  Featured in the Honolulu Star Advertiser on July 26, 2012.

A New 121-KW PV System will Offset 86 Percent of All Electricity Use at the Company’s Big Island Macadamia Nut Processing Facility

Sunetric, Hawaii’s leading solar design and installation company, will install a 121-kilowatt (KW) photovoltaic (PV) system this summer at the Big Island orchard of Island Princess Macadamia Nut Company, allowing the gourmet food products company to add solar energy to its extensive array of sustainable farming practices.

Honolulu-based Island Princess will use the fixed ground-mount system to power its macadamia nut processing facility, located on the company’s 1,100-acre orchard at Keaau on the Big Island. The orchard, which encompasses 110,000 macadamia nut trees, has for years used sustainable soil management and pruning techniques, as well as recycling organic byproducts such as potting and road surfacing material.

The photovoltaic array will generate 14,730 kWh of energy each month, offsetting 86 percent of the processing facility’s electricity, which is used to slow-dry, crack, sort and roast nearly 30,000 pounds of macadamia nuts each day during the peak harvesting season of August through March. The array will result in a monthly savings to Island Princess of more than $5,100, or nearly $62,000 a year, allowing the company to recoup its investment during the third year of operation. Construction is set to be completed by August 2012.

“Agriculture is a key industry for creating a more sustainable Hawaii, and we are proud to continue a legacy of environmentally sound harvesting practices,” said Dr. Michael Purdy, president of Island Princess. “As we look to increase macadamia nut production in the coming years, this array will be essential in helping us reduce our energy consumption and environmental impact.”

The array’s clean solar energy will also replace more than 288 barrels of oil a year that would have been imported to Hawaii to make electricity.

“Coming from a background in agribusiness, I am always pleased to be working with farmers and growers to help them achieve cost savings and run their operations in a more sustainable manner,” said Alex Tiller, CEO of Sunetric. “Island Princess embodies the progression toward a more sustainable food production infrastructure in Hawaii, of which renewable energy sources will play a critical role.”

For nearly 30 years, Island Princess has manufactured specialty macadamia nut products, chocolates and confections in Hawaii. The company grows and processes its macadamia nuts on its 1,100-acre orchard and facility on the Big Island, and transforms the nuts into gourmet confections at its 30,000-square-foot factory in Honolulu. Visit islandprincesshawaii.com for more information.

Coverage

• Hawaii Tribune-Herald
• Star Advertiser: The Green Leaf
• Star Advertiser: Business Briefs
• Star Advertiser: Breaking News
• Damon Tucker

Kailua, HI – Sunetric, Hawaii’s leading solar design and installation company, is pleased to announce the appointment of Aaron H. Cates as an analyst.

Cates, who recently graduated with a Master of Business Administration degree from the University of Hawai‘i Shidler College of Business, brings years of experience in business analysis and research, including market opportunity analyses, market profiles, and business feasibility studies. He will be responsible for internal financial analysis and the development of programs and tools to assist with the company’s finances and operations. Previously, Cates worked at Oceanit as a product development intern and at Chevron Energy Solutions as a market analyst.

Coverage

• June 30, 2012: Hawaii Star-Advertiser: Business Briefs
• May 24, 2012: Pacific Business News: PaceSetters
• May 25, 2012: Hawaii News Now Kailua

Seasoned management executive to manage day-to-day operations of Sunetric

Kailua, HI– Sunetric, Hawaii’s leading solar design and installation company, announces the promotion of Aaron Kirk to chief operating officer. Kirk, formerly director of sales, will now over oversee the day-to-day operations of the company which include supporting commercial and residential clients.

“Aaron is the perfect candidate for this position. He has been a vital team member as director of sales and has contributed significantly to Sunetric’s growth in the past year,” said Alex Tiller, CEO of Sunetric. “He is highly regarded by his colleagues and has demonstrated the necessary leadership skills and commitment to company values to be an exceptional chief operating officer.”

Kirk joined Sunetric in July 2011 as director of sales with nearly 20 years of managerial experience, including management of sales and operation divisions of companies as well as the development of long term strategies. Prior to joining Sunetric, Kirk was vice president of sales and operations at Oceanic Values. He was responsible for the management of its domestic and overseas software development teams, the creation of its sales team and overall management of the day-to-day operations of the local web-based marketing and advertising company.

Kirk has also served as vice president of operations at Toreador, LLC and general manager at Professional Image, Inc.

“I’m honored to serve as chief operating officer at a time when Sunetric is positioned to experience continued growth this year,” said Aaron Kirk. “Furthermore, I’m committed to ensuring the success of team members in their respective roles and look forward to contributing to the company’s continued success and growth.”

Kirk holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Arizona’s Eller College of Management. He is also certified trainer for ISO 9002 Quality Systems Implementation and a ‘train-the-trainer’ facilitator for Stephen Covey’s ‘Seven Habits of Highly Effective People.’

Coverage

• June 30, 2012: Hawaii Star-Advertiser: Business Briefs
• May 21, 2012: Pacific Business News: PaceSetters
• May 20, 2012: Hawaii News Now Kailua

Denver, Colorado – May 17, 2012 - Sunetric, Hawaii’s leading solar design and installation company, announces the appointment of Tyler Fauerbach as Managing Director of Project Finance and Strategic Development. Mr. Fauerbach will be responsible for raising debt, tax and cash equity for the company’s residential, commercial and utility-scale solar projects and developing new market opportunities. He will be based in the company’s Denver office.

“Tyler’s vast experience in the financial services and banking industry with a focus on the energy sector will be valuable as Sunetric continues its expansion in the continental United States,” said Alex Tiller, CEO of Sunetric. “Tyler will be developing the companies Renewable Energy Finance business, guiding and shaping the offering as we develop and introduce innovative programs to fund renewable energy systems and projects throughout the country.”

Fauerbach brings 10 years of energy banking to his new role at Sunetric. He served previously as vice president of Power Finance at U.S. Bank, where he developed the bank’s power project finance lending programs and helped facilitate approximately $270 million in wind, solar and gas-fired power generation project financings. The solar project financings in this portfolio included debt transactions for Solar Power Partners, Perpetual Energy Systems and SunEdison. In addition, Fauerbach worked closely with U.S. Bank’s Community Development Corporation on the development of unique debt and tax equity structures. Prior to working for U.S. Bank, he served as a vice president in the Utility Lending Group at CoBank, ACB where he managed a loan portfolio of electric cooperatives in excess of $300 million.

One of Fauerbach’s projects will be the development of a Solar Fund Company that is to be partially owned by Sunetric. He will be responsible for working with Tiller to help raise additional equity for the fund company, meeting with potential fund investors, and hiring and managing the fund company’s employees.

Update: We are very proud to announce that Sunetric CEO Alex Tiller has won the Pacific Edge Business Achievement Award. We are very proud of his accomplishments and are very pleased to count this honor among them.

We are proud to announce that Sunetric CEO Alex Tiller has been named a finalist for the Business Executive of the Year category at the 2nd Annual Pacific Edge Magazine Business Achievement Awards! The Business Achievement Awards are designed to “spotlight those businesses who have made a difference in business and the community.”

The red-carpet awards gala will be on Thursday, May 31st from 5:30pm to 9:00pm at the Waterfront at Aloha Tower Marketplace.

Kailua, HI — Sunetric, Hawaii’s leading solar design and installation company, is pleased to announce the appointment of two new personnel to its staff.

Paul Craig has been appointed Electrical Engineer, PE and Robert Branson as Warehouse Manager.

Paul Craig, an Electrical Engineer, PE, and Project Manager licensed in Hawaii and Colorado with more than 17 years of engineering experience joins Sunetric as Electrical Engineer, PE, and will be responsible for the design and engineering components of the company’s residential and commercial jobs. Craig received his Bachelor’s in Science from the United States Air Force Academy, a Master’s in Science in Electrical Engineering from the University of Colorado, Boulder.

Robert Branson brings over 15 years of experience to his new role as Sunetric’s Warehouse Manager. As the Warehouse Manager, Branson will be responsible for ensuring proper inventory of the company’s products and ensuring that solar modules are in stock for projects. Prior to moving to Hawaii in 2010, Branson spent over 10 years working for various companies in Indiana.

Energy financing and trading news source SparkSpread covered our recent hiring of Tyler Fauerbach:

Sunetric, a Kailua, Hawaii-based solar power developer, has hired Tyler Fauerbach, v.p. power finance at U.S. Bank.

Fauerbach recently joined Sunetric in Denver as managing director of project finance & strategic development, SparkSpread has learned.

He is responsible for raising debt, tax equity and cash equity for Sunetric’s residential, commercial and utility-scale solar projects in the U.S., according to an industry source.

Sunetric’s completed projects include a 600 kW roof-mounted photovoltaic system on a warehouse owned by Y. Hata & Co., a food service distributor; and a 229 kW roof-mounted PV system for Kona Brewing Co., a Hawaiian brewing company.

Prior to a five-year stint at U.S. Bank, Fauerbach was an energy banker at CoBank.