Discount retailer Costco making solar conversions (Hawaii)

[jpak]

http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/nation/20070912-1905-wst-costco-solarpower.html

HONOLULU – Costco is looking to turn Hawaiian sunshine into electricity in order to save on costs.

The giant discount retailer is installing its first solar electric system for a store atop the Kailua-Kona Costco on the Big Island and is seeking a permit to install a similar system on its Kauai store.

“It's long overdue,” said Noreen Chavez, manager of Big Island Costco. “In Kona, there's lots of sunshine, and I think we need to do it.”

The work being done by San Luis Obispo, Calif.-based REC Solar Inc. began earlier this month and should be completed in five to six weeks, according to Chavez, who estimated the system could reduce electricity costs by about one-third.

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[bluerum]

1. Whatever happened to the wind turbines on South Point?