Cyanotech Corporation, producer of natural microalgae nutritional supplements has announced the installation of its new solar array by Neighborhood Power Company (NPC).
The 2,280 panel array is located on Cyanotech’s microalgae farm, and will produce 1,147,000 kilowatt hours of electricity each year.
The solar panels are expected to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 791 metric tons of carbon per year.
Cyanotech will purchase this electricity under a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) and the energy production is sufficient to power the entire farm during daylight hours, reducing the electricity costs by 10 percent.
Environmental stewardship is a key tenet of Cyanotech’s corporate mission. The carbon footprint is kept down as the microalgae use carbon dioxide. The solar array will further reduce greenhouse emissions and costs making it a win-win for company’s bottom line and the environment, said, Gerry Cysewski, chief science officer, executive vice president and co-founder of Cyanotech.
Power costs on Hawaii Island are the most expensive in the United States.
Cyanotech inaugurated the installation of the solar array in presence of local business and community leaders during a ceremony.
In alignment with the corporate value of Malama Aina, Respect for the Environment, the system is put into operation, said, Jen Johansen, vice president, Quality and Regulatory Affairs, Cyanotech.
Sabeena Wahid
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