Solar Power, Sheep, Battery Strategies: Students Explore Renewable Energy

Students from the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa’s Energy and Sustainability Vertically Integrated Projects (VIP) team toured and learned about Kauaʻi renewable energy landscape over spring break in March 2025. The group visited Kauaʻi Island Utility Cooperative (KIUC) at Port Allen Station and the AES Lawaʻi Solar Farm, gaining hands-on experience with the island’s grid and energy innovations.

“Visiting the KIUC facility and AES Lawaʻi PV system was an eye-opening experience,” said Kristine Locquiao, a UH Mānoa engineering student.

The students got a rare behind-the-scenes look at KIUC’s operations as they explored future energy strategies, battery storage technologies and the unique challenges of maintaining grid stability on an island.

Energy storage, grazing sheep

The team then visited AES Lawaʻi Solar Farm, where students learned how the site uses agrivoltaics—grazing sheep to manage vegetation beneath 64,800 solar panels—and a cutting-edge battery system to store excess solar energy, providing power even when the sun isn’t shining.

“Seeing firsthand how Kauaʻi is leading the way in renewable energy was inspiring,” Locquiao said. “This opportunity gave us valuable knowledge that will shape our future careers in engineering.”

Part of the broader campus-wide VIP program, the Energy and Sustainability team is made up of students and faculty across disciplines who collaborate on long-term sustainability projects.

University of Hawaiʻi | https://www.hawaii.edu/