“Every day is different,” KIUC Staff Engineer Gregg Matsuo told students from the Kaua'i Community College advanced renewable energy class.

In January, the class toured KIUC’s Anahola Service Center, which opened operations in 2023. The center serves as a base for east and north shore transmission and distribution operations, storm preparation area, and equipment depot during hurricane season. It’s adjacent to the Anahola Solar Facility and the Anahola Substation.

It was a sunny, dry morning. A dozen sheep, which graze under the 55,000 solar panels, scurried past the class. The students walked through the center and past the substation to the solar farm, which is on land leased from the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands.

Gregg described how KIUC’s renewable portfolio consists of solar, battery, hydro, biomass and biodiesel, and discussed the costs and benefits of each power source. He showed them the building that houses the inverters, which convert direct current electricity from the solar panels to alternating current electricity. He explained how a synchronous condenser at Kapaia Power Station can bring Kaua'i up to 100% for periods when the sun is out and discussed upcoming projects for the cooperative.

“I wanted to give my students a broader understanding of the renewable energy world, and KIUC is doing so much,” KCC instructor Thomas Conlee said.

Thomas is a former electrical contractor and CEO of Kilohana Electric Inc., a job he started just weeks after Hurricane ‘Iniki. He became an instructor at KCC to give back to the next generation. The tour gave the students the opportunity to ask questions about underground lines, weather variations, how to get a job at KIUC and more.

The renewable energy courses are a part of the electrical installation and maintenance technology program at KCC. Students graduate with an associate in applied science degree and are equipped for entry-level electrician jobs with the technical knowledge and hands-on skills to meet industry standards and the State of Hawai'i Maintenance Electrician License test.

Potential professions include:

• Linemen and utility engineers, who install and maintain power lines.
• Journey-person electricians, who install electrical systems in buildings.
• Security and telecom technicians, who install low-voltage systems.
• Residential wiremen, who install electrical systems in homes.
• Solar installation technicians, who install solar power systems.
• Maintenance electrician, who maintain electrical systems.

For more information on the KCC EIMT program, visit: kauai.hawaii.edu/electrical-installation-maintenance-technology.