New Rising Sun Solar Upcountry office educates Maui on building green.

To meet the growing market for solar electricity on Maui, Rising Sun Solar announced that it has expanded into a new office space and warehouse at the Ha‘iku Town Center, 810 Kokomo Road.

According to Rising Sun Solar, their new office space is different from any other commercial venue on Maui—it was intentionally designed and built to reflect their energy-saving values. The walls and carpet are made of recycled materials, and there are cork floors in the conference room. High ceilings promote a natural airflow and low-energy lighting illuminates the office. A solar electric (photovoltaic or “PV”) system powers their office, stabilizing energy costs for other tenants in the building, and offsetting 90 percent of the electricity costs for the common areas.

“We’re doing what we believe in,” said Brad Albert, co-founder of Rising Sun Solar along with his business partner Matias Besasso. “We always promote ‘going green’ to our customers, but now with our new building, we’re actually able to put our knowledge and years of experience into practice.” Rising Sun hopes to be an example for other businesses, as more are realizing the cost-saving benefits of solar and green buildings.

Rising Sun Solar pioneered the use of solar net-metered systems in Hawai‘i. The company has installed more systems than any other contractor on Maui, and is one of the top installers in the state. Rising Sun was awarded and installed PV systems for the state, Maui Electric Company (MECO) and the Hawai‘i Electric Light Company Inc. (HELCO) for the Sun Power for Schools Program and The Natural Energy Laboratory of Hawai‘i Gateway Center (NELHA) in Kona. Additionally, Rising Sun provided training and equipment for Maui Community College’s sustainability program. Pacific Business News recently awarded Rising Sun as one of the 50 fastest-growing businesses in Hawai‘i.

The office also houses the nonprofit Hawai‘i PV Coalition (www.hawaiipvcoalition.org), which promotes awareness about Hawai‘i’s energy future.

“We may be in the business of selling solar electric systems, but our priority is in educating the public how to build green and save energy,” said Albert, who is also co-founder of the nonprofit coalition. “We help people learn how they can save energy first, whether it be through solar or other means.”

The new office has a 168 panel solar array and features a display area with real-life examples of how solar works. The public is welcome to stop anytime during regular office hours (9 a.m. to 5 p.m.).

To learn more about saving energy in your home or office, contact Rising Sun Solar at (808) 579-8288 or www.risingsunsolar.com.