The project would see First Wind sell power to Hawaiian Electric at $0.16/kWh, compared to the utility’s recent generating cost of $0.23/kWh.

However, the project still needs approval from the Hawaii Public Utilities Commission, in a state where grid constraints are fast becoming a major impediment to further distributed generation.

Boston-based First Wind did not put a timetable on the project.

Although only the 40th most populous state in the US, Hawaii was 6th largest statewide PV market last year, putting up 151MW, according to the Solar Energy Industries Association.

Hawaii’s