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Hawaii is in a particularly unique position in terms of renewable energy production because it has abundant renewable resources (solar, wind, geothermal), lacks in-state fossil fuels, and is comprised of a series of islands that have their own isolated electric grids.  This isolation, combined with the fact that Hawaii now gets 21% of its electric power from intermittent solar and wind, creates large challenges for grid operators who are constantly trying to balance the supply and demand of electricity: http://www.wsj.com/articles/hawaii-wrestles-with-vagaries-of-solar-power-1435532277 The solution(s)?  Currently, the state utility is starting to implement smart grid components while also telling many customers to hold off on installing new residential  PV systems. They are also seeking bids for installing 300 MW of energy storage on Oahu, the biggest island in Hawaii.