Solar power systems are being installed on all 15 public schools on Kauai at no cost to the state, under an agreement announced today by Gov. Neil Abercrombie and state schools Superintendent Kathryn Matayoshi.

The Department of Education estimates a savings of $30 million over the life of the 20-year contract.

Contractor Hawaii Pacific Solar is to begin in January installing the photovoltaic systems on the Kauai schools and is scheduled to complete all work by summer of 2014.

Once installed, the DOE will purchase power at a rate of about 16.9 cents per kilowatt hour, the governor’s office said. The rate will rise to 28 cents per kilowatt hour over the life of the contract.

Hawaii Pacific Solar will install the panels at no cost to the state and recoup installation costs under the terms of the power purchase agreement. 

A pilot project also is under way to outfit four Oahu schools with photovoltaic panels, with work expected to be complete in 2012.