Ice Palace Hawaii, the state’s only ice rink, said Tuesday it is now using the sun to freeze water.

The Ice Palace has completed a 162-kilowatt photovoltaic system. The 500-panel PV system, installed by Honolulu-based renewable energy contractor Distributed Energy Partners, covers roughly 9,000 square feet on the facility’s roof.

The system is expected to save the Ice Palace approximately $70,000 per year.

"Our energy bill has been reduced by about 25 percent, which is a tremendous savings in maintaining an ice rink," Doug Taylor, the owner of the Ice Palace, said.

The project is expected to save the Ice Palace more than $1 million over the life of the project.

 "We were very pleased to have the opportunity to partner with the Ice Palace to support their efforts to make their operations more environmentally and fiscally sustainable," said John Cheever, DEP’s senior renewable energy developer. "The Ice Palace is one of Oahu’s most recognized family attractions, and it is great to see them setting a positive great example for both kamaaina and visitors."